When the high street chain Woolworths ceased trading in 2008, there was understandably an outpouring of loss amongst the British public. Looking back on this fine institution what will people remember? The homeware section? Perhaps. The record department? Definitely! But what we would suggest is that the first thing most people will immediately think of is the famous pick ‘n’ mix. The ability for customers young and old to end up with an assorted bag of absolute treats was the most wonderful experience. And it’s with this in mind that we introduce you to Social Hand Grenade, the new album from Trucker Diablo. 

One of the wonderful qualities about Trucker Diablo‘s approach to music and songwriting is that they don’t place any restrictions, barriers or limitations on themselves. It’s not about conforming to a particular genre but simply opening the doors to opportunity and allowing the very best ideas to flourish, and that’s exactly what this album has delivered.

The album begins with Kill The Lights, a massive, quick-fire, big riff, in-your-face rocker. As well as having riffs that will leave you reaching for the guitar, it’s the gang vocals that also draw you in, making this a massively inclusive experience. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given their shared Irish heritage, there are subtle hints of Therapy? presenting themselves throughout the track, though with a more classic/hard rock feel. With it’s thundering bass drum and staccato guitar intro, Stop The Bleed has very much a Nickelback flavour. California On The Run is just the most gorgeous track with its mid-tempo, country-tinged groove creating the most chilled and relaxed mood. The imagery that this song creates is such that you simply feel you could be driving down the Pacific Highway with the top down in the hot sun. Here Comes The Vultures has an intro riff that could be the cousin of the Killers’ Mr Brightside. The Power Of One presents the perfect example of how lyrically Trucker Diablo really excel. It holds the hugely powerful message that a change starts with one person, and this resonates strongly. Here’s To Heartbreak similarly shows how the band allow themselves to be hugely vulnerable but encased within the most infectious melodies and guitar lead lines that ring throughout the verses. And there’s absolutely no doubt the latest single DIG will be loved by every single Black Stone Cherry fan.

Together with the most amazing vocal harmonies, what this all equates to is quite simply a stunning album and one we’d describe as ‘perfectly cohesively eclectic’. Unlike the Russian Roulette risk you get with a bag of Revels where you pray you don’t end up with the chocolate nut, every track on Social Hand Grenade is one you would absolutely select from the shelf yourself. To find out more, head over to www.bigtruckkeepsonrolling.com,  and in the meantime check out the video to the latest single DIG below.