[CD Review] TRUCKFIGHTERS – Universe

Truckfighters, Sweden’s premier exponents of stoner fuzz goodness, return with their long awaited fourth full-length album, Universe, and it’s another cracker from a band that has evolved impressively since their Gravity X debut rolled out with a heavy as lead example of traditional stoner rock. Their last album, 2009’s Mania, incorporated expansive psychedelic and progressive elements into their riff heavy template and was a triumph of song-writing smarts and fluid, dynamic song structures. Universe continues in a similar vein, without ever quite exceeding the ambitiousness or addictive edge of its predecessor. While this may sound like an immediate blight on the album, it’s more a reflection of how damn great Mania is rather than an indication of any notable shortcomings on Universe.

Bursting out of the gate with the hard driving ‘Mind Control’, Truckfighters don’t fuck around, kicking into gear with a straight-forward and catchy heavy rocker with a strong hook. And despite the proggy flourishes and heightened complexity of their song-writing in recent years, Truckfighters manage to keep their heavier roots and hard-rocking elements close to the surface, continuing to challenge their listeners without alienating long-time fans. ‘Mind Control’ is a strong example of their traditional roots coupled with their hooky song-writing.

‘The Chairman’, which featured on last year’s EP of the same name, showcases Truckfighters’ adeptness at crafting lengthy songs that are both challenging and gripping. Oskar Cedermalm continues to grow as a vocalist and he’s become a more versatile and confident frontman, keeping pace with the band’s musical evolution and willingness to branch out of their comfort zone. The rhythmically complex and thrilling arrangement is bookended by Cedermalm’s soulful vocal melodies and the outstanding musicianship.

‘Prophet’ is the song likely to raise eyebrows from some portions of their fan-base, standing-out as the most pop-oriented song of their career. Inevitably there will be backlash questioning the motives of the song and whether it is a thinly veiled play at widening their audience and commercial appeal. Although a little jarring at first I’ve warmed to the song gradually, and despite its poppy sensibilities, it’s unmistakably a Truckfighters tune, with the melancholic tone and heavier moments counterbalancing the poppier elements.

The epic ‘Get Lifted’ is undoubtedly one of the album’s finest cuts, once again displaying the trio’s skilled touch at pacing their longer songs and utilising soft/loud dynamics to great effect. The song’s slow build-up is nonetheless an engaging prelude to the fireworks that explode a couple of minutes in. The lilting guitar melodies and rubbery bassline ride atop a relaxed beat and laidback vocal before some monster riffage takes hold; all psych blues muscle and cool desert rock groove. It’s a killer payoff that’s complemented by strong vocal melodies and more molten riffs during nearly eight minutes of sonic bliss.

Perusing the tracklist pre-listen you would be forgiven for thinking 1.42 minute song ‘Convention’ was a short instrumental interlude or slice of filler. Thankfully it’s neither, instead the band deliver a gritty, upbeat heavy rocker, packing a considerable punch and loads of energy into a scant timeframe. ‘Dream Sale’ dabbles into more accessible song-writing territory and it’s neither a standout nor weakness on the album, highlighted by an infectious, soaring chorus. The 13-minute ‘Mastodont’ is a mammoth tune of peaks and valleys, fiery lead work and powerhouse riffs. Though instrumentally the song is at its most impressive, Cedermalm’s vocal performance is not to be outdone, while the ambitious piece concludes with a beautiful acoustic guitar outro.

Universe may be the most accessible album of Truckfighters’ career, but this point should not worry long term fans of the band, as the trademark elements are all in place and Truckfighters’ spacious song-writing scope has not been compromised. Universe is a fine album that’s a must listen for fans of heavy rock and solid follow-up to their masterful predecessor.

8.5/10
Reviewer: Luke Saunders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3tbrhz2f98