Album Review
Rival Sons – “Feral Roots” [Album Review]
Rival Sons deliver a focused and well-produced album having perfected their craft over their 10-year career. Infusing heavy rock and blues, Feral Roots, the band’s sixth studio album, is a cocktail of the best elements that both genres have to offer.
Feral Roots marks Rival Sons’ sixth studio album since the four-piece formed in 2009. In their ten-year career, the band have continued perfecting their craft and pleasing fans with each new record, and Feral Roots will continue this tradition. By mixing hard rock with a touch of blues, Rival Sons really have found the sound that can only be described as a cocktail of the best elements that both genres have to offer.
Feral Roots’ opening track “Do Your Worst” is a fine example of how to start a record – catchy choruses, thumping beats, and distorted and bluesy guitar riffs that any aspiring guitar hero would find pure delight in playing along too. It’s not hard to see why the track was a Top 15 Rock Radio hit! Songs like “Sugar on the Bone” and “Imperial Joy” infuse blues and rock to seamless perfection, giving off funky and upbeat vibes, whereas other tracks like “Feral Roots” and “All Directions” demonstrate the group’s more chilled-out side without sacrificing the blues-rock tone.
That said, where Feral Roots really shows its strength is with “Back in the Woods” and “Look Away”. The former opens with a drum solo that kickstarts the track into a full-blown choir-backed extravaganza. Conversely, “Look Away” starts off with what resembles a sitar riff that creates an exotic atmosphere against the Western rock background, before the band toy with quiet-loud dynamics, hitting different styles along the way.
Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the album’s artwork, painted by renowned contemporary artist Martin Wittfooth. It depicts a particularly vicious-looking dog lying in a tranquil forest setting. The juxtaposition of the dog and the background is simply stunning and speaks towards the band’s interplay of dynamics and genre-blending.
With this video, the band invite you to “Do Your Worst”.
The main takeaway from Feral Roots is that the whole album feels focused, and that the band knew what they wanted to create. The result is a well-produced record with all elements working seamlessly, both musical and visual. A copy of this record, either physical or digital, is a must.
Feral Roots Track Listing:
01. Do your Worst
02. Sugar on the Bone
03. Back in the Woods
04. Look Away
05. Feral Roots
06. Too Bad
07. Stood by Me
08. Imperial Joy
09. All Directions
10. End of Forever
11. Shooting Stars
Run Time: 47:04
Release Date: January 25, 2019
Record Label: Atlantic
The Darkness: “‘Dreams On Toast’ means full freedom of expression. It’s a statement of us doing what we want, even if it’s the wrong thing.”
Silverstein and Friends Celebrate 25 Years of Post-Hardcore Brilliance in London [Photos]
LLOREN Premieres Rousing, Nostalgic New Single “What Dreamers Do”
-
Music2 days agoLLOREN Premieres Rousing, Nostalgic New Single “What Dreamers Do”
-
Dance/Electronic2 days agoGeared Up: Raze.D Explores a Collection of Gear Responsible for 30 Years of Dancefloor Fillers
-
Folk/Singer-Songwriter3 days agoElectric Blue Yonder Premiere Their Colourful “Roly Poly” Music Video
-
Indie4 days agoStereolab Announces World Tour Dates & Reissuing of Seven Albums
-
Indie5 days agoCuco Collaborates with Paul Trillo & Paul Flores on Animated Short Film
-
Metal1 week agoSlayer Reveal Two Exclusive UK 2025 Shows!
-
Alternative/Rock5 days agoRØRY’s Triumphant London Takeover: A Night of Emotion, Energy, and Euphoria! [Show Review]
-
Features6 days agoBrendan James Premieres the Music Video for Pensive Single “Chasing Light”