Justin Saladino Band - Honest Lies (2022) [Hi-Res]

Montreal-based blues, soul, and roots rock guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader, Justin Saladino will release his second full-length studio album, Honest Lies, on September 16. Produced by Ariel Posen (The Bros. Landreth) and joined in the studio by bassist Gabriel Forget and drummer Denis Paquin, the ten original songs on the LP explore themes surrounding inter-personal relationships, social and political issues, the perception of truth, and being honest with oneself. Recorded at Tone Bender Studios in Saladino’s hometown of Montreal, the album is infused with the warmth, immediacy, and history of the vintage analog gear the band used during these sessions. Honest Lies follows Saladino’s natural evolution further into the roots-rock and blues realm with his deft guitar playing and carefully crafted, soulful melodies that highlight his authentic and impactful lyrics.

“I can’t deny that the pandemic influenced the songwriting,” says the guitarist. “Being stuck at home and watching people tear each other apart in the media certainly influenced me to write some of my first socially/politically themed songs like ‘Blind Faith’ and ‘Fan the Flames.’ I also can’t deny that going through a breakup didn’t influence my lyrics – though many of the ‘breakup songs’ were written pre-breakup which is interesting to me. I hope that listeners will ultimately feel good but not in a ‘forget about your troubles’ kind of way but rather in a ‘vanquish your demons and put your best foot forward’ way.”