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Dirk Schwenk & The Truth Along the Road Review by Gary Hill This act looks to groups like The Eagles for musical reference. At least that's what the official buzz around them says. Well, the Eagles were a rock band with a lot of country in the mix, but now seemed to be considered by many to be more of a country band. Dirk Schwenk & The Truth are more faithfully tied to the roots music movement, though. At least that's true of the music on this EP. While there is some rock here, this is mostly country based music. It is an entertaining set that never feels like it's repeating itself. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018 Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

Track by Track Review

Table Set for Two I dig the classic Americana sound that opens this number. The partly spoken, partly sung vocals have more of a modern alternative rock vibe to them. This makes me think of something like Everlast in some ways. Still that classic Americana texture drives most of the musical arrangement. The guitar solo is meaty.

The River Now, this one is all about roots music. It's very much an old school country tune. The guitar work brings some definite bluegrass sound to it. The cut is a mellower, melodic piece that's more of a ballad. That said, it has plenty of energy and builds up a bit further down the road.

I Am Graced More of an energetic tune, this has plenty of that bluegrass texture built into it. This rocks a bit more and almost seems to land somewhere in between the first couple tracks in terms of style.

Along the Road She Comes Now, this one is closer to the opening number than either of the last two cuts were. It has definite modern rock elements, but overall is drenched in a lot of that country kind of vibe we heard on the last tune. It's arguably the most accessible piece on this EP.

Flag on a Hill "Country rock" would be a good description of this number. It's energetic and catchy. There is folk in the mix, too.

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