Jay Buchanan’s European debut with his solo project at Stereo Convent Garden in London was a night of revelation and musical enchantment. Known primarily as the frontman of the Long Beach rock band Rival Sons, Buchanan stepped into the spotlight with a new band to showcase his upcoming solo album Locust and Wild Honey. The intimate setting of Stereo Convent Garden was the perfect backdrop for this personal and semi-stripped-down performance.
Having just flown in from Germany where he was touring with his main band, Buchanan’s transition from frontman to solo artist would prove no challenge. The mystique of Buchanan, often shrouded in the collective energy of Rival Sons, was peeled away, revealing a different persona. He remained a frontman who’s in a trance and lost in the music, but this time, the spotlight was entirely on him.
The absence of his Rival Sons bandmates, especially Mr. Fuzzlord, highlighted Buchanan’s charisma and the sheer strength of his material. The pressure must have been immense, but Buchanan’s confidence and the quality of his songs connected straight away. I think what was obvious from the start is that you have an audience that will follow this man anywhere.
One of the most striking aspects of the evening was Buchanan’s rarely seen role as a storyteller. Known for his intense, over the top performances with Rival Sons, it was interesting to hear him speak so candidly on stage. He mentioned that he doesn’t have time to talk during Rival Sons’ shows because “they’ve got a lot of rocking to do.” However, in this solo setting, he shared the stories behind his songs, delving into their meanings, his writing process, and the personal impact of his music. This openness added a layer over vulnerability to the performance, not only showcasing Buchanan’s deep love for his craft, but the fact that he’s got a lot to say and he’s now got a proper outlet to do so.
Musically, Buchanan’s solo work is a rich tapestry woven from various influences. His sound lies somewhere between Hozier and Ray LaMontagne, infused with southern bluesy gospel, a touch of Havana, New Orleans vibes, and a hint of delta blues. It’s much different than the in your face massive riffs of Rival Sons, but that’s not to say that there isn’t a song or two that could easily fit into a proper Sons show.
While I really enjoyed the entire set, there were a few moments that truly floored the audience—literally, jaws were dropping. You know those songs you hear once and just know they’re destined to be hits? For me, “Internal Dialog” was that song. Its commercial appeal and irresistible hook made it an instant favourite, showcasing Buchanan’s knack for crafting catchy, impactful music. You could see this one immediately connecting and striking a chord with everyone and proving Buchanan’s versatility as a songwriter.
But let’s not forget another surprise in the set, “Tumbleweed” which was another standout. I couldn’t figure out if this was an older song that’s just for the live set as it’s not on the new album, which I was lucky enough to preview. Holy shit this one was good. Other highlights included “Vacuum” and the opening track “Corpse,” both of which set the tone for the evening and introduced us properly to the Holy Spirits as a more than capable band. Buchanan also paid homage to his influences with two well-chosen covers: The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” and Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love.” Not just tributes but reimagined pieces that fit seamlessly into Buchanan’s set, highlighting his ability to reinterpret classic songs while maintaining his unique style.
If you’re a fan of Rival Sons, I think it’s safe to say you’re already in and you get it, if you’re not, then Jay Buchanan’s solo debut really does have something for everyone. Not only that, but seeing a gig like this in such an intamate room peeled back the layers of his onstage persona, revealing an artist deeply passionate about his music and storytelling. Jay Buchanan isn’t just stepping out of Rival Sons’ shadow—he’s casting his own. I don’t think there’s an official release date for Locust and Wild Honey, but keep an eye out because this could easily be in your top 10 for 2024.
