Vespers Nine are a five member premier classic rock band based out of South Florida. Launched with this line-up in late 2012, the band is a versatile, high energy outfit that has just released their brand new album, True Story.

Featuring John F. Simon on lead vocals, Gricel Julie Dosal on bass guitar and vocals, James Martinez on lead and rhythm guitars, Jesse Rivas on rhythm guitars, and George Dosai on drums, True Story showcases the talent these guys have for writing and performing it's own original music.

Made up of well-seasoned musicians, the album kicks-off with 'Mystery,' a track that truly allows us to instantly grasp ahold of the insanely brilliant vocals of Simon. His range is poetic, his balance of vocal power restrained, and yet seemingly always on the cusp of exploding. The storytelling of 'Never Enough' is next, and is followed by the somewhat slower vibe of 'Forever Yours,' and then the mid-tempo 'Walk With Me.'

Then, out of nowhere, especially given that Vespers Nine (which, in the poem, Vesper's Nine, refers to a time which is usually dedicated to church service) are renowned for their original material, a classic 80's song is brought lovingly to the fore. Originally written and recorded by the band Mr. Mister, 'Broken Wings' is a true delight to hear halfway through this great album.

Moving on and up next is the soft rock pop sway of, 'Waiting for You,' which is followed by the rocking title track, 'True Story,' and then the slow guitar ballad, 'Alone With You.' As a second lead vocalist, Dosal (younger sister to lead vocalist, Simon) most certainly adds her own tone to the ghost chorus of each song. None more so than the final two songs on the album - an album you never want to end - when Vespers Nine bring us the hard rockin' sounds of both 'Remember My Name' and then, finally, the glorious, 'Heart Wide Open.'

Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk

www.vespersnine.com