WORDS WILL MAXWELL
RIVAL SONS
LIGHTBRINGER
Available October 20th 2023
Rival Sons have spoiled us this year. Hot on the heels of June’s DARKFIGHTER, companion album LIGHTBRINGER is here as the Long Beach, California natives rock us with a one-two power punch.
Both albums were recorded together. Singer Jay Buchanan explains “By the end, there were really two different sides to the same story being told. On one side, you’re fighting the darkness and, on the other, you’re bringing your own light to where there is none. One side in a corner, on the ropes, and the other advancing, cleaning the ring. “Without an intermission, a refractory period, the collection would be too big a bite, so splitting it in two was the only way to do it.”
Unashamedly influenced by 1970s rock, Rival Sons are now eight albums into their career and are the flag bearers for the retro sound that has been dragged back into the mainstream by the likes of Greta Van Fleet. LIGHTBRINGER is another glorious offering of Rock n’ Roll from one of the most hard-working bands around.
Kicking off with “Darkfighter”, this nine-minute epic takes us on a journey. The gentle opening lulls us into a false sense of security before eventually kicking in with a powerful chorus. This sprawling track showcases the musical talents of all the band as well as Buchanan’s vocals and is one of the most stunning album openers I’ve ever heard.
The killer riff from Scott Holiday on “Mercy” will see this become an instant fan favourite. It has more than a friendly nod to Mirrors on Darkfighter. Like me, you will find yourself humming this infectious hook at various points throughout the day!
They slow things down with “Redemption”. This story-driven, tender ballad shows their versatility and is a nice change of pace that makes this record such a well-rounded one.
It’s easy to see why “Sweet Life” was chosen as the lead single. This is trademark Rival Sons and is sure to be a staple on the playlist of any decent Rock Radio station.
The soaring vocals on “Before The Fire” drive this song. Jay Buchanan holds some incredible notes which cements him as one of the finest vocalists of the genre.
“Mosaic” closes the album in just as spectacular a fashion as it started. “The broken pieces fit together” is the perfect bookend to this double album chapter.
Rival Sons did the right thing in splitting DARKFIGHTER and LIGHTBRINGER into separate releases and letting each one get the attention they deserve.
8/10
TRACK LISTING
1/ Darkfighter
2/ Mercy
3/ Redemption
4/ Sweet Life
5/ Before The Fire
6/ Mosaic
Rival Sons Tour Dates 2023
Oct 20: Cambridge Corn Exchange, UK
Oct 21: Bristol O2 Academy, UK
Oct 22: Southampton Guildhall, UK
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
