Artist: Dave Arsenault
Song: “True North (I Came Back)”
Album: True North (I Came Back) EP
Genre: Rock, Pop Rock, Alternative
The sound of 90’s rock has been making a comeback as of late, and its influence is heavy in the songs of Dave Arsenault. After playing in a number of bands, Arsenault launched a solo career, recording songs in his home studio, where he wrote and played all of the instruments (along with doing the vocals). While he also mixes in some classic rock to his sound, it’s easy to hear the bands like Goo Goo Dolls and U2 in soaring songs like “True North (I Came Back)”.
The song, which in Arsenault’s words, “confronts my personal struggles with choosing a musician’s traveling career vs getting a real job and being a family man,” is a stadium-ready smash. While the shimmering synths at the song’s opening hint at something more 80’s, when Arsenault’s powerful vocals and guitars kick in, there’s no mistaking you’re about to hear a rock song. His vocals definitely carry the resonance of Johnny Rzeznik‘s, especially in the song’s huge, melodic chorus. Though with the guitar work on and after the bridge, Arsenault is definitely making a play for guitar hero status.
Check out this great song in our Check This 2025 Playlist!
The Indy Review 