It really looks like ex- Little Angels singer Toby Jepson mean business with his “new” outfit, the Wayward Sons. Today it’s not that uncommon that some dude starts a new band and then after one album they’re gone. Jepson and his Wayward Sons, they’re on album # 3, since the debut Ghosts Of Yet To Come in 2017. Their second effort was released back in 2019, The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be and has been touring both albums quite frequently – until Covid joined in and put all of that on hold, that is. I really love when old(er) musicians do that, release stuff and then tour it, like they did back in the day. Wayward Sons might not be a big band but they has released two albums full of high-quality, stellar melodic Hard Rock with an edge and my expectations on the new one are high.
The album opens with the title-track and the leading single and for us who’s familiar with the band, it’s easy to hear it’s the Wayward Sons we’re listening to. It’s an upbeat, crunchy rocker and for some reason, I’m thinking of Sammy Hagar’s solo-stuff when I hear this. It’s classic American Hard Rock, quite rowdy and in-your-face but with prominent melodies and catchy hooks. Very good indeed. “Big Days” lays out some smoother melody-lines over some gritty guitars and a steady, punchy rhythm-section – think a rougher and edgier Little Angels – and the whole tune is very much live-oriented in its approach. The chorus strikes hard right of the bat with an intense catchiness and etches itself to the brain directly. Great.
The upbeat, groovy and straight-ahead rocker “Sign Of The Times” comes on ballsy and muscular with some classic Hard Rock riffing and a meaty rhythm which carries the distinct vocal-melodies all the way through to the simple yet memorable chorus. There’s a 70’s vibe present as well and again, it feels like this one’s made for the stage. Good one. Second single “Bloody Typical” is a more held-back rocker yet with an upbeat crunch. The song holds loads of hooks and it’s a bit smoother with a Melodic Rock touch inserted. It holds a bit of a power-pop vibe with some Thin Lizzy inspired twin-leads going on. The chuggy guitars marries just fine with the pop-laden chorus too. Very good.
Also a single, “Faith In Fools” is slower in tempo with a more laid-back structure. The song rests on a steady foundation, holds a darker atmosphere with a mild nod towards The Beatles and dwells inside ballad-land albeit on a heavier note. The vocal-melodies are smooth without going slick and the chorus is very memorable. Great stuff. “Fake” is a mid-tempo rocker, quite crunchy with some catchy riffing going on. But there’s also a whole lot of pop-laden melodies and arrangements all over the track and the chorus is nothing short of massive with an infectious catchiness. This is awesome.
With “Downfall”, the Sons goes for a bigger crunch and brings out a fat riffed hard-rocker with a rough rhythm and a hard-hitting beat. It’s quite aggressive with some angst-laden vocals from Jepson somewhat smoothened by the “aaaah” choir in the background. It’s a fist-on-jaw rocker with direct melody-hooks in the chorus. Good one. “Tip Of My Tongue” is upbeat, riff-happy and raw but with distinct melodies over a chunky groove. The song changes character some when the power-pop inspired chorus comes along and throws mild Cheap Trick-isms around. Good stuff.
“Looking For A Reason” starts out with a groovy bass-line over a steady beat and continues with a firey guitar on a straight ahead note. It’s a quite a bluesy Classic Rock stomper that’s very direct, concise and punchy yet with memorable melodies all over and a fat organ that brings Jon Lord to mind. A juicy and sweaty number that will do the trick live. I dig. “Land Of The Blind” is an upbeat, crunchy rocker on solid beat. The darker mood of the song contrasts great with the pop-fueled melodies and the catchy refrain. This is brilliant.
“They Know”, holds a big 70’s vibe with some crunchy, nasty guitars, a swinging rhythm and a foot-stomp contagious beat – the live-feel is massive here and you even get the feeling that the whole song was a one-take live in the studio. The chorus might not be radio-friendly but it sure hits where it should. Splendid. Closing track “This Party’s Over” brings on a classic, British rock-sound. The verse is a bit held-back yet with a groovy drum-beat but the song gets going in a mid-pace with a chunky swing and the organ and guitars blends brilliantly. The chorus is infectious with a slight touch of melancholy over it. Very good.
While the Wayward Sons hasn’t reinvented the wheel by any means, they do sport a personal sound and an identity of their own. Wayward Sons is a Hard Rock band, plain and simple. The write catchy yet rowdy rock-songs, concise, groovy and beefy without any bull and made for playing live – and best of all, they just don’t write any bad songs. These guys might be middle-aged + but they sound young, hungry and they mean business. If that’s what rocks your world you’d be a fool not to at least give them a fair shot. In my book they really should be bigger than they are and with their third record maybe it’s third time lucky. They sure deserve to be.
7/10
More Wayward Sons review:
Ghosts Of Yet To Come
The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be
Tracklist:
1. Even Up The Score
2. Big Day
3. Sign Of The Times
4. Bloody Typical
5. Faith In Fools
6. Fake
7. Downfall
8. Tip Of My Tongue
9. Looking For A Reason
10. Land Of The Blind
11. They Know
12. This Party’s Over
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