THE DAMN TRUTH – The Damn Truth (2025) *HQ*

If you have legendary Bob Rock (Aerosmith, Motley Crue, Metallica, Bon Jovi) not only producing your album but also fully involved understanding your band’s musical vision, you should be doing things right. That’s the case with Canadian female-fronted classic rockers THE DAMN TRUTH.
Following up 2021’s very well-received ‘Now or Nowhere,’ The Damn Truth is set to release its fourth studio album. The self-titled 11-track musical offering showcases the dynamic musicianship and strong songwriting of Lee-La Baum (vocals, guitar), Tom Shemer (guitar, vocals), PY Letellier (bass vocals), and Dave Traina (drums, vocals).
With a mix of raw energy, soaring melodies, and pure rock and roll spirit, ”The Damn Truth” is set to be one of 2025’s defining classic / hard rock albums. The LP was recorded over two months at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studios in Vancouver—Bob Rock’s favourite recording space.
Known for its classic, larger-than-life drum sound (AC/DC had just wrapped sessions before The Damn Truth arrived), the studio provided the perfect setting for the band’s live, organic approach to recording. The album was 100% produced and mixed by Bob Rock with complete creative freedom.
“When I hear you guys, I feel the spirit of Led Zeppelin I,” Bob Rock told the band. “Let’s make a record like that—playing together, live, feeding off each other’s energy. That’s rock ‘n’ roll.”

The Damn Truth seized the opportunity, with Bob guiding them through a fresh approach to songwriting. Drummer Dave Traina shares: “Bob is known for massive bass and drum sounds, but with us, he was more focused on lyrics and melody. He had us strip each song back to just acoustic guitar and vocals before building it up.”
Set to Letellier’s percussive bass and Traina’s strong drumming, “I Just Gotta Let You Know” is a rock n’ roll song that was made loud to be played loud. Loaded with hooks, Baum’s in-your-face, sing-it-with-conviction vocals complements Shemer’s guitar sorcery, making it a track you want to play again and again.

“If I Don’t Make It Home,” a peace and love anthem, teems with atmospheric instrumentation and choir-like background vocals in the chorus. Baum’s resonant voice soars, evoking heartfelt emotions to a world growing cold.
The power and grit of “Mirror Mirror” shows Shemer’s brilliance on guitar. His incendiary licks backed by his bandmates’ syncopation, is most high. Bravo.

The infectious “All Night Long” shows how tight The Damn Truth play together. Baum’s cadence synchronized with Letellier’s bass line, Traina’s drums, and Shemer’s guitar makes this a bonafide rock n’ roll superpower. Baum sings her ass off about the tales and exploits of rock n’ roll, whether real or imaginary, making her persona even more intriguing.
With a poignant, yet fond look back to a love that could not be, “Better This Way” is beautifully layered with a pop-rock sensibility and has an ultra-accessible radio appeal that makes it an instant classic.

“The Willow” is a wistful ode, affirming that transcendence born of pain and music is the healer. Baum’s resonant voice and folk singer sensibilities are reminiscent of singer / songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie. This album contains both literal and metaphorical lyrical gems.
Another standout track “Addicted,” pumps with a funked-up groove that gives Shemer the platform to flaunt his guitar mojo.

Big on hooks, catchy riffs, along with light orchestration on a few tracks, this self-titled album shows the value in taking the extra time to stretch out and record original material that was previously uncharted.
Each member of the quartet brings their own range of influence to the music, and the amalgamation is an exciting guitar-driven sound that is uniquely theirs. Whether playing a stripped down, unplugged gig or on a stage backed with a classic stack of amps, The Damn Truth’s appeal is that they love what they do.
The raw, live sound comes over with this exciting new album.
Highly Recommended

01 – Be Somebody
02 – I Just Gotta Let You Know
03 – Love Outta Luck
04 – If I Don’t Make It Home
05 – Better This Way
06 – Mirror Mirror
07 – All Night Long
08 – The Willow
09 – Addicted
10 – Killer Whale
11 – The Dying Dove

Lee-La Baum (vocals, guitar)
Tom Shemer (guitar, vocals)
PY Letellier (bass vocals)
Dave Traina (drums, vocals)

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thedamntruth.bigcartel.com/