Truth Panel

“Truth Panel – Preliminary Hearing (self released) This one gets bonus points awarded right off the top for having a smart band name and an equally brainy album title that conceptually fits the former. Even better, the band actually lives up to that initial assertion by offering up eleven tracks that sound like Ian Hunter refereeing a back alley balladeer brawl between Elliott Murphy and Leonard Cohen with the Tragically Hip serving as special guest enforcer”.
Jeffrey Morgan, Media Blackout

"Finding good new music aimed at grownups is easier said than done these days. So kudos to these Torontonians for acting their age. Their slow-burning tunes such as Launch Campaign, Human Drama and Passion Fades are steeped in the tasteful classic rock textures of bands such as Pink Floyd; their lyrics are thoughtful and soulful; and their singer's pipes are midway between a Dylanesque rasp and a Cohenish rumble. Not bad, dads." Darryl's verdict *** "The Real Deal"
Darryl Sterdan, Sun Media

There’s a pleasing shorthand quality to the sentiments on display here, as though this Toronto band is happy to seek out listeners who not only speak the same musical language as they do but are fluent in the vernacular of both Lou Reed’s “Street Hassle” and Images in Vogue’s “Lust for Love.” John Sakomoto, The Anti-Hit List The Toronto Star

Is Truth Panel’s “Human Drama” an Earworm? Sometimes it takes a couple listens for a song to sink in; to grow on you. Then there are songs you just can't get out of your head after one listen. Germans call that kind of song an ear worm because it bores into your brain and begs another and another listen. "Human Drama" by Truth Panel is somewhere in between. I call these kinds of songs brain itches. They kind of emerge. You like a song on the first listen, then, after another listen or two you find yourself humming it and you realize you want to hear it again. Then again. Then again -- like a tingle that will only go away after enough scratching. The recording of this song has that essence, energy and feeling come through and makes it obvious to the listener that the song is a keeper. Mike McCready, Huffington Post

"Launch Campaign” is a knockout song even though - yep you guessed it - it's a ballad, but a rare ballad; one that makes sense musically. It's got some lovely production touches too, reminds me somewhat of the Beatles in their orchestral period. Excellent introduction, one to watch. Highly Recommended rock pop.
Steve Gilmore, RebelRiffs

Re: Truth Panel's "Human Drama" Very interesting voice first off. Somewhere between Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.....I like the melody and I like the song. It's a nice, little package.....I really like the backgrounds. Best "La's" I have heard in a minute. Tasteful and not cheesy!! The lyrics are personal....you may miss out on some of the crowd that prefers universal lyrics... but I am also betting on everyone having their own Tiny, Human drama. Most of all I like the attitude that you have towards your music. It's very much "so what" You write what you love... you record it and present it. It's all anyone can ask. I applaud your efforts, sir! "
Brian Steen, Producer/Analyst at SonyGlobal Digital Production

"Sometimes when a listener hears a band for the first time, he or she just knows it feels good. This might be how this band would be described. It reminds me of the new wave artists, but at the same time that could never define this band. It is easy to tell the there is a genuine inclusion of many influences. In many ways they remind me of Pink Floyd, yet again they cannot be defined by it. This is a unique band that just sounds good."
Paul Ruth, theindependentmusicscene.com

Truth Panel is a group of musicians who hail from Canada with touching male vocals and stunningly soulful lyrics.
Audiosparx, http://www.audiosparx.com

Re: "Human Drama" by Truth Panel "A song with an engaging vibe for fans of 80s adult pop"
Jay Frank, VP Music Strategy CMT, Author of "FutureHit.DNA

Re: “Human Drama” by Truth Panel “Hours of boring A&R meeting are made worthwhile when you come across a song of this caliber”.
Frenchy Gloder, Managing Director MG2 MUSIC
- Sun Media/Toronto Star/Jeffrey Morgan's Media Balckout et al

Sometimes it takes a couple listens for a song to sink in; to grow on you. Then a there are songs you just can't get out of your head after one listen. Germans call that kind of song an ear worm because it bores into your brain and begs another and another listen.

"Human Drama" by Truth Panel is somewhere in between. I call these kinds of songs brain itches. They kind of emerge. You like a song on the first listen but it doesn't blow you away. Then, after another listen or two you find yourself humming it and you realize you want to hear it again. Then again. Then again -- like a tingle that will only go away after enough scratching.

The story behind this song is interesting. It was penned in a Toronto bar on New Years Eve 1989 by Bill Nygren and over time he's played it with a number of bands. While writing the lyrics, Bill was immobilized with a plaster cast on his leg which prevented him from participating in the revelry so he sat back and watched as his friends, who worked at the bar, and his fellow patrons celebrated the turn of the decade.

As Bill explains in his notes about this song, "... and the image that caught my attention? It was that of a very hard working waitress, struggling with the insanity of the evening's demands, who never the less, kept her cool and good humour with a grace, dignity and ultimately beauty that was hard not to be fascinated by.

And because I actually knew her and her life story quite well, this lyric jumped from pen to napkin over the course of the balance of the evening, the melody waiting to be born back home once deposited there by an equally hard working and harried cabbie. He actually stopped for me on the street, un-hailed as he had noticed me meandering down Bloor Street on crutches; negotiating the growing snow banks with little success in the dawning hours of a new decade. That kindness? Yet another example that the observation of a "tiny human drama" can drive someone to action.

The recording of this song has the feel of a demo, not a completely polished track but the essence, energy and feeling come through and make it obvious to the listener that the song is a keeper. There's character in Nygren's voice; a rough, raspy fun bar-band sound that makes you want to hear more music by these guys. - Huffington Post

There’s a pleasing shorthand quality to the sentiments on display here, as though this Toronto band is happy to seek out listeners who not only speak the same musical language as they do but are fluent in the vernacular of both Lou Reed’s “Street Hassle” and Images in Vogue’s “Lust for Love.”

Author: John Sakamoto
Column: The Anti-Hit List
Publication Date:February 27, 2010 - The Toronto Star