Rival Sons-Manchester Academy 3. 6th.November.2011

Well what can I say? If you haven’t brought a ticket for Rival Sons first ever UK headline tour then you have missed out.
Rival Sons appeared on stage at 9:15 and from the roars of the crowds you knew their presence had been acknowledge. The remarkable thing I noticed was the vast range of age groups that attended, showing the appreciation Britain still has for true musicianship.
Since 2008 they have managed to capture the true essence of rock and roll, but their throbbing heartbeat is soul and blues.
The array of influences is immensely varied from their birth in LA California American scene to the British Mod era, encapsulating a blending sound of Cream, The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.
The extraordinary talent and chemistry between them is proven through the improvisation they held upon stage in and between songs.
The set list journeyed between ‘Before the Fire’ their first album, their self-titled EP and their brand new album ‘Pressure and Time.’ Performing ‘Get what’s coming’ brought the audience to a whole new level of excitement.
Vocalist Jay Buchanan had full control over the audience, striking out his astounding vocals, for the horde to be thundering for more. His presence on stage was enough without much speech needed from him.
Guitarist Scott Holiday was incredibly smooth and expressive, his incredible toothy rifts and bluesy psychedelic tone, made you stand in awe.
You could feel the jazzy roots through the bassist Robin Everhart that gives Rival Sons an edge and a mixture of the classic music you love.
Michael Miley gives a hammering performance on drums with pounding grooves and an energetic style.
With a brilliant choice of encores, “Oh Well” – Fleetwood Mac, and the old Muddy Waters tune, “Baby please don’t go”.These guys brought the house down.
In just three years this band has accomplished so much, I look forward to seeing what they have in store for the near future.

SETLIST
Tortured
Burn down Los Angeles
Sleep Walker
Memphis Sun
Get What’s coming
On my way
All over the road
Young Love
Pressure and Time
Soul
Encore
Oh Well – Fleetwood Mac
Baby please don’t go- Muddy Waters
Review by Lara Kisel
Photo by John McGibbon, more photos from the show HERE