ALBUM REVIEW: Trucker Diablo album sets benchmark few will reach

Social Hand Grenade detonates aurally with variety and passion

By Jonathan Traynor

Let’s face it, Trucker Diablo have nothing to prove in terms of their music, but their new album, (out now) Social Hand Grenade takes them on to a level many wish and cannot attain.

When an album is described as mature, it is sometimes the death knell for an act, but the Big Truck’s maturity here is in the confidence to deliver something that is rarely achieved.

However, this album comes with a word of caution: it will first make you grin from ear-to-ear and in the next breath contemplate the world and the wonders of the sheer madness around you.

Take ‘California on the Run’. It will come as a surprise to a few, but a few bars in and you realise that they have captured the essence of a smile and distilled it into music.

That’s not to say Trucker Diablo have gone soft or anything – heaven forfend – there are sufficient stadium killer anthems that will make others weep in frustration.

And, speaking of a wee cry, heart-string tugging closer will have all those ‘experts’ on Saturday night talent shows ditch their boy bands and FX-singing divas a they will never emulate the wistfully contemplative ‘What I See’.

California on rhe Run  and the coda and the clutch of songs that weave the human condition, both individually and collectively

 ‘Here Come The Vultures’ is the hand grenade delivered to the endless scrolling and the gathering of trolls behind screens. It is a fuck you to them all.

Do You remember the ‘Summer of ‘69’, with Bryan Adams? Well, ditch the drive-in, smash the front porch and learn that ‘We Are Forever’. 

Nodding to Mr Adams Tom id asking about the summer of ’89, and recalls that feeling we can remember in our formative years, that feeling we wish to recapture, and for our sanity we can.

The performances by all, as always, are exemplary, the melodies infectious, and the arrangement of each song carefully honed for maximum effect.

What is striking is that even with both the contemplative, and the rage Tucker Diablo have delivered a Social Hand Grenade that has more positivity than a fleet of fully charged Tesla’s.

Social Hand Grenade is out now

NEWS: Big Truck gets into gear with the Other Side Of The City as double CD reissue awaits

IF you don't like Trucker Diablo we don't like you! Just kidding, we love all of you Constant Readers, but Trucker Diablo are special.

Carving a path to ever greater recognition the Big Truck has shifted into high gear and getting ready to roll into the summer with the re-issue of two albums in a double CD package 'Devil Songs' - combining The Devil Rhythm and Songs of Iron, now that the band has regained control of those albums.

 But the Big Truck has unloaded a new cargo to whet our appetites in the shape of new single 'Other Side Of The City', a track dripping with class and oozing out a demand to join in. Carlsberg don't do music, but if they did...

Written in the formative times when the two aforesaid albums were wowing the rock world, it is out, officially, on April 26th, but you can watch the video here.

Tom explained the song's origins: "I remember when we wrote City. Simon and I were in my old rock shed jamming and reminiscing about the old days, growing up, all our favourite films and music. Simon showed me this riff he had, and I started jamming and when he played the chorus, the first lyric I sang is still the lyric today. It was like magic and we loved it.

"We pride ourselves on good songs no matter how heavy or light, the song is king and we are proud of how it turned out."

And damn proud they should be!

Recorded late 2018 with long term producer Frankie McClay at Einstein Studios, and featuring current bassist Jim McGurk, ‘Other Side of the City’ is released 26th April 2019

'Devil Songs' 30 song double cd/digital package released May 2019. 

ALBUM REVIEW: Big Truck rolls over all in its path as Trucker Diablo go to war on 'Fighting For Everything'

THE Big Truck has just got an upgrade, superchargers fitted and the engine tuned to within an inch of its life. Trucker Diablo are rolling inexorably forward with new album 'Fighting For Everything' set to wipe the floor and leave a trail of fans slack jawed in amazement.

