True Myth ~ Canada ~ Ontario

True Myth (1979)

---12/14/09

Much was made at the time of release that True Myth's sole album was the first ever all digital recording from Canada. I guess it's ironic, then, that the album remains unissued in digital format. This is obviously a big budget affair, complete with a thick gatefold cover, lengthy liner notes, and a brilliant production. Musically, even though it's from Canada, it has much in common with the US Midwest prog rock scene of the mid 1970s. 1979 was a little late for an album like this, and there's the expected obvious commercial AOR moves. Excellent high energy piano work recalling Festa Mobile, for an obscure reference. A good album that is generally panned by the progressive rock community. But I have a soft spot for this kind of stuff and recommend it to those who like groups such as Ethos, Styx, and Sunblind Lion.

---3/2/26

That entry was for the CDRWL, and shortly thereafter, a CD appeared out of Japan on Belle Antique. The album now makes its debut on UMR. 

Named for keyboardist and principle songwriter Tom Treumuth, the London, Ontario based band were blessed with a large budget. How successful album sales were would be anybody's guess, but there's plenty of supply in the used marketplace. I didn't mention it above, but once again Gentle Giant can be used as a reference here, a very common occurrence for the region. In reflection this album really should have made the big time. It has everything that was expected from the era, including great songs, production, and musicianship. Special mention goes to guitarist Tony Cook who lights it up on more than one occasion. Excellent mellotron on B1. In reflection, the album is more progressive rock oriented than I had realized before. All the short form tracks pack in a lot of ideas per bar.

Perhaps it was just too progressive for its own good, and there really isn't any notable hooks that linger after the listening session has stopped. Which is why novelty records tend to do better in real time, though they rarely age well. A3 was probably their best shot, sounding quite a bit like same era Supertramp.  An impressive debut, but sadly it was to be their last. Though there's no doubt the band would have been forced to adapt to the upcoming New Wave trends or go underground. The latter option would be doubtful.

Ownership: 1979 Warner Bros. (LP). Gatefold. Multi page poster lyric and historical insert made to look like tractor feed printer paper. Acquired in 1992.

1992; 12/14/09 (review); 3/2/26 (update / new entry)