After curating their 12th consecutive Summer Meltdown Festival this past August, featuring acts such as Beats Antique, Blitzen Trapper, and Karl Denson. Through countless live performances, catchy melodies and harmonies, buff riffs, and solid-as-rock rhythms, this Seattle quintet has developed that rare, magnetic combination of radio-ready songcraft and transportive instrumental chops.
“Fundamentals are why Seattle’s The True Spokes should be regarded as torchbearers for quality melodic rock. For all its subtle touches, their music is so, so easy to like, so ready to jump into one’s lap and wiggle enthusiastically that it’s hard to imagine folks not diggin’ it if they only encounter it in the first place.”
Dirty Impound July, 2012
“Invitingly melodic and filled with verses that address the world as it is and still comes out the other side smiling – sometimes weary but always a touch wiser - this debut is an exciting first step for some of the most talented West Coast players far too few people outside their converted inner circle know, a rock unit ready to rub shoulders with their obvious influences like Tom Petty and Wilco”
Dennis Cook - JamBase
“A former “jam” band from Seattle, The True Spokes have forsaken long solos based on groove for more concise songs that concentrate on tight arrangements. The makeover isn’t as dramatic as it sounds, as the band’s playing gets room (especially guitar) and all the previous emphasis on jamming assures some impressive musicianship. Plus, the influence of The Grateful Dead is never far away. The real surprise, though, is that The True Spokes turn out to be good writers. Fans of Steely Dan without the dryness might like “Too Wrong,” while there are many other traces (from a light Motown shuffle to The Band’s soulful ambiance) and playing/production details to make the record a keeper. ”
Tom Harrison - The Province, Vancouver BC
“Together they come up with music that strikes a nice balance between being musically and lyrically creative and yet likely to have wide appeal. There are touches of retro sounds, but originality dominates. The group often shows some cleverness, and yet it's fairly subtle and unpretentious.”
George Graham - WVIA-FM, Pennsylvania The Graham Weekly Album Review
“All 11 tracks on the album drip the blood of the decade’s quintessential rock, but with an infusion of ’80s feel-good pop. Rich, three-part harmonies bring everything together.”
Monterey County Weekly
www.truespokes.com
