The True Deceivers

The True Deceivers were formed in 2003 from the ashes, as it were, of The Blazing Homesteads. Comprising Homesteaders Nick Bliss (guitar and vocals), Mark Mitchell (fiddle and vocals) and Dee Coley (bass) they joined up with former Plenty frontman Graham Firth (lead vocals and guitar) and Jamie Legg (Eat The Sofa) on drums. They soon made a name for themselves on the live scene with their rootsy folk rock sound punctuated by Mark’s stunning fiddle playing and Nick’s punchy guitar work. Their influences range from Steve Earle to Bob Dylan, The Waterboys and Tom Petty. Following Mark’s sudden death in March 2009 the band reverted to a more acoustic sound with Dee picking up his acoustic bass and Nick swapping his Telecaster for an acoustic guitar and mandolin. The result is a more stripped down sound whilst still retaining the band’s ear for a melody and losing none of the power of the original line up.
Their debut album Lies We Have Told was released on A New Day Records in September 2007:
Rock n Reel Magazine – 4/5 – "A thoroughly agreeable debut. What sets The True Deceivers apart from the current swathe of American influenced acts is the classic song writing of Nick Bliss."
The Surrey Advertiser – "From the first thump of the drums you know you are in for a treat. The band’s trademark live sound, always full of power and spark, is very much in evidence. Lies that are truly great."
Keith Woodhouse – Delta Radio – "Lies We Have Told leads you into a feeling of late night listening until it has you jigging round the room. One for all moods. A great allrounder."
On the live scene The True Deceivers have taken their powerful set to places such as Guilfest, Weyfest, Bearded Theory Festival, Blissfields, The Peterborough Festival and The International Welsh Motorcycle Show as well as building a large and loyal following in their local Surrey area.