Spotlight Release Review | The Cravens – Strangers To The Truth: Grit, Grace and Genuine Rock
United States, West Palm Beach
On 6 May 2025, The Cravens release Strangers To The Truth, an eleven-track journey that plants one boot firmly in classic rock while wandering through Americana, blues, pop and even a touch of glam. Recorded at Gual Studios and mastered by two-time Grammy winner Andres Mayo, the album balances raw energy with careful craft, making every song feel immediate and lived-in.
From the Tom Petty-tinged opener “Long Long Way To Go” to the introspective title track, The Cravens dig deep into honesty with every riff and lyric. Brothers Bill and John Storch trade lead vocals and guitar duties, their voices blending with a natural warmth as they explore themes of self-reflection, regret and searching for something real. David Simone’s guitar shifts effortlessly from gritty drive to shimmering interludes, while Dennis Ambrose’s bass holds down each groove with quiet confidence. Bill Meredith’s drums push the momentum forward, never losing their human pulse.
The album thrives on its willingness to take risks. “South of Spain” brings slide guitar and back-porch rhythms into the mix, adding a dose of Americana grit. “More Than Sorry” slows things down with a heartfelt pop-rock ballad that feels timeless. “Up Around the Bend” injects a funky, country-tinged groove that practically demands a foot tap. Then there’s “Monday Morning Thing,” a blues-soaked, garage-punk burst that captures the thrill of living on the edge. The title track, “Strangers To The Truth,” ties it all together with lyrics that cut straight to the core: what it means to be honest with yourself and others.
Lyrically, the album deepens as it unfolds. “Hold On To What You’ve Got” reminds listeners that vulnerability is a strength. On “Heart In The Rain,” a slow-burning blues number, The Cravens explore how grief and healing can coexist. These songs form a broader narrative, charting a path from doubt to empowerment and giving the album a cinematic sweep without relying on orchestral flourishes.
Production by John Storch keeps the record feeling raw and immediate while Guy Gualtieri’s engineering captures every string bend and vocal breath. Andres Mayo’s mastering ensures the mix hits with punch on any speaker, whether through headphones or a car stereo. Subtle sonic details—warm tape saturation on guitar solos, harmonies creeping in just beneath the surface—add depth to the listening experience.
Strangers To The Truth isn’t an album that plays it safe. It’s for anyone who has ever stared out of a car window on a long drive, questioned what comes next and found comfort in a guitar riff that felt like a companion. In a crowded rock scene, The Cravens prove that authenticity still matters and that honest, well-crafted rock and roll can still move us.
Available now on Spotify and YouTube.
