Not a lockdown LP but a modern release recommended to me by a colleague. The days of vinyl, tape or CDs are seemingly a thing of the past and new releases in the modern world are via Spotify, Instagram and YouTube. Or so this old dinosaur is reliably informed !
Although released in 2022 the roots of the music are 1980's post-punk and goth-rock, with strong hints of bands such as The Cure, The Mission, New Order and even The Damned. I like it !
The first release "No More Freedom" opens the album. There is a strong driving bass riff and Banshees wailing guitar. I didn't like it when I first heard it but it grew on me after a few plays and perseverance.
In contrast the follow-up "Killjoy" is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. Again the bass is to the fore, but there is a strong melody and a catchy, killer chorus. A tentative Sax solo comes in towards the end. Musically, it reminds me a little of Joy Division/early New Order and the vocal is a cross between The Damned's Dave Vanian and Rick Astley !
There is more bass and crisp drumming to admire in the hypnotic "Under The Rose" and again some Sax in the fade out.
After some dramatic guitar in the opening section "Another Teardrop" concentrates on the pulsating bass riff and a sparse production. I love the backing vocals on this track.
The intro of "Heart On A Chain" reminds me of "Is Vic There" by Department S, with a hint of The Ruts "Babylon's Burning". There is also a funky Sax solo.
"The Gift Of Tears" is another great song and could easily be on The Mission's "God's Own Medicine" LP. It has a great sudden finish.
The tempo slows a tad with "Green Eyes Insane" with a toe-tapping drum, bass and Sax intro. It's very nice !
"When I Was Wrong" repeats the formula of "No More Freedom" with funky bass, psychedelic guitar and a shouty vocal. Its the weakest track on the album though.
"Only The Brave" has a dominant driving bass line similar to those on The Cure's "Faith" LP. The guitar comes in at the chorus and a there is a fantastic Sax cameo before the mature bass riff ending. It's a super track and another song that reminds me of The Mission.
The bass, drum and guitar on "Black Yellow Red" are reminiscent of The Cure's Pornography album, which is my least favourite album of theirs, so consequently I am not particularly fond of this this song. The "Please don't touch me there" lyric made me think of The Tubes' song with that title even though they sound very different !
The final track "Little Machine" has urgent bass, a buzz-saw guitar, and X-Ray Spex style sax but it's a bit of a filler.
Overall, "Truant" has seven outstanding songs on it, one that I eventually got to like, and three OK songs. For a debut release that it a very good return, and I strongly recommend this album to anyone into 1980s new wave, post-punk or goth music.
YouTube link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neuZL6FQUrk&t=89s
Track Listing :
1. No More Freedom
2. Killjoy
3. Under The Rose
4. Another Teardrop
5. Heart On A Chain
6. The Gift Of Tears
7. Green Eyes Insane
8. When I Was Wrong
9. Only The Brave
10. Black Yellow Red
11. Little Machine
Released : 2022
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