The Life and Times of Absolute Truth

The Life and Times of Absolute Truth is the second release for South Africa's Tree63. The band garnered a Dove award for Record of the Year with their debut album as well as two number one rock singles. On their latest venture, Tree63 take the same path as the debut, offering up anthemic hooks with dynamic music. "The Glorious Ones" kicks off the disc with splendor. The cut drives forward with a driving bassline and power chords to boot. John Ellis plants some tasty effect-laden riffs that take a straightforward rock sampler into new territories. "All Because" is a stripped-down rock ballad. The cut features looping drums and a swirling acoustic guitar. The tune boasts some one of the disc's best vocal performances by Ellis. On songs like "Anxious Seat" the band turns up the heat, presenting a tune with heavier riffs, while songs like "It's All About to Change" lean more on the alternative groove to flavor themselves. The guitar playing on the disc is phenomenal. John Ellis seems apt at dropping effective nuances in the mix or completely wailing when the moment calls for it. Like the debut, at times his vocal similarities to Sting are welcome. Tree63 have put together ten cuts that capture several moods on The Life and Times of Absolute Truth. This Tree is as solid as an oak.