For those unfamiliar, Jayler are an extraordinarily retro-influenced quartet hailing from Staffordshire. They comprise James Bartholemew on vocals & guitar, Tyler Arrowsmith on guitar, Ricky Hodgkiss on bass and Ed Evans on drums. Saturday evening saw them appear at KK’s Steel Mill as special guests to Stone Broken at what is becoming a regular haunt.
Jayler
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 30 August 2025
Words: Sophie James
Photography: Sandis Luttropp
Pizzazz (Noun): In slang, refers to a quality of exciting, energetic, and glamorous style. It describes something that is vibrant, flashy, and has a lively flair, making it seem particularly impressive and dynamic.
It had been nigh on three years since my last viewing, which at this stage in the genesis of this most embryonic quartet is proportionally a very long time indeed.
I remember thinking at the time, ‘Hugely impressive with massive potential, but they really do need to perform original material’. On that occasion Acid Rain was the only self-penned number. 
Well, for a start, the composing issue has been addressed with the above ditty not making it into this evening’s highly charged and impressive set.
The atmospheric opening raised the sense of excitement among a good proportion of the crowd who already had Jayler experience. The unreleased Down Below was a distorted, rapid blues shuffle come gallop most reminiscent of The New Yardbirds.
James’s presence out front reinforces that association, but the way he delivered his harmonica solo/accompaniment took the number to new heights.
Having already graced main stages at the likes of Steelhouse and Stonedead, to name but two, here must feel like a second home, such was the assurance in how they went about their business. 
The groove of No Woman is perfect for strutting your funky stuff to, either as a performer or a punter. The overall attack benefited from James donning a guitar as his powerful vocals pierce the night.
Want more groove, you say?
2024’s single release Love Maker is most organic whilst also maintaining momentum. Like everything so far, it is consummately delivered, but as a reviewer, the sound is becoming increasingly difficult to describe without drawing parallels.
Something of a departure, but a number that really acknowledges their blues/rock ‘n’ roll inspirations is a take on Arthur Crudup, later Elvis Presley’s That’s Alright Mama. Here, they electrified it and made it their own. Sure was fine, mighty fine.
Latest release Riverboat Queen while another compelling and rewarding listen sails so close to the good ship Lima Zulu.
A number set to appear on next year’s debut album is Over The Mountain. Departing from their primary inspiration, this exhibited more of a Sabbath influence, with Tyler even teasing a classic during the intro.
As an aside, talk about misheard lyrics.
When these old, used ‘n’ abused lugs were straining to identify the title, for a wee while, I thought I heard Over The Maneater. I guess that puts an altogether different spin on the song.
Unreleased set closer The Rinsk developed into an impressively extended improvised jam. While maintaining their present signature sound, it demonstrated huge potential both in the writing and arrangement.
The freewheeling mid-section referenced Muddy Waters’ Rollin & Tumblin’, advanced into Voodoo Child with strains of Gimme Shelter appearing later still.
With the confidence of youth combined with unashamed Pizzazz, they carried this off in style, pummelling an impressed and appreciative crowd into submission.
Being at an awkward age, too young to catch the emergence of the German Airshipped one, I can imagine the experience of viewing Jayler akin to being transported back to the halcyon days of the summer of ’68 (close!).
One cannot fault their phenomenal (an adjective I do not use superficially) levels of talent, confidence, presence, enthusiasm, vitality, technical ability and delivery. However, I do feel they need to develop their own identity, both visually and sonically, to enhance their validity and step up to the next level.
Comparisons aside, they delivered a blistering, thrilling and regaling set that overwhelmed the senses. An immediate desire for a repeat performance remained, just to absorb what swept over first time.
As they announced, they will be returning to headline the Christmas Party at this very venue on Saturday, 20th Dec. Kickstart your celebrations early. Tickets are available from https://ticket247.co.uk/Event/431119 or https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/jayler-kks-steel-mill-tickets/14526343
Jayler – KK’s Steel Mill Setlist
- Down Below
- No Woman
- Love Maker
- That’s Alright Mama (Arthur Crudup later Elvis Presley Cover)
- Riverboat Queen
- Over The Mountain
- The Rinsk