But first a Public Service Announcement: Should you play this album in your car you are more than likely to incur a speeding fine. When you have it playing your right foot will have a tendency to go further to the floor...The traffic cops may understand, but don't rely on it.

If said cops were to listen to 'Fighting For Everything' they would bow down and acclaim Trucker Diablo.

It is an album born from adversity, birthed in troubled times for the members of the band personally, and because of the travails of the music industry.

But those travails see a band emerging with a single finger thrust in the air, and defiant 'fuck you' to all that dare stand in their way. While all previous releases by Trucker Diablo have been excellent, this is their magnum opus - a masterpiece of heavy melodic rock.

Kicking the audience's ass from the start with 'Born Trucker' these are 11 songs many an international superstar band would kill to have in their repertoire.

Ten of those songs will have your fist pumping, but when you are standing proud, singing along Trucker being Trucker hit you with a sucker punch. After being so pumped up the closer 'When The Waters Rise' smacks you in the face. Emotionally charged, wonderfully arranged, if you don't feel the tears well up you don't have a heart.

The entire album  - boosted by Frankie McClay's production polish - is a masterclass in how to deliver a varied, but coherent set of tunes, rooted in a conjoined passion for rock 'n' fucking roll.

There is a fire within this album, and that fire has forged an album that works. Yes, works. Whether it is the resolute stance of  'We Will Conquer All' or 'Fighting For Everything' or the impassioned 'Over The Wall' it works as a complete set of tunes.

And, it has enough variety to please all Trucker fans - in fact all fans of hard rock. 'Let's Just Ride'. Don't fucking tell Joe Elliott or Jon Bon Jovi about this song. This captures all that was great about those wonderful days when rock ruled supreme.

And, 'Detroit Steel' is reminiscent of when Kiss had balls. If Simmons and Stanley hear this they may actually decide to record new material. And if they do they won't come close.

Is this description sounds like over-blown hyperbole so be it. Given it's a Northern Ireland band, readers could be forgiven if we were listening to this with more than a taint of bias. However, that is definitely not the case.

When a band bares their soul on the songs they commit to master tapes that are this personal it is something to be marvelled upon. When Tom sings "The scars will keep hurting/But my love will never change" on Drown In The Fire' you can sense the battles the band have been though to release this album.

And, many listeners will spot 'Voodoo II' and wonder have Trucker Diablo disappeared up their own arses á la 'Tallica's unforgiven. Then the track grabs you by the back of the neck, kicks your arse, and throws you to the ground. This is Voodoo fitted with nitrous oxide, a 16 cylinder beast, a truck that will roll over anything in its path.

This is as complete as an album that can be released. Tom, Simon, Jim and Terry have exceeded all expectations. If this is the recorded new material we feel our bowels loosening a little in expectation of the live delivery.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Fighting For Everything will be officially launched on October 14th at QUB's Bar Sub, with Gasoline Outlaws opening the show.

Ramblin Man 2017 Day Two: Mud, metal, rock and four packed stages

AFTER the wind and showers of Day One the dawning of the second day came with cloud and a little sun - but it wasn't long before more rain swept across Kent, dumping water on the Ramblers at Mote Park, Maidstone.

But as with the previous day those attending Ramblin Man 2017 were not to be deterred - and with four stages to chose from the day and night reverberated with guitar driven music and a lot of people with hastily donned ponchos and raincoats...

With 30 bands it was impossible for reviewers, photographers and fans to see every band - but to be spoilt for choice is no real problem when a plethora of acts are pounding out at the top of their proverbial game.

For those who are unfamiliar with Ramblin Man the stages are all within a few minutes walk, from the main stage, to the Grooverider Stage, to the Outlaw Country stage or to the Rising Stage. [NB the Grooverider stage transforms to Prog in the Park on Sunday and the Country stage transmogrifies to Blues on Sunday].

But when it all comes down to it the smorgasbord of acts had people scurrying around, simply enjoying themselves - as the arena opened to the strains of blues rockers The Nile Deltas laid back blues power.

