…the record’s…feel and vibe is daring, upbeat, and filled with righteous fire - the kind of guitar-based rock that makes you want to turn it up LOUD AS F*CK and laugh while the downstairs neighbors beat viciously on the floor with a broom handle. We need more of this kind of shameless, brash, spit n’ guts rock an’ roll on the boards of our…stages. …

…The Truckee Brothers retain their brilliant flair for grimy, almost Zappa-esque, and obscene lyrics….

…4 out of 5! / A true album. There’s a certain swagger to the sound of a band at the top of their game…a vibe that can’t be created or rehearsed…but an audience can feel it. Double Happiness is brimming with that kind of confidence….

…9 out of 10! / The tracks sound so normal, and they’re so disturbing. I don’t know how they do it, and I’m not sure I really want to. This is music for the Apocalypse, a few days before the trumpets begin blowing….

8.90 out of 10
By Senior Staff Writer C.W. Ross
indiemusicstop

Double Happiness, found on Populuxe Records, is the latest release from the San Diego-based band Truckee Brothers.

These guys aren’t afraid to experiment with their music. On Double Happiness, they take the base ingredient of rock n’ roll and stretch it like a hyperactive child playing with Play-Doh.

On the 13 tracks of music found on Double Happiness the band mixes elements of folk, alt-country, 60’s psychedelic, hard rock, and even oriental-flavored touches to that rock base to create their very unique sound.

This band likes to push the edges both musically and lyrically while taking you along for the musical thrill ride that is the Truckee Brothers’ music.

Cady and Pete Truckee’s voices provide blended harmonies while their guitar playing provides jagged edges that ratchet up the intensity of the songs.

Fast and hard, with pounding drumbeats that nearly explode your head, or soft and unplugged, the Truckee Brothers prove on Double Happiness that they are very capable of doing either very well.

The Truckee Brothers unique sound is a big part of what makes their music so enjoyable. This band likes to rock it out while experimenting with their sound, and luckily for us the end results can be found on their latest release, Double Happiness.

May 2007
Grade: A
nctimes.com

Grounded in straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll but exploring all kinds of neat nooks and crannies, San Diego’s Truckee Brothers are certainly one of the more interesting bands playing today. Their continual willingness to try something new while always trying it with exceptional musicianship reminds a bit of Wilco or Widespread Panic; the Americana/roots groove at the base of everything wild they do calls to mind Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt.

They take in a broad stylistic range on their new album, “Double Happiness.” From slow, folkish songs like “I Am Nature” and “Bon Voyeurage” to the alt psychedlia of “Purple Waves of Gain” (a song that also displays their fun sense of wordplay, which also comes through in their lyrics) and the straight-ahead hard rock of “Kiss My Komodo” and “Mega Watt,” few bands can sound so equally at home and utterly confident in so many different rock styles.

“Planning for the 21st Century” shows off the advantage of having multiple singers with distinct voices; the interplay on the call and response lead vocals and then the merge into harmony is both well designed and gorgeously executed.

With so many of these songs having secutive little melodic hooks that get stuck in your head, the combination of great playing and intriguing arrangements makes “Double Happiness” nearly impossible to get out of your CD player.

To hear sound clips or learn more about this release, Turbula recommends visiting theTruckee Brothers Web site.

Review by Jim Trageser. Jim is a writer and editor living in Escondido, Calif., and was a contributor to the “Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD” (1993) and “The Routledge Encyclopedia of the Blues” (2005).

“Without the Truckee Brothers, our show would be boring! They’re a great bunch of guys, and very supportive of independent radio.”
-Jim and Mark – “Kill America Radio” – http://www.KillRadio.org

“Thanks to the proactive support of The Truckee Brothers, I had a couple of attention-getting, high quality PSAs I could quickly place in my Internet radio programming and share with my fellow DJs at WXOU, the college radio station I work at.”
-Tom Schulte - Outsight Radio Hours -www.outsight.mu

“The Truckee Brothers believe in internet radio
and all of us at Dynamic Independent Radio
believe in them!”
- Dynamic Dave - Dynamic Independent Radio – http://www.wdyn.net

“The Truckee Brothers are killer! They recorded a killer station ID for Fret Heaven (my internet guitar oriented station on Live365) and put together a serious buy funny piece on why internet radio needs to be supported. These guys are out front on this issue and a hell of a lot of fun to listen to!”
- Cameron Davidson - Fret Heaven - http://www.live365.com/stations/e_minor

