Search - Gruntruck :: Gruntruck

Keep on Truckin'

James Francis | seattle, wa usa | 07/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This third offering from Gruntruck, released on obscure indie label, Betty Records features two new members; Alex Sibbald on bass and Josh Sinder on drums. Both previous members of the legendary northwest splatter-punk band The Accused. The only fault of this CD is that it's a mere 3 songs. Hardly enough... If you had the privelage of seeing the 'Truckers in this incarnation you know they had several more songs that were never committed to tape. In typical Gruntruck fashion this record hits you hard with the unique Gruntruck sound. Heavy as hell rhythm section and the furios intertwining guitars of singer/songwriter Ben McMillan (Skin Yard) and Tom Neimeyer (The Accused, Rorschach Test). "Shot" opens the e.p. with the intensity of a car crash and is relentless in delivering the goods. From there it moves into "Illusion," a mid-tempo crusher in a darker vein. I have no idea what the song is about but it haunts the listener the same way as "Machine Action" from their "Push" CD. Lastly, and most brutally is "New God"...my favorite track and in my opinion the heaviest of their career. After a slow intro the song does not deviate from the driving riff which is beautiful in it's simplicity.This e.p. features famed producer Jack Endino at the helm, producing Shot and Illusion. Gary King produced New God. Both producers worked on Gruntruck's earlier releases and continue their fine work and understanding of the band here. After all, you're not just making a rock record, you're making a Gruntruck record...Gruntruck is the best heavy rock band to have ever emerged from Seattle. Period. While contemporaries such as Soundgarden and Alice in Chains captured most of the spotlight in the early 90's heydey, McMillan's Skin Yard was instrumental in influencing countless bands during their reign, and the same can now be said for Gruntruck whose loyal and anxious fans await a new release."