For those unaware, at its core, TRUCE <3 is an album about connection. It’s about what happens when three musicians come together with no preconceptions, no pre-written material, just open ears and open hearts.

This is their third album as a trio, and in many ways, it feels like a defining statement. They’ve built something here that is at once spontaneous and structured, emotionally direct yet filled with intricate detail. With this record, it is evident they feel they’ve reached a new level of cohesion, intensity, and depth.

Indeed, one of the most exciting aspects of TRUCE <3 is how it merges different dimensions of their playing. The melodic storytelling that’s always been central to this project is still here, but so is outrageous shredding — a side of Markus’ playing that doesn’t always find a home in his other projects.

So if you’re a fan of fluid, high-velocity lead work in the spirit of Allan Holdsworth, you’ll find plenty of it here, trust me.

So come experience the exclusive first pressing of a premium-quality CD, encased in an innovative, ultra-durable 8-panel cardboard package, thoughtfully crafted in the classic jewel case format. Designed with exceptional care by award-winning graphic artist Ritxi Ostariz, this physical release is a true collector’s item — a seamless blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and heartfelt connection.

1. Not Alone
2. We Have Your Back
3. It’s Not In The Cards
4. Never Apart
5. Crooked
6. Bond
7. Love Theme
8. Guardian Shadow
9. Echo of Affection
10. Shuffled Fate

Recorded live at Art Music Studio, Bassano Del Grappa, Veneto, Italy, December 11th & 12th 2024, this quite masterful new recording opens on the propulsive prog brilliance of Not Alone and the hypnotically rhythmic We Have Your Back and then we get the soaring It’s Not In The Cards, the melodically jaunty Never Apart, and the cinematic, coursing and yet all-embracing Crooked.

Along next is the emboldened guitar work of Bond and one of my own personal favorites here, the absolutely mesmerizing AOR-prog guitar balladry of Love Theme, and they are in turn followed by the bass and drum-fed, yet at all times grounded Guardian Shadow, the set rounding out on the veritably shimmering Echo of Affection, closing on some searing guitar work that drives Shuffled Fate.

Music is always about relationships — between notes, between players, between the listener and the sound. TRUCE <3 is their way of celebrating those relationships, and Markus obviously hopes that when you listen, you’ll feel the energy, intensity, and, most of all, love that went into creating it.

Musicians:
Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® AU8, Live Looping
Fabio Trentini: Wal Fretless Bass, Bass Synthesizer
Asaf Sirkis: Acoustic Drums

Official Purchase Link

www.markusreuter.com