RIVAL SONS // USHER HALL, EDINBURGH
Rival Sons bring rock blues to Sold-Out show at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall
★★★★★ (5/5)
Following the release of Rival Sons sixth studio album ‘Feral Roots’ earlier this year, the four-piece blues rockers from Long Beach, California wasted no time returning to the UK this month due to huge demand following their sold-out UK tour earlier this year. The band returned to the UK this month for five-date tour, kicking off in Liverpool on 2nd November then continuing with shows in London, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Bristol. Support came from The Last Internationale and The Record Company. The night at sold Usher Hall show in Edinburgh was their second last show of the UK Tour run this month, before heading back to the rest of Europe.
Rival Sons have been plugging away for the last decade with a style of rock music which has built them a dedicated following despite generally not troubling the mainstream alternative discourse. Though their retro sound has not given listeners the kind of sound that is expected from a 21st century guitar-based band, their soulful and eclectic take on the genre has earned them many plaudits from critics and fans alike. And indeed, at a time when nostalgia (particularly within rock music) is becoming increasingly popular, and with positive reviews for both their latest album and their live performances, this is a good time to be Rival Sons.
The night was opened by The Last Internationale and The Record Company as support. Rival Sons take to the stage after the intermission to ‘End of Forever’ off of ‘Feral Roots’ and accompanied by a giant backdrop of the cover, which very quickly sets out what was in store for the rest of the evening. Rival Sons are punchy and powerful right from the start, with Jay Buchanan’s smooth and expressive voice filling the entire venue and the rest of the band on fine form as well; and the crowd show their appreciation accordingly.
The band during the set performed tracks off their new album ‘ Feral Roots ‘ and also did revert back to some of their fan favourites the difference between the reactions was a clear one; particularly as songs like ‘Pressure and Time’ and ‘Electric Man’ were interspersed between the Feral Roots tracks, rather than saved until the end. It should be clarified however, that there was at no point any negativity on the part of the crowd for the band doing this, just a slight drop in enthusiasm. It is also worth stating that when the enthusiasm was at its highest, the whole room was electric and the whole crowd singing along with Buchanan; particularly memorably during the inimitable ‘Torture’. The real highlight of the show, however, was when the rockers took things in a more mellow direction with a beautiful rendition of ‘Jordan’ from 2012’s Head Down album.
Be it with old songs or new, the musicianship on display throughout the evening is truly excellent. Bassist Dave Beste and drummer Mike Miley never put a foot wrong, and guitarist Scott Holiday is the epitome of style and swagger as he brings the house down with his solos. More than their talent though, Rival Sons bring a real sense of joy to the night. The feeling that they are genuinely doing what they love in front of their adoring fans is infectious, and it is no wonder that when they finish their set with ‘Do Your Worst’ (the only single so far from Feral Roots), the crowd does not let them leave without an encore. It is quite the encore too, as they return to the stage for the gospel-inspired ‘Shooting Stars’ joined by the Roundhouse Choir before bowing out with the popular ‘Keep on Swinging’. It was the perfect way for Rival Sons bring their UK Tour leg back to Scotland to ensure that their reputation as saviours of classic rock continues with Scottish fans.
SETLIST: | RIVAL SONS : USHER HALL, EDINBURGH - 06.11.2019
End of Forever
Wild Animal - (Tour debut, First Time since November 23, 2014)
Pressure and Time
Get What’s Coming - (Tour debut)
Memphis Sun
Tied Up
My Nature
Drum Solo
Look Away
Too Bad
Where I’ve Been
Feral Roots
Open My Eyes
Electric Man
Shooting Stars
Do Your Worst
Keep On Swinging
ENCORE:
Manifest Destiny, Part I - (Tour Debut)
Face of Light