“As a music podcaster, I have to make sure that every song on the show is one worth sharing with my audience. With the Truckees’ latest album, it wasn’t a question of whether or not they would make the cut, but which song was going to make it in the all important first spot.”
- Derek – Deliberate Noise - http://www.deliberatenoise.com/

“Internet Radio has flourished because of bands like the Truckee Brothers, who have extended their arms to not only help keep Internet Radio on the air with their track “Mayday,” but also by providing high caliber Indie music that stations love to play! StreetBlast.com is honored to have the Truckee Brothers on our playlist!”
- Jake A. Wheat - Station Manager - www.StreetBlast.com

“The Truckee Brothers are an amazing band and have been a great support for The Arc with their songs and provided station liners. Their songs have been popular on our station, and their most recent CD and gets a great amount of airplay.”
- John Romano - Music Director and Promotions Director - Arcadia Radio Club
Arcadia University - http://radio.arcadia.edu/home.php

“Truckee Brothers Gave Great Support To Intrenet Radio,. If everyone would give support like that the Gov sure Wouldn’t beable raise the rates. Blues Connection Gives them 2 Thumbs Up”
-Greg Davis – Blues Connection - http://www.live365.com/stations/e6028176

“New-comer artists, the Truckee Brothers, have embraced the internet radio phenomenon with both hands. Not only do they have a wonderful sound worthy of any type of station format, but they are also appreciative of any proposed airplay by personalizing a station announcement for broadcasters to air.

One would think that was enough, but the Truckee Brothers go that extra mile and a half. They provide station owners with a humorous announcement as well as a more straight edged and serious one to choose from.

Throughout the whole RIAA and CRB debacle, the Truckee Brothers managed to become the poster children for the sins of major music labels who have been attempting to squash indie net radio as it is such a medium and vehicle which has helped to make them known around the globe.”
-Mike V - Hidden Sanctuary Radio - www.live365.com/stations/mavjb

The Truckee Brothers are an excellent band which have the talent and songs to be a force in the recording industry for a very long time. They are also fan favorites and avid supporters of the “Troy’s Room” show which airs every Thursday at 3:30pm PST.
Troy S – Troy’s Room - www.kcla.com

To all of my listeners and devoted music lovers, I’d like to publicly thank the Truckee Brothers for their support to block the copyright initiative that’s currently in hold in Congress. Give these guys their due. They work hard at their music and for internet radio. They definitely deserve your attention. To see what I mean, tune in at 9 PM CST on Saturday 5/19/05 and hear my preview of one of the best new sounds around.
William Prevost – Rif Radio – www.rifradio.net

Truckee Brothers? Great Band and Great Guys. They have helped my internet radio station tremendously in both providing awesome music and their continuing support for Independent Internet Radio as a whole. Thanks guys! It is truly appreciated.
- John Ryan – Rock Arsenal - www.RockArsenal.com

Whether fending off Internet Royalty Rates with laugh out loud humor or ripping up the charts with amazing hits like Formula O and Snap Tight, it makes complete sense that the Truckee Brothers earn the top spot as Official F’N Radio Indie Artist of the Month for For the Month of May. Gracious with the guitar and crazy with the chords, everyone could only be so lucky that everyday be a “May Day”.
- Bob Marino - OFNR - www.officialfnradio.com

“The Truckee Brothers came through in a big way in their support for internet radio. They have gone above and beyond in spreading the word about the current crisis facing many webcasters today. These guys are awsome! Keep on keepin’ on Truckee Brothers!!!”
Darnell Greene - The Classic Soul Network - http://www.theclassicsoulnetwork.com

Here at NAB Radio, we’ve had great support from the Truckee Brothers. They’ve made a great PSA about the Internet Radio Equality Act, and also a great tune called Mayday. Keep rockin’ you Truckees!
NAB Radio - http://northamericanbroadcasting.com
Here at The Kat & Eye Jukebox, we’ve been running a great PSA from the Truckee Brothers. It’s about the Internet Radio Equality Act, and it’s a great help in the campaign to help keep us, and the many other Net Radio stations alive so we can play great music like The Truckee Brothers ‘Mayday’
The Kat & Eye Jukebox - http://live365/stations/eyebee

