TRUANT

Truant is an alternative rock band. Their musical genre has often been classified as Hard Rock or Grunge. The band originally formed in 2005 in Baltimore, MD going by the name “Vendetta” with Drummer: Josh Shuman, Guitarist/Vocalist: Rick Logan, Guitarist: Clint Logan and Bassist: Antron; the band name Truant was only adopted later, after they already had songs written and polished and were looking for a replacement drummer. Scott Rothstein, who auditioned while living in Marina Del Rey, CA, made the cut to be Truant’s next drummer and hopefully would complete the line up. After working with Scott Rothstien for four months things seemed to be okay, and he was really meshing with the band, that was until we started to run out of money to survive which we thought was going to be the end of Truant all together. So we ran out of money. Clint and Rick decided that they couldn’t survive in Hollywood, CA anymore living off of mozzarella string cheese and lays potato chips so they headed east to where it was a little more affordable and they could build a new fan base. Their motive was and, is to keep Truant alive. Antron stayed in Hollywood, CA but still works with Truant as their permanant bassist. Thanks to Antron we came into contact with Mark Bearman, another great drummer which worked with Truant on Violence in a Cage. Mark is Truant's permanant and final drummer. Now about the band name. The idea to name the band “Truant” came from the lyrics of Pearl Jam’s song titled “Immortality”. The song was being performed by one of Truant’s all time favorite bands “Seether” on their live acoustic album called “One Cold Night” filmed/recorded in Philadelphia, PA at Grape Street Pub in 2006. After hearing the way Seether performed a mesmerizing acoustic version of “Immortality”, the sincerity and meaning of the words in the song found relation with the band and merited "Truant" as a band name sized to fit perfectly. The members of Truant are most known for their music obviously, however they are also known for how interactive they are with their fans. The band always finds time for the listeners because they are the ones who ultimately keep the music alive and kicking. Truant really appreciates their fan base and will always appreciate their support. Fans come first. Truant strives on being the best they can possibly be; in hopes to take their talents to the next serious step (take it to the masses). Truant will hit hard, with an impact that will make waves and turn heads. Truant wants all to know that they will accept nothing less than success in their musical career, and that has been the case to this day. Truant is a crowd pleaser, and is one of those bands among many who sticks out. The music is tight and melodic... the kind that sticks in your head, yet never gets old or irritating. Truant is definatly a band that will last for many years.
Rick Logan - Guitar/Lead Vocals:
Born and raised within a musical family, Rick picked up the guitar in a serious manner at around age 12. His influencial bands he followed coming up were bands like: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Silverchair, Bush, Soundgarden, Reckless Abandon ((Rick's Mom's band)), STP, GNR Etc. Striving to be a key guitarist and vocalist, Rick has worked very hard to get to where he is today and his work is starting to pay off in moderation. Rick first noticed he had a vocal ability when playing music with long time friend "Joesph Buhl." Joseph was some what of a musicial influence on Rick, and helped him mold his style into a structured sound without even knowing it.((Thanks JB)). Rick's vocal influences range from vocalists like: Kurt Cobain(Nirvana), Wes Scantland(Puddle of Mudd), Shaun Morgan(Seether), Chad Kroeger(Nickelback), Scott Weiland(Stone Temple Pilots), Lane Staley(Alice In Chains), and Chris Cornell(Audioslave/Soundgarden).Rick enjoys everything and anything that has to do with music... let it be promotion, doing sound for other bands, performing live, and recording. Rick is a long time veteran musician and is very professional about his approach towards his musicial career. Music is his passion and success is all he wants from the music he creates or is involved with.
Clint Logan - Guitar:
Clint, Brother to Rick Logan came up with bands such as: Nirvana, Bush, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Etc. He started playing guitar in junior high school and continues to push his rhythm guitar abilities to extended levels. Clint has had no musical training... he plays by ear. Acoustic guitar is Clint's instrument of choice and he has a unique way of blending the Acoustic guitar with the the rest of the band and the sound coming from his guitar is full and out spoken.... there is always a hook riff with Clint and his playing in every song. Clint's musical influences are: Seether, 3 Days Grace, Nirvana, Bush, Puddle of Mudd, Staind, Tantric, David Grey, Jack Johnson, Alice in Chains, Dave Matthews Band and many more! Avery grew up within a musical family. Overall Clint has the same out look as the rest of his bandmates... It's all about the passion and to make success out of what you love to do and create, in Clint's case... playing the guitar.
Antron - Bass Guitar:
Antron first started playing bass guitar at age thirteen and by twenty-one he was performing professionally. He has experience in funk, hip-hop, fusion, pop, and many styles of rock including classic, acoustic, metal, and modern. Antron has been influenced by many bass players. These players include: Victor Wooten, Geddy Lee(RUSH), Chris Squire(YES), Bernard Odum(JAMES BROWN), Cliff Burton(METALLICA), Phil Lesh(GRATEFUL DEAD), Dale Stewart(SEETHER), and Mike Kroger(NICKELBACK). Antron is a very dedicated musician who sees himself as a sideman with a little spice thrown in. His solid, yet sometimes melodic bass lines lock in with the drums and connect with the other instruments to create a great rhythm section that drives the music along. He has ambitious goals and a positive attitude and plans on playing music until, in his words "My fingers fall off!". He has a love for music and has attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA which has enhanced his well rounded approach. Antron is truly a great player who creates interesting bass lines when needed and laid back ones when the music calls for it... In other words, Antron is a very tasteful bassist. Antron plays Spector Basses strung with Elixir strings and uses various amps but prefers David Eden Amplification.
