There is a groundswell of opinion that UK rockers Jayler are the next big thing in rock music. I was certainly impressed by them at Steelhouse Festival in 2025 when they opened Saturday’s proceedings.
Jayler – Voices Unheard
Release Date: 29 May 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
Yes, the Zeppelin thing is more a blue whale than an elephant in the room, from the attire of James Bartholomew through to much of their sound, but they brought a confident swagger to Steelhouse, which woke campers from their stupor. Nearly a year after that, the quartet will release their debut record, Voices Unheard.
Jayler have a huge year lined up, hopping onto a World Tour with Deep Purple, as well as shows with Sammy Hagar in the UK, providing those do not get changed for even more intimacy.
Huge stuff for this young band, and kudos to them for that.
Whilst the live show sound is one thing, on record, Jayler’s debut is disappointing. Voices Unheard really does little to lift the spirits. Their PR may say there is a nod to the DNA of Zeppelin and Queen, but it is more of a giant headbutt, and as such, it is bland and unoriginal in virtually every aspect.
Such is the demand for nostalgia and legacy that it is highly likely that Voices Unheard will become a huge hit. People are lazy, new music does not challenge anymore, and songs such as Riverboat Queen and Bittersweet are examples of a band who are only a letter or two from completing the word plagiarism.
The songs are neatly composed, nicely produced to give a vintage feel, and pave the way for upbeat anthems in the live arena. Yet there is a blueprint that is being followed here, a predictable and safe route to the generic and the routine.
Down Below could not be more Zeppelin if it had Robert Plant on it, the bluesy swagger repeated by a million bands over the years. Similarly, Hate To See It End serves up chords that a thousand pub bands play every weekend.
Need Your Love shares the same style that so many have shared before. This could be anyone. Pick a band that sits in the New Wave Of British Classic Rock. The list is endless.
I am fully expecting to be in the firing line on this one. The Jayler fan club is intense, fiercely loyal, and I get that. But I want music to hit hard, to stir something that excites, or emotes, has me smiling or in tears, and this did nothing.
Yes, it is stomping enough, but the overall feel from this album is a band who are already churning out songs that match what their audience want rather than what they want to make.
Take The Getaway. A singalong chorus, some throwaway lead guitar and a groove that Dan Byrne would be proud of. It is all very radio-friendly crowd-pleaser music.
When they do try to deviate from the anthem, they do not get it right. Bittersweet is not only another trip to the past, but it does not really work that well either. There is little contemporary here, and if I want to listen to bands from the golden age of rock, then that is where I will go.
It is understandable that this album will earn plaudits from many. I am sure it will feature in those classic rock top ten lists come December. And if unimaginative and stereotypical is what you want, then Voices Unheard is in your bag.
Greta Van Fleet and Rival Sons have done it better. The latter have moved into a league apart.
With Voices Unheard, I have no doubt that Jayler will power onto their next step in world conquest. I wish them luck. It is just not for me.
Jayler release Voices Unheard on 29 May 2026 via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/JAYLERVoicesUnheard. Album release shows and signing sessions have been announced. Tickets and dates are available from jayler.co.uk/tour-dates.
