Off Yer Rocka Recordings (Release date 31.01.25)

After initially soldiering on as The Quireboys after dismissing Spike, the remaining band members wisely came to the realisation that the public would always associate the band with the roguish singer, and that a fresh change of name and approach was the way forward.

To make an even more striking break with the past, their debut as Black Eyed Sons also boasts an impressive array of guest names, proving the respect they have among their fellow musicians.

Ironically then, opener ‘Lie to Me’ is totally Quireboys-esque from the opening few notes of Keith Weir’s barroom-style piano, with a Faces feel and a harmonica solo from Lee Vernon. The same formula is as true on ‘Foolin’ Yourself, where the presence of a couple of ex Company of Wolves members is no surprise.

However in between on the vintage country rock ish ‘Medicine’ the pace is taken right down, with Buckcherry’s Josh Todd and Stevie D the unlikely collaborators, and ‘Autumn Reigns’ reverts to that country-ish feel with some fine harmonies from Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke and Keith’s organ gently adding background colour.

The title track will probably attract most attention for giving the album its title and striking artwork, and for a guest vocal appearance from Joe Elliott, returning the compliment after using many of the band in the Down’n’Outz. Unsurprisingly it therefore mirrors Mott the Hoople musically and seventies references abound, from the ‘Thin White Duke’ to platform boots, and features sweetly melodic guitar work both from Paul Guerin and another guest, Ryan Roxie from Alice Cooper’s band.

The raunchy ‘Don’t Put Me In the Corner’ is more typical Quireboys and though it has a familiar feel, as throughout the album Guy Griffin’s vocals, while never attempting to clone Spike, fit the musical style perfectly. On ‘True Colours’ the inclusion of Mike Tramp works with his world weary delivery on a song in a similar mould to his rootsy solo material.

‘Savoir Faire’ is a rollicking cover of an old Mink DeVille song, even with guest piano from Chris Johnstone who I thought was on the other side of the Quireboys split, and ‘Dig Me Out of This Hole’ is even better with its catchy chorus, vintage Hammond sounds and a slide solo from Paul, though the pacing of the album could be queried as the last two songs, albeit fine ones, are down tempo in another country rock inspired number in ‘So Glorious’ – a collaboration with Dan Reed- with almost husky whispered vocals and ‘Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory’, complete with strings.

Making an album with so many guests is a difficult balance, which can bring variety yet dilute a band’s essential character. But this release works perfectly and proves they were never just supporting musicians for one of British rock’s best loved characters, but skilled players who feel that retro early seventies sound and have nailed it to a tee. A very impressive debut that sets the bar high for others in 2025. **** 1/2

Review by Andy Nathan

Gig review (December, 2024)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 10 March 2025

THE SOUL REVIVAL Outlaw (indie)
WHEN RIVERS MEET Addicted To Love (indie)
ISABELLA STORM Satan’s Valentine (indie)
KEYSTONE Slow Down Honey (indie)
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE Sleep Tonight (Metropolis Records)
SAWMOON Madness (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 10 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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