Mark Bearman - Drums
Mark Bearman started playing the drums when he was in Elementary School. Besides some initial snare drum lessons he has had no formal training. Mark has created his own style of playing. He is currently playing Gretsch drums. Mark also uses various Ludwig Drums from the 1930's and 1950's as well as a Roland V-Drum kit and various cymbals from Sabian and Ziljdian. Mark's musical influences include: Steve Smith, Vinnie Coluita, Dennis Chambers, and Jeff Sipe among others. Mark takes great pride in his philanthropic efforts to advance the interest of music in children. Mark Bearman is a native of Baltimore MD and is the head of The Herbert Bearman Foundation (a multi-million dollar chairity foundation)
TRUANT - VIOLENCE IN A CAGE
Released: April 2008
Recorded at: Wrightway Studios, Baltimore MD January "08"
Recording Engineer: Steve Wright
Song List:
1.) Sorry for being here
2.) Remember
3.) The Gun
4.) One of a Pair
5.) Become
6.) Can't Escape
7.) New Scars
8.) Violence in a Cage
9.) Secrets and Echoes
FUN FACTS: Truant recorded Violence in a Cage in 48 hours!
-VIOLENCE IN A CAGE ALBUM REVIEW-
Album Info: Truant "Violence In A Cage"
It wasn’t too long being in 2008, where there was an album born. Now we all know that hundreds of albums are born yearly, many more demos come out as it seems. But Today, we are focusing on a special 9 song, wee bit over 35 minute album that, amazingly, took 48 hours to record. On Friday, April 25th, 2008 was the official release date of this album. The music of Truant is Unique in their own way. The band did not steal anything from Nirvana or Seether, even though they are a part of their influences. But remember, children, just because they have Seether or Nirvana or Manmade God (broke up) as a part of their influences, doesn’t mean the band is going to sound like them. That is a big problem not just in the United States, but all over the world. People are too closed minded that if a new band doesn’t sound like a band they love already, then what’s the point of listening to them? I for one am saying, first time I heard about Truant I was questioning the music, but as soon as “New Scars” started playing on their media player, I was hooked and never wanted to let go. In short… I have to admit in a month or two, I bought the album of Truant, called “Violence In A Cage”. Those who haven’t given a new band a chance because the band doesn’t sound like one that is mainstream or one someone already loves, need to open their minds and ears a little more. I have went around, giving listening samples of songs from “Violence In A Cage” to random people out in public at malls, music stores, and the streets of Seattle, Washington. This is some of the things those people had to say (Didn’t take any names) 1: “Who the hell is this? Sounds great.” 2: “The music is good, vocals aren't bad, but I've never heard them before.” 3: Can you burn me a copy of this? I need it!” 4: “Not bad, but I need more time to listen to it.” The list goes on with what people said. There were some people who didn’t care for it, but then again I asked them what music they enjoyed, and they all said one or more of the following: pop, rap, metal, real music, country (the list goes on). Now, lets get to the fun stuff! The entire album is a work of art. There are not many bands outside of Death/Black/Goth/Industrial music that I love so very much. Although being from Seattle (birth of Grunge) I love it! Grunge, from my experience, is a genre of music (duh) but has many different styles of how the music and vocals are done, instead of sounding the same over and over again like so many bands do today. Each song on this album, like with many other (but not all) albums are all very different, not the same 2 or 3 notes throughout the album. Some of the songs will leave you remembering them for a long time, here are some of the album Highlights…
"Sorry For Being Here"
An acoustic intro for is what gets us started into the world of Truant. The vocalists voice isn’t too thick, or too thin. There is enough bass in the voice of the vocalist, Rick Logan, to make the voice of Truant something catchy that is something for everyone who are fans of hard rock, metal, grunge, and many other genres of souls who enjoy music. Rick Logan is also a guitarist of Truant. Just how this first song starts off is catchy enough to get someone who can appreciate music to listen to the whole thing. Easily a single off the album.
"Remember"
Remember those good times? Remember those bad times? Remember when that guy who insulted your favorite football team and you beat him up? Well Pepperidge farms doesn’t remember, but we all do. A song about a journey for someone, never surrendering to anyone, leaving town and getting done what needs to be done! Pretty much, to me, it reminds of me never giving up, no matter what shit the world throws at you. Remembering good times, and bad times.
"The Gun"
Easy going way to introduce the song. Though the song reminding me of a friendship, or a romance relationship, it can go either way. A line in the song saying: ”Why don’t you put the gun in your mouth? It might just help you to ease the pain. If not then turn the gun on me and press it against my temple gently.” Seems like it is a song about 2 friends or lovers, that when things go hard and rough, shit comes down to a gun between the two. As scarey as it seems, a good handful of us have been in that type of situation before… I’m gonna end this song review… bad memories…
"New Scars"
Times are hard, times are rough. Scars that have never been there before. There is too much happening at the same time, so there are new scars that have been exposed. But no matter how harsh times are, whether someone you know is in the War or going though a hard time with their family, Even though new scars have come along, hold your head up high, no need to worry, you’ll find your way back, finding that who you miss or want to come back, will be right there waiting. Those are not the best songs on the album, and screw the rest. Those songs, for me, have stuck with me. Each one having a personal meaning for me, As for you sound quality junkies, don’t worry. This isn’t raw-grunge where there is no mastering/mixing/engineering. The sound on “Violence In A Cage” has a Master sound, it cannot get any better! Professional sound quality! This album is worth every penny, and it will show that the buyer supports Underground music. The album is a wee bit over 35 mins, there is no regrets for this album. Violence in a Cage is one of those rare albums where you can listen to it over and over again, no matter how long you’ve owned it, and never get tired of it at all. I would personally recommend this album for fans of Grunge music (Nirvana, Manmade God, Seether, Alice In Chains, Saron Gas, Puddle of Mudd and many more) or just into hard rock and freakin badass rock, check out Truant.
Review By: Doktor Philth Music Reviews editor best profile tools
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