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North Lincoln

Truth Is A Menace
2004
No Idea

North Lincoln - Truth Is A Menace (Cover Artwork)

Review by: IanTownsend
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Published on March 25th 2005

Turth Is A Menace is a diary of disillusionment and the confusion caused by society. Truth... is North Lincoln at their best; melodic, gritty, beer-induced punk rock with insightful and compelling lyrics. Those of you already familiar with the band may recognize some of the songs on Truth..., but I assure you that, despite the inclusion of some older songs, this record seems fresh and invigorating. The recording quality complements both the band's sound and ethics, thanks to the recording talents of Rob McGregor (Against Me!, Grabass Charlestons, Army of Ponch).

What really sets North Lincoln apart is their aproach to music. Their songs are characterized by unconventional instrumentation and playing. Brian Beckwith's bass lines sound original and complex, Kevin Nunn's guitar parts sound both fresh and classic at the same time, and drummer John Massel's style is original and nearly mind-blowing. Massel, who is self-taught on the kit, is one of the best drummers i have ever heard in my life (and i've heard a lot). Their material draws on the sound of bands like Samiam, Jawbreaker, Fifteen and the Smiths, adding their own touch to make a sound bordering on cliché sound new again.

The album itself is a collection of songs spanning the past few years of North Lincoln's existence. Some are new songs, some are fan favorites, but rest assured that they all fuckin' rock! An interesting inclusion is NL's reworking of the obscure Smiths song, "Jeane," featuring guest vocals by Samantha Jones of Bitchin'/Rumbleseat. Other standouts include "Apology," "Who's Counting Anyway," "Four Walls Don't Make A Home," "Saint Rouge Red" (featuring Replay Dave from Grabass) and the closer "A Message Lost In A Sing-A-Long" (with Ryan Murphy of True North trading lyrics with Nunn).

Truth Is A Menace is a beer-filled, singalong instant classic!

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Posted by mike_litt69 on 2007-03-16 23:55:52

really fucking good!!!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, April 7, 2006 at 8:57 AM (EDT)
My Score:

great band!

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at 6:23 AM (EST)
My Score:

So, you shouldn't review your friend's band, huh?

I've known Massel and Beckwith since Junior High, and I'm still able to give an honest opinion. While 'Menace' is a stepping stone for the band, I still feel the tracks recorded with Tyler Watkins are much better, and I've felt this way since the day I heard the album.

Don't get me wrong here, I own three different pressings of this album (mostly because I'm a HUGE record nerd - and hey, these guys are my friends) and I play it regularly at every gathering I host at my place. But still, this record is lacking. In order to explain, I really have to get in depth...

:NL is a live band. If you've seen them, then you know. Their songwriting and style are so beer-soaked, it just can't be glossed over. Your can of PBR needs to be held over your head while you listen, and face it, that's not always possible at home. Check out their EP on Salinas Records. In fact, go to the Salinas website and read the review on the EP. The review encapsules the EP and the EP is North Lincoln.

Really, what I'm saying is, track down the old shit first. These recordings are the true North Lincoln sound. It's who they are and where they came from; and it's fantastic. If you want to get into this band, and believe me - you will, make 'Truth is a Menace' your second or third purchase from these guys.

I've already heard what's comming up next. It's good. Really fucking good. :NL is not a band to be ignored. They have yet to make their splash. They are potent and aren't going to give up. I'm willing to bet these guys are comming to a town near you soon. Do yourself a favor - make the drive, see the show, scream the lyrics - and for godsakes - tip the bartender.

It just might be the best night you have all month.

Posted by the_wang on 2005-06-14 07:56:55
My Score:

awesome awesome awesome band

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 28, 2005 at 11:56 AM (EST)
My Score:

...you can find NORTH LINCOLN MP3s and other info here:

www.noidearecords.com
www.northlincoln.cjb.net
www.mys pace.com/northlincoln
www.purevolume.com/northlincoln

Posted by CallingLondon on 2005-03-28 11:24:25

mp3s?

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 27, 2005 at 8:25 PM (EST)

Massel, who is self-taught on the kit, is one of the best drummers i have ever heard in my life (and i've heard a lot).

hahahaha

obviously not, cause this is some of the most straight forward and basic drumming i've heard in a long time

Posted by slippy on 2005-03-26 14:37:40
My Score:

Michigan punk rock represent!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 10:34 PM (EST)
My Score:

You know this is coming....

Score is for MICHIGAN motherfuckers!

-Ken

Posted by Icapped2pac on 2005-03-25 16:56:16

Congrats to these guys for finding a way to get the fuck out of Grand Rapids aka "Right-Wing Wacko Land" and do something interesting with their lives. Judging by my friends from high school, most people get sucked into that black hole and never get out. I haven't actually heard them yet, but I'm eager to.

Posted by cubaricho on 2005-03-25 15:22:41

where's the fiya review?

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 1:29 PM (EST)

This is why people shouldn't review their friends' bands.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 11:13 AM (EST)

I absolutely love this album, even though I think the orange "s/t" CDep has better versions of 'Apology' & 'St. Rogue Red' and is a little bit better over all. But this is still so great.

Also, I believe, 'Sick' is the track with Kevin & Ryan Murphy trading vocals. 'Message Lost in a Sing Along' is actually the closer on this disc and probably one of the best things this band has ever put to tape.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 7:16 AM (EST)

got this from no idea about a month and a half ago. haven't stopped listening to it yet. good stuff.
-TOBB

Posted by Crookedsuperhero on 2005-03-25 06:25:44
My Score:

Darn good album, but definetly not a ten. A smooth 8.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 2:22 AM (EST)
My Score:

North Lincoln does indeed rock my jocks. Great album.

Saw them 2 weeks ago and they didn't disappoint.

Ramo

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 25, 2005 at 12:51 AM (EST)

I know these cats. Nice guys, but not my taste in music.