We do not need to go into history. All that is water under the bridge. What tonight is all about is the power of the electric guitar and no little amount of swagger. Playing their first gig under the moniker, Black Eyed Sons were out to kick up some dust and let loose, having waited for this moment for a long eighteen months. With their debut album, Cowboys In Pinstripe Suits, due to be released in January, there was no better time to flex their muscles.
Black Eyed Sons
The Lexington, London – 16 December 2024
Words: Paul Monkhouse
Photography: Ashlinn Nash
Industry veterans all, if there were nerves behind the big smiles, it didn’t show. But there was a real sense of hunger to show that the largely new and previously unheard material was equal to anything Black Eyed Sons had been involved with before. This is what they do, no matter the name.
Tearing into lively opener Louder, it was obvious from the off that this new outlook and the freedom of not being tied to a setlist played countless times over the years had reinvigorated the outfit.
The easygoing chemistry between the quintet shone from the stage, with Guy Griffin wreathed in smiles as he belted out the lyrics. It has been a real pleasure seeing him grow as a frontman since the split, his rapport with the audience growing and the tone of his voice shy of the whiskey-sodden rasp of his old bandmate but with its own rough-edged charm.
Accompanying him tonight, Ria Hall adds some extra textures and soul to the sound in her own individual way, the contrast perfectly pitched. With Griffin and Paul Guerin tearing out riffs, Keith Weir bringing some delightfully honky tonk keys and Maling brothers Pip and Nick making up a rhythm section who can really swing, the band were cooking.
Shorn of the plethora of guest stars who appear on the new album, the songs stand up easily on their own as numbers like the ballsy Dig Me Out Of This Hole, the Bowie glam stomp of the title track and the psychedelia of So Glorious impress with their verve.
Shot through with grit, there was an honesty here that allowed no room for any fake bullshit, and with the affecting and heartfelt blues of Autumn Reigns dedicated to Griffin’s late brother Daniel, the sense of soul and catharsis was breathtaking.
There is a newfound freedom here in both the writing and playing, the quintet able to stretch out and experiment whilst having a great time too, as the restrictions of the past are left behind.
This new beast being forged may twist and change over time, but at its core, the tradition of British rock music at its rambunctious finest remains steadfast, anchoring it down and providing a base from which to grow. You get the distinct feeling that the phrase “sell-out’ is something that will never be associated with this band of brothers.
Whilst Joe Elliott, Mike Tramp, Charlie Starr and Dan Reed may be otherwise occupied tonight, Hall is not the only addition to the stage tonight as Pearl Handled Revolver’s roughly suave Lee Vernon adds some tasty blues harp to Lie To Me and Don’t Throw Me In The Corner while The Dirty Strangers legend Alan Clayton adds his distinct vocals to a powerhouse Savoir Faire.
Tonight was a party, pure and simple, as everyone wets the head of this new addition to the scene. These Black Eyed Sons are a very welcome presence in times when the world is much in need of escapism and a damn good dance.
A triumphant night with smiles all round. Pure rock ‘n’ roll. No drama. All fun.
