You wait four years for a Rival Sons album and, just like buses, two come along at once. Lightbringer (Atlantic Records) is the new record from the Californian quartet, following on from companion piece Darkfighter which came out in June this year. With the everpresent Dave Cobb behind the desk, their eighth album is a compact six track offering that mixes their classic, fuzzed up Rock N Roll with atmospheric Folk and acoustic elements to great effect.
The title track encapsulates this, with soft acoustic parts, thunderous blasts of guitar and airy keyboards all mixed together resulting in an eight-minute plus Rock epic with shades of Led Zeppelin III about it.
These lighter elements are integral to “Redemption”, a finely balanced ballad with a big heart and a relaxed hook that slowly but surely worms its way into your head. These extra elements result in a textured and richly layered album that, much like “Before The Fire”, rewards patience and repeat visits. With a bluesy shuffle, warming guitar tone and Rolling Stones-like claps, the back to basics “Mercy” is a tasty serving of vintage ‘Sons and is greatly received.
“I gotta shake the bad rhythm for good” Jay Buchanan sings on “Sweet Life”, a decidedly old school Head Down style track, with a slinky riff, some lively drumming and a belter of a chorus. These back to basics, no nonsense rockers counteract the more serious numbers well, and help keep the album balanced. “Mosaic” is a softly struck ballad which, whilst laced with hope and genuine emotion, misses the mark and ends an otherwise good album on its only flat note.
The stronger of the pair, Lightbringer is an atmospheric and finely balanced album, whose richly layered acoustic infused rock n’ roll accompanies the punchy Darkfighter well.
Buy the album here:
8 / 10
THOMAS THROWER