Although they have the best of intentions, Canadian indie labels have been an anchor to many a great band. Attic Records, due to limited resources, stifled the careers of both Anvil and Killer Dwarfs and deprived the world of many great bands. A similar fate befell Freeways, whose debut album True Bearings (reviewed here) was released via Temple Of Mystery Records. It was a classic album in every sense and deserved a far bigger reach, but now it has been picked up by German label Dying Victims, it seems the world is about to get a hefty dose of Freeways!
Much has been made about Freeways NWOBHM appreciation, and that admiration becomes immediately obvious on opening track ‘Eternal Light, Eternal Light’. The fact that it bears passing resemblance to Judas Priests’ ‘Desert Plains’ doesn’t hurt, and the staccato riff that drives it forwards harks back to metal’s golden era (1979-1983). At once heavy and melodic, each of the seven cuts on this record are awarded instant earworm status and make a beeline to your memory bank, this means that once True Bearings is heard it’s not easily forgotten. This is due in part to Jacob Montgomery’s vocals which come soaked in honey, yet it’s also the twin guitar attack (Jacob also plays guitar alongside Domenic Innocente) which entwines in a Thin Lizzy way and will have you reaching for your air guitar to indulge in some serious fretboard action.
It would be all too easy to write Freeways off as some kind of retro act; they make no disguise of their love of the NWOBHM movement, and True Bearings authentically captures the spirit of that era. However, there’s an element that places places the band firmly in the present. Maybe it’s because good music never goes out of style, but True Bearings can stand proud amongst anything on offer today. In fact, time has only enhanced its charms since it was originally released in 2020. I like the mystical, Black Widow-style mystical/occult flavourings found on ‘Time Is No Excuse’ (best experienced with the lights turned low) while ‘Survival’ makes for a cool closer and is the kind of track you wish would continue in perpetuity.
At just over half an hour, True Bearings is a fairly brief listen, but it has plenty of mileage in its tank and is the kind of record that’ll reward repeat plays and will reveal subtle nuances on successive spins. With this timely and respectful reissue, there’s never been a better time to find your True Bearings and hit the Freeways.
- True Bearings is released via Dying Victims Productions on 15th December 2023.
Track List:
- Eternal Light, Eternal Light
- Sorrow Was Her Name
- True Bearings
- Dead Air
- Battered & Bruised
- Time Is No Excuse
- Survival