Being biased we have to highlight the fact that Trucker Diablo and Screaming Eagles drew good crowds to the Rising Stage - engaging all with their high tempo entertainment with fists in the air and horns being thrown.

However, the main stage opened with guitar virtuoso Jared James Nichols showca

sing his talent on his trusty single pick-up Les Paul.

While Toseland were making a return to the park as their set came to a conclusion there was a noticeable buzz as people gathered to see British Lion - yes that British Lion with one Mr Steve Harris. Even in the remoteness of the Press Area there was a noticeable roar as the band mounted the stage.

While Reef had everyone's hands in the air - you know the song - on the Grooverider stage one half of Tenacious D brought joy. Yes, The Kyle Gas Band had a unique take on rock, with added dashes of fun and ridiculousness delivered to a backdrop of tight musicianship.

Despite trying to keep their composure the crowd were quickly into their second wind when Glenn Hughes mounted the main stage for a consummate performance, that of course ended with an extended version of 'Burn'.

Splitting time between a humourous and fun set by Dan Baird and the Homemade Sin and Dokken invoking the 80s abandon provided the media plenty of execise. A quick few songs were caught from the excellent Rival Sons' before the Black Star Riders stormed the main stage.

And, they really did storm it. Hit after hit, choruses belted out by band and audience. Ricky Warwick holding thousands in the palm of his hand.

With three albums to pick from the band's identity is becoming ever more solid -they truly have a live 'Killer Instinct'.

Headliners Extreme arrived with much expectation, as they were re-visiting their hit album Pornograffiti.

Of course, songs such as 'Get The Funk Out' and 'More Than Words' are lodged in the collective memory of rock fans - memes before memes took on their internet definition.

Nuno laid down some terrific solos, proving - if it ever needed proving that he is a true maestro of six-strong histrionics.

However, at times the set lacked a certain something, perhaps a band a little too confident, but the amount of people streaming out of the arena to hotels and the camp site was evidence that not everyone was overjoyed by Extreme's show.

Indeed it was the subject of much debate the next day....

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh and Lizzie Torbitt [as marked]

INTERVIEW: Trucker Tom ready to get the Big Truck rolling into momentous months ahead of new songs and touring

IT'S an exciting few months ahead for the Big Truck as Trucker Diablo gears up for festival dates and the release of their latest set of soaring songs on 'Fighting for Everything'.

A series of slots at some of the most respected festivals in the UK will gather the legions of fans together once more and an acoustic show is set with the legendary Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club.

We caught up with Tom Harte to chat about the next six exciting months, starting off with how the new album is coming along with just over three months until release.

"After being locked away for a few month recording our new album, it's time to fill the tank and cast some riffs to the wind," he said.

"We are nearly ready to mix the album and its gonna be a non stop riff monster with the usual trucker stamp on it.

"We will be releasing a new single and video shortly and we are excited to get things underway."

As to playing Trucker have a hectic schedule ahead.

"On the live front we will be starting off at the excellent Amplified festival, which we can't wait for, after that we are playing FUEL in Cardiff, so that kicks thing off nicely before we return to the mountain of rock and the much loved Steelhouse festival before rounded things off at the epic Ramblin' Man Fair."

And, come August there is a wee bit of unfinished business...

"Keeping the foot down, but distortion off we will be joining Ginger Wildheart at the Diamond Rock Club," said Tom. "He is a hero of ours and an honour for us to support him, we were offered a tour last summer but couldn't do it for family  reasons, so we're thrilled to help kick things off, and delighted to open what will be a memorable night."

The rest of the year promises to keep the Big Truck rollin'.

"After the gig with Ginger we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus.

"After that we will be concentrating on getting the album done followed by a UK tour and festival shows at Planet Rockstock and Rock n Roll Circus at the end of the year. We are looking forward to getting the big truck rolling again!"

