After exploding on to the UK rock scene last year with their blues hooks and mesmerising vocals (and of course earning our title as album of the year), LA quartet Rival Sons have produced their third album Head Down. With a strategy of intense song writing and recording, will it be as successful a second time round?

Kicking off with Keep On Swinging, full of infectious riffs and blues tones, this record possess everything that makes Rival Sons special; the swagger, the energy and their passion for no nonsense rock n roll. You Want To is jam packed full of fuzzy, psychedelic tones and features some Jimi esque guitar free styling before launching into a killer solo. Jay Buchanan’s soulful voice is hypnotising, particularly in Jordan. The emotion and expression behind his performance perfectly compliments the mellow sound of the guitar with clever interplay between the two. The drum opening to All The Way echoes that of Burn Down Los Angeles from the groups previous record Pressure & Time. With a sparse accompaniment and the story telling nature of the track is something new from the Sons; not only are they not afraid to experiment but they pull it off with such ease and style. The Heist echoes the 50’s with its rockabilly rhythms and classy vocal before a 70’s style breakdown in the middle. The aura surrounding Rival Sons music is one of authenticity and originality, their talent stands on its own. Manifest Destiny Parts 1 & 2 are quite a trip ending on True. It’s a delicate way to finish the record and almost acts a cliff hanger, you’re already wanting more.

Branching out into different territories, Rival Sons ability to explore different genres and come up trumps is pretty remarkable. Still powered on by blues, their musical repertoire continues to expand and grow with every album made. The first moment you hear Rival Sons will be a moment you won’t forget.

Laura Woodhead