It was about a year ago when a respected guitarist from St. Louis, Missouri first introduced me to this dynamic duo. “You must see His Lordship if you haven’t already,” he urged. Intrigued, I discovered “All Cranked Up” and was instantly hooked. This wasn’t just another band; this was the brainchild of James Walbourne and Kristoffer Sonne, a duo synonymous with musical excellence, particularly Walbourne, known as one of the UK’s most celebrated guitarists.
His Lordship isn’t just a band; they’re a force of nature. Walborne and Sonne, having honed their skills alongside Chrissie Hynde—Walborne as the guitarist for The Pretenders since 2008 and Sonne on drums for Hynde’s solo project—have an electric synergy that’s palpable in every note they play. Their sound is a hyper-energized homage to the likes of Buddy Holly, making their live performances a high-octane rock ‘n’ roll spectacle.
His Lordship’s sound is a unique blend of ’50s garage rock supercharged with a rockabilly twist, reminiscent of The Beatles’ early days as depicted in the underrated movie Backbeat. But what sets them apart is their originality—each song boasts a hook that could rival Big Ben for its sheer magnitude.
Seeing them live was an experience like no other. Their opening act for Jason Isbell at the legendary Eventim Apollo was nothing short of electrifying. The energy, showmanship, and, most importantly, their songs were a cut above. Their subsequent performances only solidified my belief in their impending world domination.
Their journey from several singles and EPs has culminated in this: their debut album. Arriving at my doorstep earlier this week, it quickly became a staple of my daily listening. The album is all killer no filler, a proper collection of bangers from start to finish, just like the live show. “Joyboy,” a beloved staple from their live sets, makes a much-anticipated appearance on the record, fittingly placed at track three—a position often reserved for standout singles.
The album kicks off with “All Cranked Up” followed by “Buzzkill,” setting the tone for what’s to come. It’s a no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll manifesto. “The Repenter” offers a brief respite, a classic throwback that showcases the band’s versatility. Another standout track, “My Brother is an Only Child,” sees Kristoffer stepping off the drums to take on lead vocals, adding an element of rock ‘n’ roll performance art to their already dynamic show.
The upcoming release of His Lordship’s LP, slated for January 26th, 2024, brings a refreshing reminder of the golden era of rock. Reminiscent of the classic ’70s albums, it’s a straightforward, no-nonsense collection: 12 songs, 30 minutes, pure rock. Co-produced by the band with David Wrench, known for his work with the XX, Hot Chip, and Courtney Barnett and mixed by both Wrench and Tchad Blake, famed for his collaborations with the Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, succinct rock music.
