Sons Of Liberty – The Detail Is In The Devil

Self-Released  (February 23^rd, 2024)

Reviewer: Chris O’Connor

 Now I can honestly say that I have supported and championed this South West band of Suvvern Rawk desperados since day one, I have reviewed each release, and played them endlessly on my radio show on www.voodooradio.online. I have always felt they have what it takes to really breakthrough somehow. In part I always felt this was down to their fiery singer Greyfox Growl, who seemed to not only front them, but to lead them too. Imagine then my surprise, on learning that he had been removed from the band, I actually did wonder if this wasn’t a fatal mistake. I admit right now – that I could not have been more wrong.

Last year it was announced that the boys had recruited Russ Grimmett (son of the legendary, late Grim Reaper/Onslaught vocalist Steve) as the new vocalist for the Sons, and again, I put my hand up, as i thought “Hang on, isn’t he a metal vocalist? Surely this won’t work?” and again – my judgement was 100% wrong. Russ works in ways Greyfox couldn’t, his powerful voice lifts the band to the next level, suddenly they are not just a cVlt band, they are serious contenders! Oh my!

The next thing you cannot help but notice is the production. This time, by Josiah J Manning (guitarist for the Kris Barras Band, and producer at his own Momentum studios). The album simply sounds HUGE, as in MASSIVE, the band under Russ and Josiah has somehow found a second wind, and are on the fast-track to much bigger and better places. Guitarists Fred Hale and Andy Muse are sounding every bit as authentic as Blackfoot’s Rick Medlocke/Charlie Hargrett, or Molly Hatchet’s Dave Hlubeck/Duane Roland, and I mean that as a colossal compliment. The rhythm section of bass guitarist Mark Thomas and drummer Steve Byrne are as tight and grooving as Greg T. Walker/Jakson ‘Thunderfoot’ Spires or Riff West/Bruce Crump – again a huge and heartfelt compliment.

So, you have a killer new vocalist, and a sh*t hot producer, you have a band who is suddenly primed and firing on all cylinders, but all of that is pretty much for naught if you don’t have the songs – right? Well, fear not, as the Sons Of Liberty have (yet again) upped their game, and have produced eleven pristine gems – I swear on all I hold sacred, there is not a single weak link to be found. Until now my favourite European Southern Rock album was way back in 1988, and came in the form of ‘Indian Warrior’ by Finnish Southern Rockers Havana Black. Well, now I genuinely have a new favourite! Wow!

So, the band now has it all, huge Southern Rock grooves that know no bounds, but there is more, as in places I also hear hints of Little Caesar, Bad Company, and The Four Horsemen as old school boogie influences. I need to emphasise again though, that the Sons are doing it in their own completely unique way – and I am breathless with excitement and admiration. The musicianship is terrific, the vocals, and indeed vocal harmonies are to die for – you don’t believe me? Check out ‘Hawk Men Come’, which is as authentic and soulful as anything The Outlaws have ever done – and that band always did that vocal ‘thing’ the best!

From the moment opener ‘Time To Fly’ fairly erupts from your speakers, it’s instantly clearly that the band are taking no prisoners (and yes, it’s bad Molly Hatchet pun I know). The album is a colossal riff-fest, any of the legendary American acts would be proud to have such a tear-assin’ album in their own catalogues, it’s just an unstoppable force. ‘Turn This Tide’ is an absolute beast of a number. Absolutely Suvvern Rawk heaven, while ‘Walk With You’ mixes wistfulness with belligerence in equal measure (no mean feat in itself). ‘What’s A Man Supposed To Do’ is simply a boogie party on ten legs (I love this one to bits!), while ‘I’ve Got The Sky’ is beautifully wistful before turning into a joyful gallop … amazing! And so, the album goes on! It’s like a glorious musical patchwork somehow, but completely perfect anyway. So few bands could ever make it so convincing or authentic, yet the Sons Of Liberty make it look so genuinely effortless.

I have been playing this album fairly endlessly, almost to the exclusion of anything else of late – as it is absolutely mesmerising. We are only in January, and unless something truly extraordinary happens, ‘The Detail Is In The Devil’ looks set to be my album of 2024. Take my word for it, the Sons Of Liberty are on the fast track to fame and fortune. Catch them in ‘small’ venues while you can, because before long, they are going to be headlining much bigger places – and deservedly so. This may well not only be the best UK/European Southern Rock album of 2024, but quite possibly the best one anywhere. Hell yeah!

Tracklist:

1. Time To Fly
2. Light The Fuse
3. Turn This Tide
4. Tertulia Time
5. Walk With You
6. What’s A Man Supposed To Do
7. Hawk Men Come
8. Love What You’ve Got
9. Libertine
10. I’ve Got The Sky
11. Wells Run Dry