The Damn Truth – Live – Oran Mor – noblepr

Review By Darren McIntyre

The Damn Truth are a critically acclaimed 4 – piece rock n roll juggernaut from Montreal, Canada who I am proud to call friends that are just building a reputation as one of the finest rock acts to grace the stages of any rock n roll venues around today. The band burst onto the scene with their album Dear In The Headlights in 2012 and followed that with Devilish Folk in 2016. They burst through with their killer album Now Or Nowhere and this really catapulted them onto the world stage let me tell you, after nearly 4 years touring and writing the band are back with their self titled new slab or rock n roll The Damn Truth. The band celebrate this awesome new offering and head out on tour to promote this exciting album, tonight they roll into Glasgow to rock out with us at Oran Mor so please ready yourself as I walk us through this killer live night of rock n roll that we won’t forget in a hurry. The place is packed and ready for the onslaught coming at us as the lights dim and the place erupts in a hail of whooping, hollering and here we here we here we fucking go as the band hit the stage and give us –

Be Somebody – The track comes to life as Lee steps forward and offloads with her gravelly, soulful vocals as the place erupts with sheer joy as the band steps in and lets us feel the heat oozing from the stage as the groove just wraps itself around us as we get ready to rock. The snare drum punches are filling the air as the dark, moody bassline drops in and lets the groove swallow us up as the band hit the ground running and really let us know they are here and ready to deliver an unforgettable night that will live with us for a long time, the guitar solo eases in as Tom dressed resplendantly all in red delivers a slick, crisp groove that has us all rocki and rollin as the place gets to grips with The Damn Truth as they lay themselves bare and want us to have a good time and enjoy ourselves. The place erupts in a hail of shouts and cheering that lets the band know we love them and have waited a long time for this as we clap loudly and really show them appreciation as Lee thanks us for the rousing welcome and asks us are we ready to rock as we roll into –

Killer Whale – A thundering snare drum kicks in the doors as Dave lets us know he is here and ready for us as the shredding guitar licks ease from the stage as this foot stomper comes at us as we feel the energy hitting us right now. Lee steps forward and lets her soaring, raspy vitself around this sizzling monster that just keeps coming and coming as the band sets out their stall and really lets us know they are back and back with a bang, the sweet, crisp, clean guitar licks are doing their thing and beefing up this colossal number as we come to –

Love Outta Luck – PY leans in with a funky, dark, mellow bassline that brings the track to our attention as Tom steps forward and offloads with a shredding, power riffed lick that sets the scene as the band brings us a killer track that shakes the place to it’s very foundations. Lee lets her incredible vocals lead the charge as the place gets into this roaring rock n roll juggernaut that is getting better and better every time I see them, the pounding rhythm section is controlling the groove from the back of the room as PY strolls around and stomps his way through this awesome piece as we feel the energy rising in the venue as we let the band shift through the gears and really deliver a no nonsense set of killer tracks that just puts a smile on your face with it’s crunching riffs, soaring melodies and killer lyrics that just wrap themselves around us tonight,

next up comes -Addicted – Kicking the doors right off with a real sludgy guitar lick that lets the dark, brooding bass drop epic grooves that just get all up in your face with it’s kick ass tone. Lee comes through with her gritty, rocking vocals that just lets the track breathe as we are punched straight in the face with this slick groover track that just ticks all the boxes, the rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s full on snare drum punches as the bass kicks keep the groove rolling. The tempo of the track is fast, furious, ballsy and has really cemented this band as ones to watch, the dirty groove is just getting those feet moving and those fists punching the air

as we really dig the groove oozing from this awesome 4 piece as they shift through the gears and really deliver an anthem track that will stand the test of time for sure. Tom is leaning in with slick, clean in your face solos that just take the track to the next level as the band sound polished, accomplished and ready to take on the world as the band leads us into -The Willow – Sweet guitar tones wander freely through the intro as this haunting number flows effortlessly through Troon tonight as Lee’s haunting vocals sets the track free as we watch with real joy.

The tempo changes pace as a gritty guitar riff erupts and the place comes alive with punchy snare drum beats that let this soaring melodic number bring intensity to us tonight as the band just gels and really gives us a colossal arrangement that is stopping us in our tracks. Tom steps up and unleashes a killer guitar solo that is crisp, clean and really encapsulates this kick ass 4 piece from Montreal as they deliver a power packed, crunching set that just gives us goosebumps as we really take these guys to our hearts, this is a cracking track that brings something different to this band and really elevates them with a cool lyric piece that tells us that

TDT are here and here to stay, the place is showing them some love with thundering applause which puts huge smiles on their faces as we roll into -This Is Who We Are Now – Thundering snare drum rolls come screaming towards us as a rasping guitar riff pulls out all the stops as we roar off into the distance. Vocals come bellowing in and they have a rasping gritty tone that really sets this track on fire. Bass comes through and is giving us a dark,delicious funk groove that settles into the rhythm so well that it commands respect as it opens this track wide.