LIVE REVIEW: Thunder push through the time barrier to deliver smooth rock excellence

FOR some time Thunder have been the go to band for AOR music, with a back catalogue that stirs many a heart of those that recall their halcyon days of the band ass chart masters. And, they are still churning out albums chock full of songs with their trademark sound.

Before Thunder took the stage on Friday (March 31st) there was the small matter of local heroes Trucker Diablo. However, whoever in their wisdom thought it was a good idea to open the doors as late as 8pm and then have the Big Truck start at 8:15 seems to have missed a trick.

That meant that Trucker were playing their first few tracks to a Mandella Hall that was at best half full as the queue for the sold-out show was snaking well beyond the length of the QUB Students' Union.

Undaunted Trucker Diablo ripped through an all-too brief slot. Raucous and melodic with more hooks than a fisherman on crack songs such as 'Party Like It's The End of the World' and 'Drive' for those already familiar were quick to join in.

'Drink Beer, Destroy' may have been a little too fast paced for the older audience members, but it was greeted by the Trucker fans as the anthem to excess that it is.

Concluding with 'Rebel' the Big truck is rolling well; and with a new album and UK festival dates it is clear that this rock 'n' roll 'Juggernaut' is going to crush all in its path.

The last time Thunder played in Belfast they were openers in the cavernous SSE Arena, and were denied the full PA and light show. Still that night they nearly stole all the plaudits.

With new album 'Rip It Up' receiving plaudits the band took the bold step of opening with two tracks from it, namely 'No One Gets Out Alive' and 'The Enemy Inside'.

With it being the last night of this leg of the tour to support 'Rip It Up' Danny Bowes make a point of encouraging ever louder responses from the crowd, through spoken words and gestures.

While this worked well for the first half of the show, it did become a little predictable and tiresome after a while to a crowd that was devoted to the band anyway. It was not needed in Belfast. The welcome was warm enough.

That aside there is no doubting the quality of the band's performance and the strength of the set.

Of course, the biggest roars were for the likes of 'Backstreet Symphony', Love Walked In' and closer 'Dirty Love', but that is not the whole story. The band have real presence in the live setting.

Danny's voice is as strong as ever, resonant and with a sweet tone like the finest of honey. Luke Morley's work on the guitar was as strong as ever. His solo slot had enough chops, runs and style that many a shredder would envy.

What, however, is clear that this is a band, not a collection of individuals. They have been together long enough to be comfortable on stage and the moves are not so much choreographed but instinctive awareness of what needs to be done to entertain.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Jamie Hunter

 

NEWS: Black Star Riders added to Ramblin Man Fair line-up together with Danny Worsnop

RAMBLIN Man Fair has added Black Star Riders to what is an already impressive line up for the Maidestone festival on July 28th - 30th.

BSR will play the main stage, with the band already glowing with the success of their recent release 'Heavy Fire' (review is here).

Lead singer Ricky Warwick welcomed the announcement: “BSR are delighted to make their Ramblin' Man debut at this year’s festival.

"Having played there last year with Thin Lizzy and Warwick/Johnson I can vouch for what a wonderful and atmospheric experience it is. Black Star Riders will be ready and primed!”

Joining the Black Star Riders in the latest tranche of announcements are Danny Worsnop (Ex-Asking Alexandira), the mightily impressive blues guitarist, Aaron Keylock, plus Tyler Bryany and the Shakedown, and Lionize.

Northern Ireland acts Trucker Diablo and Screaming Eagles will play the Rising Stage.

The three-day festival will be in its third year with headliners Saxon ZZ Top and Extreme. Among the other acts are Y&T, Last In Line, Graham Bonnet, Dokken, Steve Harris' British Lion, Kansas, Magnum, Focus, Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Quireboys, Monster truck, Dan Baird & Homemade Sin as well as many others.

Weekend and day tickets, plus VIP upgrades can be found here.