By Terry Marland, Rock At Night Manchester

Live Review: The Damn Truth with Scarlet-Live Rooms – Chester-Sunday 23^rd October 2023

Scarlet

First up tonight  is North West  four-piece Scarlet,  a grunge alt pop outfit whose half hour set is in your face rock n roll packed with scorching riffs and includes songs from their 2016 album Effigy. Their current single release “In and Out” which is being aired on Radio 1, is a powerful number that more than meets with the approval of the Chester audience as do most of their songs this evening. They will support the Damn Truth on all remaining dates of the tour. If you going to one of the gigs get there early to catch this band.

The Damn Truth

Formed nine years ago, Montreal band The Damn Truth is fronted by singer and guitarist Lee La Baum whose vocals are reminiscent of Grace Slick and Janis Joplin and are the perfect accompaniment to the exceptional guitar work  of Tom Shemer. Together with the stellar pairing of Py Letellier (bass) and Dave Traina (drums) this band is a top notch outfit.

Taking to the stage to the accompaniment of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” with the band all tastefully draped in clothes that lean towards their hippy ethos, the scene is set for an hour and a half (ish) of high quality music soaked in 60s and 70s rock  influences, all delivered with a modern vibe.

A blistering drum opening from Dave Traina heralds in “This Is Who We Are Now” with searing guitar from Tom Shemer, all overlaid with Lau Baum’s powerful vocals. This dovetails seamlessly into “Full on You”, taken from their 2021 highly acclaimed album Now or Nowhere. It’s a dynamic start to their set delivered with style and high energy.

“Too Late” and “Pirates and Politicians” plunder the back catalogue and with a bluesy vibe demonstrate the band’s versatility and their willingness to take on heavier subject matters.  The melodic “Only Love” is delivered with passion and purpose as is their latest single, the  Planet Rock playlisted “Look Innocent”.  Check the link at the foot of this page for the video that accompanies the release.

The main set concludes with a pulsating “Tomorrow” before the band returns for an encore that includes a cover of U2’s “Love is Blindness” and a trippy “Heart is Cold”.

The Damn Truth has a growing fanbase and in a live environment the strong bond with  their audience is more than evident. Each song is cheered enthusiastically and the band is visibly moved by the crowd reaction. At the conclusion of the show there is a long queue at the Merch Stand with band members happily posing for selfies and chatting.

The atmosphere generated tonight is, at times, electric indicating that The Damn Truth is a band on the rise.

Go and see them on one of the remaining dates on this tour. You won’t be disappointed.

PHOTO GALLERY

The Tour Continues:

October 2022

25^th Newcastle -The Cluny

26^th Glasgow- Stereo

27^th  York -Fulford Arms

28^th  London – Black Heart

See the video for their latest single – the Planet Rock playlisted  “Look Innocent”

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Terry Marland

I’vehad a passion for music from an early age starting with the classic rock bands of the late sixties and early seventies. A few years ago I was able to combine my love of music with my interest in photography when I started to secure press passes for bands appearing in local venues close to my home in North Wales. I also had a stint with the good people at Down the Front Media where I worked at a variety of venues across the UK.Aside from gigs I have been a match day photographer with Chester FC for eight years and you’ll find me pitch-side most Saturday afternoons during the football season.

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