By David O’Neill
I saw Rival Sons on their last ÜK tour and was really impressed with their style of music, reminding me of late’ 60s rock music by the likes of Jefferson Airplane (albeit no Grace Slick on vocals) but Jay Buchanan has a unique vocal style. This review of ‘Lightbringer’ has been delayed by a few technical issues but thanks to the PR we got there in the end!
Well, what can I say, but WOW! This is definitely a unique collection of only eight songs lasting just over 30 minutes. However, every one is a very eclectic collection of musical styles both within the tracks and between the tracks.
4This no more readily demonstrated than in the first track ‘Darkfighter’, an eight-minute track that starts with acoustic flamenco style guitar and almost acapella vocals. The change from acoustic to full electric/dobro guitar sounds at the end of the second verse is a bit unexpected and can be a bit jarring, but it really works. The guitar work is very intricate and, being a fan of acoustic guitar, I really enjoyed the track even if it does come across as a bit proggy in its style, especially with the inclusion of the organ piece during the breakdown.
This style of multiple instrumental and vocal styles appears to be the theme of the album.
Next up is a more familiar style of Rival Sons music in ‘Mercy’, a more upbeat typical Sons sound which will probably be well received on tour as there is a cracking guitar solo in it.
‘Redemption’ is a much gentler track but nonetheless still very varied stylistically. A bit more of a ballad but still driven by Jays voice across some very gentle guitar playing before the breakdown gives life to the guitar playing. It’s probably one of my favourite tracks on the album.
‘Sweet Life’ is another upbeat track similar to many other Rival Sons tracks based in blues. ‘Before The Fire’ is another long track, at six-plus minutes, which opens with more acoustic guitar and some bottleneck slide. It’s another eclectic journey through different styles and also displays the musical ability of the rest of the band; the underlying guitar track has a bit of U2 sound (yuck – Ed) before the acoustic/electric breakdown.
The final track is another slower track called ‘Mosaic’ and is also another fabulously diverse stylistically musical track.
All in all, this is a fabulous synthesis of stylistic musicality that I’m sure the band are very proud of, and I’m sure the fans will love it too!
- ‘Lightbringer’ is out now.
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