Truckee Brothers - Planning For The 21st Century
The drums kick in as I smile at this song title while
my electricity is going on and off. One woulda thought
that by the 21st century such tiny things like
electricity could have been conquered by science.
“Who needs yesterday? Don’t know tomorrow.” I
think they’re telling me to live for now. No prob
– these electrical storms send off some crazy
sounding thundercracks that have the flavor of
doomsday. While the metallic flavor of the lightening
fills the air, I understand it also fills the ground
with nitrogen. Better the ground than my house I
guess. “I spray weed killer on my hotel roots.”
Very cool harmony, then a device that works well here
– both voices singing different melody lines. A bit
later the beats change, so my ears are constantly
taking in new flavors. Nice composition. Shoutout for
Double Happiness.
- Rich – Eartaste – www.eartaste.com

The Truckee Brothers believe in the freedom of content which is a
belief we have in common. I’ve been broadcasting then for a few
months to help people to understand the urgency of what the big Media
and government are trying to silence us the small web caster.
Thanks Deano Dotson – www.Overground Radio.com

“The Truckee Brothers are one of the most fun, versatile and talented bands to play on Radio Free Moskow. They go with flow and integrate seemlessly and energetically, and most importantly, have a sense of humor!”
Michael Moskowitz – Radio Free Moskow – www.RadioFreeMoskow.com

The Truckee Brothers recently blew it open here at Insomnia Radio, and we thought the effort to help the Save Net Radio Coalition was a class act.
The Truckee Brothers firing tracks from ‘Double Happiness’ were a much needed respite from the doldrums of FM Radio. Our whole network was abuzz over their Mayday promo, not just because it was hilarious, but we were especially impressed they took the time to personalize the experience for the IR Network.
Charles Stepczyk - Insomnia Radio’s SoCal Sessions - http://socal.insomniaradio.net

“Without great bands like the Truckee Brothers allowing podcasts to play their music for free, we wouldn’t be able to help get their names out there allowing new fans to find their music.”
- Mike Wills - NewMusicToday.net

The Truckee Brothers might not yet be a household name,but,I can assure you they are in the hearts of all internet station owners.Why? Because they put themselves out for us,their new song
Mayday on Mayday,captures the sentiments of us all.We are being punished for not towing the establishment line.
These guys understand the importance of internet radio,I have tried to give a voice to the Independant,Unsigned and Unknown artists.The Truckee Brothers took a stand and said ‘enough is enough’You gave us the chance,here is our way of thanking you.
- Geoff Barton – Helsinki’s blues Café - www.live365.com/stations/catnadja

“The Truckee Brothers unlike the present music industry regulators are
forward thinking and support the freedom of choice of music listening
methods, (internet, downloads, satellite, etc). They realize change should
be embraced and not inhibited.
- Crazy John Kerecz - www.OSHRadio.com

Doublehappiness is kick ass rock! Catchy melodies and guitar licks that rule! The band is freaking great with everyone playing like dogs in heat with a humping rhythm section and awesome vocals and harmony! EVERY song is playable on AOR or Rock shows anywhere anytime. They’ll always be in rotation on the Chill Pill Show and on the Hot Sheet Mon Show at Preying Lizard Music! I hate comparisons but think early Queens of the Stoneage meet the Butthole Surfers meet Wilco.
Les – Preying Lizard Music - http://www.preyinglizardmusic.com

Metal Warrants Radio would like to send out a huge thanks to the Truckee Brothers for all their help and support. I mean, without them i’d have a few less promo spots to run. (HA,ha) No really, anytime I request a spot, they’re right their.
John - Metal Warrants Radio - http://www.live365.com/stations/haazzy?tm=1315377

June 13, 2007

This album really surprised us. From the yee-haw Truckee Brothers band name, we thought it would be entirely alt-country and extremely formulaic.

Instead, Double Happiness is a soundtrack to the mid-life crisis soundtrack — a monster of an album wrapped in bluesy garage rock, 60’s psychedelica and yes, some Americana roots rock.

With gentle harmonies, gripping guitar melodies and a restive spirit, the San Diego group’s been paying their dues in dive bars for long enough. It’s time for the brothers to travel!

