Let's face it… solo projects can be a disaster. Especially when the individual in question is a guitarist, they more often than not equal out to "Let me show you my MAD SKILLS!!" This, of course, usually comes at the expense of such things as, oh, songwriting and listeners' enjoyment. Here's a tip for those guys: There's a reason why your band turned down those ideas!

Fortunately, TRUTH is not one of those. This new project is the brainchild of Swedish axeman Sven Cirnski, a guy who's had an impressive career playing on other guys' albums and with his current band BAD HABIT. For his first album under the TRUTH banner, "Machine", he's assembled an impressive array of talent, including charismatic ANDROMEDA frontman David Fremberg on vocals. Collectively, their blues-infused rock brings to mind fond memories of KING'S X, the Vaughans and the late, great VULTURE CAVALRY. Sure, Cirnski fills the album with liberal amounts of luscious licks (album opener "Freedom" has 'em virtually from start to finish), but make no mistake - the hooks and melodies are still there. So is the variety, from the fun-filled romps ("Big Al", "Generation Stupid") to the somber semi-ballads ("Angel", "Heavy Rain"). Folks will also notice that Fremberg's vocal harmonies are used to their fullest, making such songs as "Over and Over" and "Stand in Line" some of the most memorable. But perhaps this album's key selling point is how substantial it is - 15 tracks and almost an hour of music. When was the last time your favorite band delivered that much quality material?

Coincidentally, this album also comes to us from the same label that brought us such high-marking acts as Lance Lopez and PLANKTON. So for folks that can't get enough "total guitar" or just want some snazzy rock 'n roll, this "Machine" will work quite nicely.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.svencirnski.com

RELATED ITEMS: Mini-spotlight interview: TRUTH's Sven Cirnski