The Awful Truth were a band too clever for their own good, the sort of innovative, at times jarring and confusing 'alternative' metal band who'd have been much more comfortable amidst the later grunge scene, because this self-titled opus just failed to make its mark. Such was the enigma of this band that they only released this opus, their career spanning from 1988 to 1989 although members Monty Colvin and Alan Doss will be more known for their work with the Galactic Cowboys. Even so, it's worth checking out this remotely colourful opus which has so many kaleidoscopic swirls, but also jagged edges, that it can be quite a tough, and yet always engaging listen. Slap on the funk-driven buzz of 'The Circle' to appreciate the bands' many layers which are peeled back to reveal some insane fairground of raging guitars, off harmonies, touches of soul and weird arrangements of a grunge-fuelled nature. I don't know how we even begin to pin down such an elusive record; but the examples of the funk-bass jive of 'Ghost of Heaven' (with its Faith No More-esque effects) and the angry, bruising nature of 'Higher' mean that The Awful Truth are simply typical of these type of bands who turned the metal scene on its head all those years ago but faded oh so quickly. Often so splendid in its dreamy, but juddering quality, the simple truth however is that The Awful Truth are of no fixed abode.
7/10
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