Here’s the bonus track — a political statement against the RIAA and raising royalty fees for internet radio (you can’t say Mayday over and over on the radio, either!):

December 8, 2005
By Buddy Blue

I’m deeply conflicted today. I’m having a crisis ovah heah. We really need to talk, me and you.

Last week, you see, the Belly Up Tavern hosted a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert that I helped organize. At the risk of waxing grandiose, it turned out to be a magnificent, inspirational event.

The music was fire ‘n’ brimstone brilliant from beginning to end, there was a wonderful vibe of camaraderie among the performers, and it was all done in service of an eminently worthy cause.

I was left glowing with pride over the quality of San Diego’s music scene. In my judgment, it is finer than it’s ever been in the quarter-century I’ve spent witnessing, critiquing and participating in it.

The rub? What if you threw a poor man’s Woodstock and nobody came?

I shouldn’t say “nobody.” I sincerely thank the 80 people who showed up and paid 10 bucks to see six live bands. The thing is, though, everyone played as if there were thousands rather then dozens in attendance, a great time was had by all despite the miserable turnout, and I so don’t quite know whether to feel thrilled by the artistic triumph of the evening or disgusted by its commercial crash-landing.

Gregory Page opened the show, abetted by beloved international celebrity Steve Poltz and exquisite Englishman Sir Martin Greaves. Page’s set alternated heartfelt, John Prine-worthy folk songs with slick fingerpicking and old-timey gaiety to do Ted Lewis proud. When he finished, Greg and I discussed our shared crush on stinky ol’ Lou Curtiss. Me and Stevie reminisced on the time he almost died and I beheld a priest administer him last rites. What fun!

Next up were me and the redoubtable Jerry Raney, who’d endured hernia surgery just a week prior; he was bed-bound and vomitose just days earlier. That Jerry dragged his tender old torso out of bed to play a benefit show – and do so with his customary splendor, thank you very much – bordered on the heroic. Speaking of heroic, Jerry introduced me to his pal, Ron Armstrong, who at age 66 is preparing to release his debut CD. Ya gotta love that.

The Eve Selis Band erupted in an acute explosion of Americana, wailing and twanging and thundering and throbbing, conjuring demons and angels alike. I was moved to propose that Eve and I be wed despite the fact we’re both already married; an offer she politely but pointedly declined. Damn, that woman can sing!

Hot Rod Lincoln just gets better ‘n’ better every dang time I see ‘em. Why, I remember when guitarist Buzz Campbell was greener’n Duke Cunningham’s mug during his “poor poor pitiful me” presser. Today, the boy’s a six-string stud serving the Stray Cat’s Lee Rocker. I’m way proud of ya, Buzzy.

Event co-organizer Johnny G lamented that Robin Henkel wasn’t on hand to play with his band, Big Rig Deluxe. No worries, Johnny. I love Robin, but you and the boys raged like a runaway semi even without him, and your purring hillbilly baritone is purty enough to put tears in the eyes of a cobra.

The Truckee Brothers were the first to arrive and the last to play. These guys’ noble sportsmanship and dazzling talent left me giddily spazz-dancing (when I find that guy with the video camera I’ll definitely have to kill him) and ultimately humbled by their precipitous powers. Humbled, I say!

Exceptional songcraft, elaborate arrangements, wholly unique style, ferocious performance – somebody please give this band a record deal so they can single-handedly save rock ‘n’ roll from itself. No hype – we’re seriously talking timeless, world-class goods here, people.

Finally, let us praise the Belly Up and its booking mensch, Jeff Gaulton, for ongoing commitment to both local music and Katrina relief. I placed a sheepish call to Jeff on the bloody morning after to apologize for the tragic attendance, but he’d have none of it.

“We’re passionate about this music, we’ll continue to be and we hope that the people who come here to be entertained share that passion,” he said. “Great American music is going to be a mainstay of what we do here until they fire me – period.”

Cherished readers, I implore you: Do not let Jeff Gaulton be fired. Turn off your TV, get your bum off the sofa, change out of your sweatpants and support local music!

San Diego is in the midst of a rock ‘n’ roll renaissance of unprecedented proportions. Shall you partake of it, or shall you lurk in shame among the lame?

Buddy Blue is a San Diego musician, writer and all-around curmudgeon. His Blue Notes column runs weekly in Night&Day.