Here’s another of a “lost” band from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal days who had all the talent and none of the breaks. Forget the silly name to. Truffle were a serious outfit for sure.
Based out of Portsmouth they worked hard and gigged hard in an attempt to raise their profile and bad that elusive recording deal. They played here, they played there, they had a number of profile support act slots with the likes of Magnum, Wishbone Ash, Diamond Head and even Twisted Sister.
An excellent single saw the light of day in a limited number run. A “double A-side” showcasing If You Really Want and Round Tower. The former a catchy heavier song with a pulsating riff churning away and a thumping chorus/hook. The latter a dark, brooding, slightly haunting slow burner building to a crescendo around some excellent guitar work.
Truffle cut a demo and were on the way to record an album with mentoring from Mungo Jerry man Ray Dorset however things fell apart as Dorset’s priorities were more about MJ than Truffle and that was about it. Truffle drifted apart – other than the album, creatively titled The Bacon Slicer Strikes Again, appearing on cassette in the mid-1980s.
The good news is that both the demo and the album are available via High Roller Records on one CD. Dammed fine stuff it is too. Truffle had major talent as is more than evidenced.
Already mentioned If You Really Want and Round Tower. Street Fighter gallops along in fine NWOBHM style too. Have a look/listen:
God of War, Death or Glory and Satan’s Slave is an excellent trio of hard rock/metal with definite proggy elements and some unusual (but great!) quirky solo runs. Oh, and Thunderbird – check that out too. That’ll get right in your head.
On to Bacon Slicer……..Thunderbird and Street Fighter are slightly reworked as the band introduce some keys to add some options and give new sounds. Works very well exploring the progressive elements – for example Mystery of the Stones has a strong, mystical intro not unlike period Rush.
Starlight is a jaunty effort – almost poppy – with a fine rangy vocal again showing how Truffle were able to write songs which “rocked” without relying on pure bludgeon riffola. Refinement and creativity aplenty here.
The Bacon Slicer Strikes Again is a bit of a bizarre instrumental which is instantly memorable.
As if it were needed, even more evidence that the New Wave of British Heavy Metal era from the late 1970s/early 1980s spawned many, many bands with so much ability but not enough room for all to flourish.
Truffle had “it” for sure. Pick this up and hear for yourself. It’s first class stuff.
>> TRUFFLE IF YOU REALLY WANT FROM AMAZON HERE <<
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