Music review: Rival Sons – 鈥楩eral Roots鈥�
Rival Sons journey back to their roots to discover an undomesticated tone for their sixth full-length album. The earthy vibe of the new material can be attributed to the California rockers鈥� transition from Southern California to the woods of Tennessee for the writing process.
鈥淲e鈥檙e far from the city, and this land is rough,鈥� sings frontman Jay Buchanan on 鈥淏ack in the Woods.鈥� This primal scream from Buchanan serves as a warning that things are about to get down and dirty in a hurry. And indeed they do.
A musical gut punch is firmly delivered right from the start on the opening number 鈥淒o Your Worst鈥� as Buchanan ominously declares, 鈥淪ee that stranger coming up the hill/Though you don鈥檛 recognize him, I know your preacher will.鈥�
With the stage properly set, 10 more tracks follow as the band documents a boisterous walk on the wild side with an audio assault filled with Scott Holiday鈥檚 blistering guitar riffs, Mike Miley鈥檚 muscular drumming, Dave Beste鈥檚 pounding bass grooves and Buchanan鈥檚 robust vocals.
After reading numerous articles comparing the band鈥檚 sound to classic rockers Led Zeppelin, I鈥檓 not willing to make that declaration.
While Greta Van Fleet鈥檚 鈥淎nthem of the Peaceful Army鈥� managed to capture Zeppelin鈥檚 rock and blues stylings, to me, 鈥淔eral Roots鈥� draws similarities to classic Bad Company.
As with Paul Rodgers, Buchanan鈥檚 voice carries a soulful blues and rock gusto with a no-nonsense edge that commands your absolute attention song after song.
Arrangements like the title track that offers a humble message about returning home to find oneself and the tainted love of 鈥淭oo Bad鈥� could comfortably fit on any of Bad Company鈥檚 first three releases. That鈥檚 certainly high praise regarding Rival Sons鈥� knack for fine-tuning a timeless sound that appeals to both seasoned and younger generations of rock fans.
The set comes to a comforting close with 鈥淪hooting Stars.鈥� Infused with traces of uplifting gospel tones and supported by a zealous choir, Buchanan sings, 鈥淢y love is stronger than your hate will ever be.鈥� It is a message that is needed now more than ever.
鈥淔eral Roots鈥� is an impressive effort that propels Rival Sons to the next level of stardom.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.