Monster Truck

Monster Truck

Monster Truck is a Canadian rock band from Hamilton, formed in 2009. The group begins as a side-project for members of other bands, including The Reason and Saint Alvia, and develops from that loose starting point into a more defined hard rock outfit. Its lineup includes Jon Harvey on bass and lead vocals, Jeremy Widerman on guitar and vocals, Brandon Bliss on organ and vocals, and Steve Kiely on drums and vocals.

Style and sound

The band’s music draws on classic rock traditions while also incorporating blues rock, hard rock, stoner rock, grunge and punk influences. Its listed genres include blues, blues rock, hard rock, rock and stoner rock. The early idea of playing sloppy rock evolves into a tighter sound shaped by the members’ shared influences.

Early activity and live work

After forming, Monster Truck quickly attracts show offers and festival slots. The band becomes known for its live performances, with its stage presence developing through repeated touring and a steady schedule of shows. In 2010, it plays two separate dates at the Sound Academy: one supporting Steel Panther and another at EDGE 102’s Xmas bash with Die Mannequin.

Film and notable appearances

One of the group’s more distinctive appearances comes around the premiere of FUBAR 2 at TIFF, when the band performs on a flatbed truck driving through Toronto and contributes music to the event alongside the film’s characters and dancers.

Recordings

Monster Truck releases two EPs in its early period. Its self-titled EP is recorded by Gus Van Go and Werner F, who have also worked with The Stills, Priestess and Hollerado, and appears in August 2010. The follow-up, The Brown EP, is recorded with Eric Ratz, whose credits include Billy Talent, Cancer Bats and Three Days Grace. The four tracks on that release reflect the band’s classic rock foundations while adding elements associated with grunge and punk.