Trueb

Item: So Close to Me
Author: Sucré Musique

So Close to Me

(1998)

Reviewed by Sucré Musique

Discogs YouTube

Label Groove Market PublishingBandoppler1998

funk funk rock

I could swear this was the last year of the 20th century, but apparently the '70s have come back for another turn on the record player. Pop this little funk nugget into your cd player and prepare to take a trip back in time. Infused with funk, and disco beats left and right, these incredibly talented young guys will have you doing the funky head-bob. And now that Soulfood 76 is defunct, Trueb would probably gladly take the lead.

Musically, the most notable thing about the band Trueb is lead guitarist Nathan Trueb, who is nothing short of a prodigy. This young pup whips up some unbelievably complex blues-infused and funk-tinged riffs. (And if you ever see them live, you'll be amazed at his ability to play the guitar above his head, and behind his back.) But most of the tracks are actually written and put together by Nate Purscelley, who also plays guitar, trumpet and does vocals. And lead vocalist Aaron Trueb handles the singing with ease, and plenty of slick attitude.

There is undoubtedly a strong connection between these relatively young guys and the tunes some of us grew up on nearly three decades ago. At times, there are nods to such predecessors as Elton John, and Parliament Funk, and harmonies that match classic rockers like America and Fleetwood Mac. At first melodic, and quiet, "So Close to Me" breaks it down a little bit more '90s style midway, with noisy guitars, and the sort of vocal flavor which carries traces of Brit-rockers like Oasis. "The Gate" has one of the funkiest upbeat grooves going on, and a crazy Latin-style trumpet section, that is like something off your grandma's Herb Alpert vinyl albums. But this album is by no means just some gratuitously borrowed retro flavor. With poetic songs that show a spiritual integrity, usually found in people a little farther along in life, Trueb has potential to grow into a very popular group, all the while maintaining their fun and funky side. In effect, it is a nicely blended rock album with compliments paid to the polyester years, and Trueb is a very skillful troop indeed.