Guitar riffs are showering us with crisp clean licks that really make the hairs on your arms stand to attention as we get a rasping growler solo that is just insane. Pounding snare drum rolls are thundering through the mid section and really giving this track a real shot in the arm with killer beats and crashing cymbal shots that just elevate this track to another level, Lee La Baum the charismatic lead singer of this fantastic band tells this swelling crowd that they are so pleased to be back in Glasgow and how good it is to be in the best city in the world as Glasgow embraces them and what we mean to The Damn Truth, the crowd cheer wildly as the band settle in and really start warm this hot sweaty hall tonight,

as the band takes the applause Lee again says how happy they are being back in their home from home as we launch into -All Night Long – A new track explodes from the stage as Dave brings the heat with a thundering snare drum beat that lets the bass kicks control the direction off this rocking monster. Lee leans in with her sizzling vocals that brings cool backing vocals to really let the track soar as the cool, meaty bassline hits us with a funky tone that really elevates the track as the band just comes for us with real vigour, the twin guitar licks are pouring through the venue as the place just embraces this killer 4 – piece as they set about their business and give us what we came for tonight – good ol rock n roll Canadian style. The tempo is just brimming with real swagger as the band delivers a real energy bouncing tone that really lets Lee run free with her soaring vocals that tell us we are in for a treat tonight

as we stroll into -I Just Gotta Let You Know – Lee gets us all clapping along as a funky, dark bassline delivers a cool groove as the rhythm section leans in and hits us with a snare drum beat that weaves it’s way through the track. The cool twin guitar riffs are really giving the track depth, swagger and bags of energy as the place just opens it’s arms and welcomes this awesome band to their second home once again, the soaring gravelly vocals let the track build as Lee & the boys dig deep and give us what we came for a good ol fashioned night of rockin blues that puts a smile on your face. I will say that this band are one of the hardest working outfits on the planet right now as they strive for greatness and to let us know that they just want to keep putting smiles on people’s faces as we step into -If I Don’t Make It Home –

Tom steps up and addresses the crowd and wanted to tell us that there are some people mean the world to him and tells us that this song touches his heart. The crisp, clean guitar tones are oozing from the stage as Lee approaches the mic and lets her dark, soothing vocals lead the way as this incredible number erupts into the venue and lets us know that the band have taken time to really carve out this album and tell their story as we sing along and feel the emotion pouring from the track. The place is swaying from side to side as this killer track unfolds as Tom stands at the front of the stage and just delivers a colossal solo that grabs our attention as the place is just fixed on the stage as these 4 Canadians pour their heart and soul into this incredible track that really captures what this band is all about,

we are getting old songs, new songs and pure pleasure from this impressive unit as they sweep us along with them as they take us on the journey as we stroll into -Lonely – – Mellow guitar licks are coming our way as a pounding bass drum kick gets this monster out of it’s box as a solid rasping vocal is with us and really showcases these incredible vocals for what they are. Gritty dirty rasping guitar riffs are all around us as a thundering snare drum punch echoes all around this beast of a track that it makes your head spin. Bass lines are with us and they offload with killer grooves that melt all over this phenomenal rocking power driven track with ease. Base drum kicks are solid hard and give this track a real raw edge. Lee had to stop herself as she fills up with emotion just like she did way back at the start of the year, trust me everyone will be chatting about this band for such a long time as they just seem to be getting better and better, they chat for a bit and agian thank us for coming out to see them as it really fills their heart with warmth to see so many familiar faces from before, we roll into –

Only Love – Soulful smooth vocals are coming at us as the guitar chords are oozing towards us as harmonious backing vocals lead the way as this pounding beast erupts in front of us. We have a phenomenal bass line that is deep with a cool mellow funking vibe that is just melting all over this arrangement, snare drum punches are littered all over this beast as bass drum kicks control the rhythm as cymbal crashes round on this awesome tune. Guitar licks are coming at us at a rate of noughts and really shake us with real vigour as this thrashing monster is let loose and brings the house down literally with every note that is thrown our way. This track was voted track of the week a while back and it is easy to see why, I just love these guys and what they bring to the table, the night is going from strength to strength as we flow into –

Drum Solo – Dave takes the reins and builds this thundering beast into a frenzy with killer grooves and cymbal crashes that just delight this packed audience tonight as he really opens up the room with a display of pounding earth moving proportions that is making my heart beat out of it’s chest as the tone is so damn loud. The crowd are hollering and screaming as Dave puts us through our paces with a dazzling display of power drums that is just out of this world, we catch our breathe as the band assemble again and bring us –

