Truth and Salvage Co. "Truth and Salvage Co." ( Megaforce records 2010)

Well connected band’s debut. Ticks all the boxes – but is it any good?

T&S co have recently finished supporting the Avett Bros. on the American leg of their tour and this album seems to flow from their headliners veins. It is country rock of the traditional west coast vernacular. We are in a rough hewn Eagles drama with four part harmonies and a sense of the open road and dusty highways.
Openers ‘Hail,hail’ and ‘Call Back’ all finish with a ‘joyous’ group singalong. ‘Welcome to LA’ has the peaceful easy feelin’ vibe through it like Blackpool on a stick of rock. It does however feel slightly bland and unimaginative both musically and lyrically.
The album is produced by the Black Crowe’s Chris Robinson who brings a muscularity to the overall sound best demonstrated in the tracks ‘Heart like a wheel’ with its driving rhythm, the spare ‘Old Piano’ ( a line of lyrics by Katy Perry no less but name dropping does not a good album make) and the be bop sound of ‘She really does for me’ with its lilting Hammond.
The final song ‘Pure Mountain Angel’ is perhaps the highlight with its ramshackle gospel tinged harmonies that point to the Avetts as well as Gram.
Ultimately this album lacks the songwriting to back up the hype. The songs are average at best, beautifully played and produced but lacking a clear direction and killer tune. I look forward to the next one

Date review added:  Sunday, September 05, 2010
Reviewer:  keith lovejoy
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  artists site