Labels: No Idea Records
Review by: Graeme Cunningham
True North might as well have been named the Gainesville All-Stars given the ludicrous pedigree of bands that their members have been involved with down the years. While obviously this provides a certain selling point when putting together fanzine ads and flyers for shows, it most definitely hangs a rather heavy weight of expectation around their collective necks. Part of the problem I had with previous True North releases is that they seemed to lack their own distinct sound and direction. The words “side project” came up all to often. Sure, it had its moments, but I felt maybe these guys had their fingers in a few to many pies to really concentrate.
Given all these concerns, “Somewhat similar” was an ominous title. Happily, I can report that although it is as the title suggests, along the same lines as previous material, it is also much better. “Hey, lets spend the night together” sets out the stall for much of what will follow. A catchy chant-a-long group vocal refrain mixed with everyone stepping up for a turn at the lead vocal. This is definitely where True North’s biggest strength lies now, with three very capable vocalists (including Dave Diem, who for my money has one of the greatest voices in hardcore) swapping in and over each other. The music itself comes over like a punkier take on fugazi. A similarity furthered by their willingness to try different things and avoid too much repetition. “Let’s Get Past it” has shades of Drive like Jehu, with an appropriate distorted vocal. “Single fin mentality” has guest female vocals and it begins sounding not a million miles away from something Smart Went Crazy might have produced, before changing direction for a more rocking finale.
The lp hangs together well as a collection of songs. It comes across like a record the band really enjoyed making, which in Turn has given True North that identity they previously lacked. So in summation: Somewhat Similar. But much better.