Look Innocent – Pounding snare drum punches are offloading big time as this rocking beast comes to life with a smooth guitar riff that brings this track to our attention. Plundering bass grooves are pouring out all over this rocking beast as phenomenal vocals are brought to our attention with a rasping gritty tone that fits this awesome track so well. Guitar licks are sweet and smooth as they deliver pin point chords with delicious precision, crunching rocker track that is giving us a thundering snare drum punch with attitude and a rasping guitar riff that erupts with a real vengeful kick, awesome rock track with killer vocals that just catch your attention and give us a real insight into these incredible 4 musicians that have brought their style and attitude all the way from Canada. We are just awestruck with the level of musicianship that this band has brought tonight and I am pleased that I was here to witness something special from my 4 friends as they lead us into –

Get With You – We change groove with this psychedelic number that brings a punchy stop start snare drum beat that allows Lee to kick in the doors with her soaring vocals that really set this track alight. The crowd are grooving along with this outfit as they really change the dynamic of this celebrated festival as they put their stamp on their set with a cool, funky beat that is something different for the fine folk of Glasgow, we feel the energy pouring from the stage. Bass tones are dropping killer tones all through the track as PY bounces all over the stage in his psychedelic threads as he and the band feel the love oozing from this swelling, hot crowd tonight which shows as they are beaming with pride to have rocked the famous stage with their infectious rock n roll. The rhythm section is kicking the doors in with Dave bringing his groove cat tone that just lets us know that TDT are a band with nothing to prove, we reach the last track of their set as they thank us for showing up to make them feel at home as we stroll into –

Tomorrow – Tom steps forward and lets the riffs come at us as Dave pounds away at the back of the room as this soaring beast rears it’s head as the rock n roll groove hits us with all it has. Lee’s grungy vocals are pouring from the stage as their anthem fills every corners of this impressive town hall as the place goes nuts for The Damn Truth, we are bopping along to this crowd pleasing, floor filler that just gets our feet moving. The grooving bassline is hitting us with deep, punchy tones that gives this track depth, funk and bags of swagger as the slick, clean guitar licks really let this crowd feel the full force of this powering 4 piece juggernaut from Montreal. The place is bouncing and really feeling the love from this band as they came in, set up and kicked ass with their killer brand of psychedelic rock n roll that just blew everyone away. Tom jumps from the stage and hits us with a killer guitar solo as he walks around and watches the smiles on people’s faces as he shreds like their is no tomorrow as he jumps back on stage to take a bow from this rousing crowd as they leave the stage to maybe come back and give us another couple of tracks –

Love Is Blindness – Pounding drums get this soulful dark melodic track on the move with a real gritty guitar riff that really opens this track up. The vocals are just insane as Lee really pulls out the big guns as she reaches every person in this room tonight with her range and power tones. Bass is again hitting us with a real meaty funk section that just wrapsn itself around this killer track that is really hitting us hard tonight with full effect for sure. The rhythm section is hitting us with a real snare drum beat that controls the flow of this epic arrangement as the sweet clean guitar riffs wander freely through the room tonight, we are feeling the love pouring into the room tonight from these 4 musicians as they deliver a faultless set that is full of power, riffs and swagger that will see this band be around for a long time to come. We come to tonight’s finale in the form of –

Devilish Fok – Lee steps forward and begins a sing a long as such as Oran Mor sings along with them to get this killer track off the ground before Lee lets her soulful bluesy tones rain down on us as this epic number comes to life. The rhythm section is pounding away with bass / snare drum beats that are joined by a cool cymbal snap that lets the groove flow from the stage tonight, full on basslines are dropping sweet, mellow grooves that let this insane track breathe as we just lose ourselves in this colossal number as Tom steps forward and unleashes a killer solo that has depth, swagger, attitude and bags of energy as we feel the loce pouring from the stage right now. The place is fixed on the stage as this power unit just delivers a track that lets the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as they shift through the gears and really sock it to us with this fantastic rock n roll track that ticks all the boxes for sure, Tonight has been a triumph for sure as these 4 super talented musicians will be back amongst us in no time, as I said I consider this band friends and I had a chance to chat with them before their set and it will be up soon, until next time.

The Damn Truth –

Lee – La Baum – Lead Vocals / Guitar

Tom Shemer – Lead Guitar / Vocals

PY Letellier – Bass / Vocals

Dave Traina – Drums / Vocals

Setlist –

White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane Intro)

Be Somebody

Killer Whale

Love Outta Luck

Addicted

The Willow