Rival Sons

*Note* I wrote this on Monday but this one required some additional tweaking. Although I like some ROCK every once in a while, I also believe in not getting heavy and some songs were a little too heavy and I had to think twice about what I pass on to y'all. So, hopefully we're good to go now...

So here's the PLAYLIST

So, after my initial encounter with the Rival Sons, I decided I might need to give them a more in-depth listening. I listened to their newest album, Head Down, their EP, Rival Sons and their first album, Before the Fire. Here's my take on them: Awesome-ish.

The general, overall feel of their music is awesome but after the song is over, you can't really remember why. The solos aren't very crafted/composed/memorable, the lyrics aren't terribly meaningful or even cool (sometimes even a little silly). It comes off as impressive but upon further inspection there's not really much there that makes them amazing or better than the others. It's kinda easy to get side-tracked during some of their songs and you forget you're listening... Don't get me wrong, they're good. I'd even say very good (bold statement, I know ;) I'd listen to them over Miley or T-Swizzle but I don't know if I'd actively seek them out and listen to them by myself.

Perhaps better explained through an analogy? They're kinda like that summer blockbuster that's trying to mimic or reboot a more famous series and does an adequate job of capturing the essence of the original but has some flaws upon closer inspection. Sort of like what the Phantom Menace was to the original Star Wars or MIB 3 to MIB. Had homages and nods to the original, even some original stuff of its own. It wasn't the original but you were still excited in the theater and came out saying, WOW, that was fun! (At least I did) but when you really look at it, the acting was less than stellar, too much reliance on CG, not a strong plot and lots of elements that contradict/ go against the original. Okay, maybe that was too nerdy. Led Zeppelin! How 'bout that? It's been said they're like Zeppelin. That sums it up... they're like Zeppelin. Similar grooves and feel but nothing really STICKS is all. I'd classify them as 1/2 Awesome. Maybe even 3/4? I guess that makes them "aweso." Yes, they are Aweso.

That being said, there are elements that are full blown awesome! The BASS is frikkin' inCREDible!!! Mind blowing at times. Some ridiculously fun licks & runs that make me giggle like a little girl... and the vocals are nothing to sneeze at. He's kind of a mix between Jack White & Robert Plant. Not nearly as iconic as Plant but a bit more polished than White/ less weird, with a bit more range (although I don't think Jack is exactly going for polished...). But pretty awesome. Give 'em a listen.

Run from Revelation is pretty nitty-gritty, down & dirty, raw rock-on power. Keep on Swingin', of course is incredible. All the Way is kinda silly but it kind of reminded me of George Thorogood's One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer but not about drinking so it's better? Face of light is a little slower and more melodically focused and the rest are just plain fun. Enjoy!