Review: Beggars Bliss -Beggars Bliss
Self-Release – May 20th, 2026
Reviewer – Grant Foster
Bouncy, catchy, bluesy, a large hint of Southern.
They were the first words that I typed on listening to this album by Derby based outfit, Beggars Bliss. Formed in 2024, this their debut offering and deals in all of the above.
Opener ‘I Am I‘ is a twisted mix of early Sabbath and the spiritual side of Raging Slab.
Organ stabs and searing guitar run nicely alongside each other.
‘Forbidden Fruit‘ is indicative of quite a few songs on this album in that it almost strays into gospel territory. And that’s not a criticism. Vocalist v is the preacher and we’re all along for the ride. There’s a nice ebb and flow on offer here.
‘Peaches ‘N’ Cream‘ lyrically is pure filth! Nothing wrong with that, this is rock and roll after all……..but the song is more than just sexual innuendo. You can still sing the chorus AND be offended…….Giveittome!!
‘Train Song‘ opens with a harmonica reminiscent of Blackfoot, then hints at Molly Hatchet. The construction gives Henry’s voice room to breathe.
‘Dusk To Dawn‘ sees the band flex their emotional side. A change of pace and hints of early Skynyrd.
What really helps push the band’s choruses is that all of the musicians, Milly Ayesha (keyboards), Dan Griffiths (bass) and Chris West (drums) all contribute backing vocals.
Other bands take note!
Controlled delivery can be a powerful thing. ‘Take Rising’ power by AC/DC. ‘I’m On Fire‘ is another great example of a mid paced groovetastic stomper being more impactful, than a full out barn burner.
‘Sunshine‘ makes you feel just like its title. It jigs along at a fair clip with a delicious verse.
Menacing is how I’d describe ‘Spiralling‘. It’s as heavy as Beggars Bliss get and you can hear touches of more modern fellow artists at work here.
‘Rabbit Hole‘ sees a piano led number which is firmly planted in Skynyrd territory. Henry at times sounding eerily like Eddie Vedder.
There does seem to be a fair number of bands who are now dealing in this style in the U.K. alone. Beggars Bliss do have the advantage of those bv’s and the touches of Hammond organ which fill their sound out.
The production is bombastic, which I feel suits where they are right now. But I would like to hear them with a more sympathetic, refined and defined soundscape. On occasion, the band bleed into each other. That said, for such a young band in terms of time together, the guys and lady have produced a fine start.
They reference some classic blues and southern bands, but sonically they seem to know what defines their own sound already. Well worth watching and as Ronnie would say………………………TURN IT UP!!
Track list:
- I Am I
- Forbidden Fruit
- Peaches N’ Cream
- Train Song
- Dusk ‘Till Dawn
- I’m On Fire
- Sunshine
- Butterfly
- Spiralling
- Rabbit Hole
Line-up:
Henry John – Guitars, lead vocals
Milly Ayesha – Keyboardist, backing vocals
Dan Griffiths – Bass guitar, backing vocals
Chris West – Drums, backing vocals
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