Artist description Tweakers. Strippers. Long days and even longer nights. Hard liquor, cold women, warm beer.It would take more than a litany of words and images to really convey the music of Arizona's Truckers on Speed. It's not that their muse is so obtuse -- fans of traditional Rock and Roll will instantly find sanction in the band's inspired noise. It's just that their work resonates with a simple clarity through a haze of smoke and the hum of the barroom. But even more, their songs evoke lost innocence, when the possibility of youth fades into the harsh reality and unrealized aspirations of adulthood.Together for just over two years, the Truckers have already amassed a rich catalog of material, songs that come from a wellspring of passion and pain. That, along with their winning synthesis of rock, postpunk, trad country, and everything in-between, has earned the band raves in it's hometown.The harrowed vocals of lead singer Dave Wolfmeyer are buoyed by the steadfast counterpoint of bassist Theron Wall's four string stylings and high harmonies. Just as the songs claim a familiar musical lineage, so too does the lead guitar work of Chad Hines, who spends most of his time picking at the ghost of Crazy Horse's Danny Whitten, the Stones' Mick Taylor and Buck Owens sideman Don Rich. Drummer Michael Wood remains a versatile force behind the kit, punctuating the material with the kind of crisp, intuitive rhythm that might make even the stoic Charlie Watts break into a grin.Songwriter Wolfmeyer's eye for detail -- and his withering sense ofthe inequities of love and loss -- shine through consistently, providing a stirring mix of drama and comedy, the kind that perfectly captures the triumphs and short comings of a life spent on the fringes.Carried by the tar and whiskey in Wolfmeyer's voice and the ragged twang of Hines' guitar, the band proves it has no furtive thematic leanings; like its influences, ToS also wears its subject matter very much on its sleeve. Relapse and recovery -- whether it's a descent into alcoholism, melancholia or self-pity -- are the foundation of the band's songs; the overriding message a bruised declaration of post adolescent freedom and failure.But make no mistake, its not all misery and gin for these boys. A clutch of furious stompers prove that the group is capable of breaking out of the badlands with a cow-punkish display of three-chord mastery that doesn't sacrifice the emphasis on songcraft so integral to the group's dynamic. From drunken roar to quiet introspection, their music instinctively resonates with the kind of authenticity and power that eludes most groups navigating the same terrain. Sure there's a bit of Stones swagger and Neil Young crunch, but there's a lot more to be found veiled in that traditional garb. Look a little longer. Listen a little harder. Feel the whole damn thing. If you do, we're sure you'll agree that this lil' ole' band from the desert is worth your time.

Music Style Rock (Americana)

Musical Influences Uncle Tupelo, Soul Asylum, Willie Nelson, Led Zeppelin

Similar Artists Uncle Tupelo, Social Distortion, Rolling Stones, Soul Asylum, Wilco

Group Members David Wolfmeyer, Michael Wood, and Chad Hines

Instruments guitars, bass, drums, and lap steel

Albums CD single - Tales of a 25 year old Nothin'; CD full length - No Sense In Runnin'; D.A.M. CD - Stuck In the Mud

Press Reviews ...resonates with a simple clarity through a haze of pot smoke.Bob Mehr The Phoenix New TimesThe Truckers have talent to burn.Kery Lengel The Arizona Republic...resonates with the kind of authenticity and power that eludes most bands... Bob Mehr The Phoenix New TimesOnstage, this band kicks some serious butt, assaulting the audience with bone-rattling power chords and plenty of trailer-park testosterone. Kerry Lengel The Arizona RepublicAugust 30, 2000Listed one of the 100 best Valley Rock Bands of all time by the Arizona Republic.Eric SearlemanThe Arizona RepublicDecember 13, 2000Awarded Best Band Name in “The Rep's Best of 2000” listing.The Arizona RepublicSeptember 16, 2000Americana songs with true grit. Eric Shea, editor - Listen.com

Location Tempe, Arizona - USA

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