Monster Truck, hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, won this year’s Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Upon listening to their first full length album, “Furiosity,” I know why!
This release is refreshing. Sure, they’re stomping on old ground, but here’s a band with all the elements of a classic rock group and all the panache of new material. From the “Old Train” rolling in to start the first track straight through to the last song “My Love Is True,” this album is engaging. It’s predominantly soulful and bluesy with some grunge and southern fried rock tossed in for good measure.
Lead singer and bass player Jon Harvey has vocal charisma. Jeremy Widerman provides a generous dose of hard rock guitar riffs. Keyboardist Brandon Bliss sounds heavily influenced by Deep Purple, but makes his own way on “Psychics” and drummer Steve Kiely rounds out a solid rhythm section and even gives us “more cowbell” in “The Lion.” The production quality of this album is top-notch with just the right amount of layering, distortion and (the lost art of) crossover.
My personal favorite track is “Boogie.” Despite it’s faster tempo, it’s just plain sexy! In the very bluesy “My Love Is True,” I really dig the way Harvey’s vocals harmonize with Widerman’s guitar.
These musicians wear their influences on their sleeves, but the culmination of their groove heavy predecessors makes for a “throwback” sound that’s exciting and authentic. I had fun listening to this and plucking out the plumes of influence. If you’re a fan of the classic hard rock genre, Monster Truck’s “Furiosity” will certainly delight you.
