Hailing originally from Long Beach, California, Rival Sons, with two Grammy nominations to their name, has seemingly discovered a more fervent following in Europe than in their homeland.
Their core lineup features the charismatic Jay Buchanan on lead vocals, the guitar maestro Scott Holiday, the reliable Dave Beste on bass, and the powerhouse drumming of Michael Miley. The band began their career on Earache, known primarily for their epic metal roster, and eventually moved to their current home, the legendary Atlantic Records, a label that housed many of their influences and stands as one of the most important record labels in history.
Touring in support of two new records in 2023, Rival Sons kicked off their UK tour on Friday at the legendary Roundhouse in London. With a career spanning over a decade, Rival Sons have not only carved their own path but have also evolved into something truly extraordinary—a modern-day equivalent of the mighty Led Zeppelin. Forget all the hype around Greta Van Fleet; Rival Sons are in a league of their own and continue to pave the way.
Look, I know everyone’s sick of the Zeppelin comparisons, but f*cking hell, the new album sitting alongside that classic Atlantic Records retro logo immediately took me back to the first time I heard that epic Zeppelin debut. You simply can’t deny the influence nor the ability of Rival Sons to put their own spin on it while continuing to evolve their sound.
For me, Rival Sons hit their Zeppelin IV stride with Great Western Valkyrie, but the beauty of it all is that it doesn’t mean they’ve peaked. They’re like a fine wine, getting better with age. Now, with their latest album, LIGHTBRINGER, they’re diving even deeper into the singer-songwriter territory, reminiscent of some of the slower numbers and deep cuts from Feral Roots. You could sense this shift from the very beginning, starting with their choice of opener. This time around, they brought L.A. Edwards along for the ride, giving the night a Crosby, Stills, Nash vibe—a stark contrast to the raw rock ‘n’ roll swagger of Dirty Honey, who supported them just last year.
The Roundhouse in London was absolutely buzzing, with just a handful of tickets short of a sold-out show. The setlist was a rollercoaster ride, opening with a bang and then delving into the slower, deeper numbers. Four songs from DARKFIGHTER, three from LIGHTBRINGER—it was clear the band had a message to convey. Most bands are hesitant to venture beyond one new song in their set, but Rival Sons fearlessly played seven, showcasing their confidence in their latest work. And boy, did they deliver! Classics like “Pressure and Time,” “Do Your Worst,” “Open My Eyes,” and “Electric Man” kept the energy high. I was pleasantly surprised to see “Face the Light” still holding its ground in the setlist.
With LIGHTBRINGER set to drop on October 20th, I can’t help but be excited. If the single “Sweet Life” is any indication, we’re in for a treat. And let’s be honest, it’s these types of bangers that bring the crowds. The massive guitar riffs, the thundering drums, and Buchanan singing each song as if it’s his last, this is Rival Sons, this is what the world of rock ‘n’ roll is missing, this is what will convince Gene Simmons that rock ‘n’ roll is in fact very much alive. While I can dig on the singer/songwriter numbers here and there, let’s keep the bangers coming Sons.
These guys are making a bold move, releasing two full albums in one year, defying the trend of singles and cherry-picking playlists. But if their London show was any indication, Rival Sons are ready to conquer it all and on the verge of a banner year. So, get ready, folks, and stay tuned for their new album hitting later this week—it’s bound to be something special.
