Monster Truck – Sittin’ Heavy

19th February 2016 sees the latest studio album release from Canadian Rockers Monster Truck, entitled Sittin’ Heavy.

After months on the road, the guys are ready to show us the new sounds they have to offer since the incredible Juno Award nominated Furiosity, released in 2013.

Canada has provided some terrific Rock acts who know how to produce music that has all the diversity and layers the fans want and love to hear. Monster Truck are certainly one of these bands. Soul, Groove, Funk, Stoner Rock, Blues Rock and just straight up classic Rock ‘n’ Roll, these guys have it all.

‘Why Are You Not Rocking?’ is the first track on Sittin’ Heavy, and wastes no time in getting straight down to what we came for. Rapid distorted guitar, aggressive drum beats, and epic lyrics which spell out exactly why most of us fell in love with Rock music in the first place.

“I don’t care about the weather, the band is here to play, I don’t care about tomorrow, we’re not going any way, all I see is right now, people together… Rock ‘n’ Roll might save your life, might save your life tonight”

These lines couldn’t be any more fitting to the next track, ‘Don’t Tell Me How To Live‘. The recently released music video which accompanies this lead track shows the guys playing on an oil rig, which subsequently falls victim to a snow storm during their performance. Ever since I first heard it being performed during a festival set nearly two years ago, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the official release date, and it definitely hasn’t disappointed.

What makes this song so awesome is the extreme dominance of the key statement. ‘Don’t tell me how to live’ is a remark I’m sure everyone can relate to in some form or another, and is sung with such forcefulness and potency. This is met by a powerful, lasting and memorable riff, alongside a simple but affective drum beat, that makes you feel like taking down anyone that tries to get in your way of achieving what ever it is that you want.

‘For The People’ has a proud groove and folk, upstanding sound I’ve never heard from Monster Truck before. It’s a great song of unity, which is emboldened by the vocal harmonies, and intricate Southern Rock style riffs.

In the past, the most renowned tracks from Monster Truck have been their fierce Rock ‘n’ Roll tracks that pack a mean punch. For me however, the tracks that have stood out have been their slow and soulful numbers, such as ‘For The Sun’ from the Furiosity album, which truly advertises each member’s dexterity, and profound connection with the music.

On the latest album, a lot more range has been included within the track selection, ‘Black Forest’ being a perfect example of this. The addition of electric piano by Brandon Bliss sets the perfect tone for the track, before being joined by the hearty, passionate vocals of singer, Jon Harvey, which progressively build as the song moves forward and works as a perfect depiction of how a person can suffer growing frustration when they fear that all hope is lost, and keep their emotions repressed.

Next in line is a very distinguishable Monster Truck force, in the form of ‘The Enforcer’. This is one I can see as being a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at upcoming shows, and provides everything you want from a heavy thumping, hard rock track. If this track doesn’t make you want to get out of your seat and be involved, I don’t know what will. From the gritty vocals, to the pounding drum beat, all brought together with crowd chanting and gnarly guitar techniques, this is exactly what Monster Truck are about.

Sittin’ Heavy seems to follow a clear theme, revolving around self-motivation, perseverance, and above all else, not taking shit from anybody. Monster Truck’s latest release is definitely going to set the band on their way to actually becoming an influential and long-lasting name in the world of Rock. The variance of each track on this latest album goes to show how the band continue to constantly grow, and I believe their decision to focus on touring and standing alongside their fans has truly paid off.

One of the best ways for a band to succeed from the release of a follow-up album is to develop as a group prior to making such a huge commitment. Monster Truck have focused on sharing their existing music with crowds of potential and existing fans, and in the process they’ve had the opportunity to refine their style through experiences alongside acts like ZZ Top, Rival Sons, Slash, and Alice in Chains.

The album closes with ‘Enjoy The Time’, a track about living in the moment, as it could all change when you’re least expecting it. Again, the band take on a refreshingly mellow sound, what demonstrates it doesn’t always have to be ‘full steam ahead’ Rock ‘n’ Roll in order to still rock. The vocal harmony and electrifying influence each member adds to the track works as the perfect send off, and in a way, the last few lines could be judged as a message from the band to the listener, “enjoy the times we had, before they’re gone away”.

Recommended Track – ‘The Enforcer’

A fast-paced, high-octane, galvanizing track which still carries that badass Monster Truck sound, and makes you feel like you could take on a wild bear. Click HERE to check it out now.

Track Listing:

Why Are You Not Rocking?
Don’t Tell Me How to Live
She’s a Witch
For the People
Black Forest
Another Man’s Shoes
Things Get Better
The Enforcer
To The Flame
New Soul
Enjoy the Time

Tour Dates:

Tuesday 5th April – 100 Club, London

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