As rare as they are, rough diamonds still need cutting and polishing to shine and the Black Eyed Sons have done just that whilst keeping a bold edge to these sparkling tracks. Finally able to ditch The Quireboys moniker, adopting the name of their 2014 album release instead, they have fashioned a classy rock & roll album. From the heady vocal hook of Lie To Me and the rock & roll swagger of the catchy Medicine and Foolin’ Yourself, these three opening tunes open a new era in this band’s new business. However, not all is twelve bar influenced rock. For balance there’s a reflective Autumn Reigns whose magical notes fall gently into the ear of the beholder.
A dramatic vocal opening to the title track reveals a slightly sanguine rock ballad feel that’s lifted out of its cups by a well-dressed full on rock banger, Don’t Throw Me In The Corner and a down in the groove True Colours. Plus, there’s the belting Savoir Faire and Dig Me Out Of This Hole. The penultimate track, So Glorious, steps into a dreamy acoustic soundscape setting up the elegiac final song Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory.
The starry list of contributors to this remarkable recording re-affirms the high standing in which Guy Griffin, Paul Guerin, Keith Weir, Nick and Pip Malling are held in by their peers as Joe Elliott, Charlie Starr, Chip Z’Nuff, Mike Tramp, Dan Reed, Scotti Hill, Ryan Roxie, a couple of Buckcherry’s, Chris Johnstone reuniting and more contribute their A game to this harmonious recording.
Without a doubt it’s the best album The Quireboys never officially recorded. The Black Eyed Sons have begun a new era on a high.
Words by Paul Davies
