Returning to rock’s bluesy roots

Five well-known Laguna musicians with an eclectic but equally impressive music pedigree have come together with the same vision of creating raw “front-porch” rock and blues music.

The Plain Hard Truth, composed of Sawdust artists Martin Roberts and Dan Witte, Honky Tonk Train’s Bill Maresh and Jane Allingham and the Missiles of October’s Frank Cotinola, delivers powerful renditions of both classics and semi-obscure “gems” by popular artists, as well as some originals, with Roberts’ grittily idiosyncratic voice, which can be best compared to Neil Young’s, and a medley of acoustic instruments.

“We’re not your ‘technical blues’ band,” Roberts said. “We put our own stamp on [songs] that inspire us, and take the listener some place they never expected to go.”

Roberts’ 1932 metal National Resonator, Witte’s bass and organ, the pedal steel guitar and dobro played by Maresh, Allingham’s acoustic guitar and Cotinola’s drums create a dramatic story with every song, that takes the listener on an intense, climactic journey.

The band, which released its first two indie albums earlier this year, has already gained popularity across Western Europe for their roots blues music, which can be found on the debut album, “Bad Case of Déjà Vu,” a 16-song anthology of originals and covers by artists like James Brown, Howlin’ Wolf and Etta James.

Inspired by the early blues 78 rpms of their adolescent years, Roberts said the group’s vision was to achieve a sound that mimicked what could only be heard on those early records.

“Today, there is so much emphasis on studio work,” he said. “We wanted our albums to reflect that raw sound, with a minimal amount of production work.

“What you get is a live, unplugged feel.”

Their second album, “Hearing is Believing,” is a roots rock compilation of obscure covers by a variety of artists ranging from folk legend Bob Dylan to Neo Soul singer Macy Gray to alternative punk-rocker Pink.

“We’ve taken non-mainstream masterpieces from these artists and made them into something that moves people, and will leave a lasting impression,” Roberts said.

Plain Hard Truth is currently working on a third album, “Every Time I Take a Ride,” inspired by road trips on the 395 to McGee Creek, where they recorded part of both prior albums.

They will give a performance from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Monday at the Sandpiper, 1183 S. Coast Highway. Cover charge is $5.

For more about the band or to purchase their music, visit www.plainhardtruth.com. Their albums can also be purchased in iTunes and at the Sound Spectrum in Laguna Beach.