Wayward Sons – The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be

CD:
Wayward Sons
Price:
£13.47

Reviewed by:
Rating:
5
On 21 October 2019
Last modified:21 October 2019

Summary:

The gusto of Wayward Sons has well and truly come alive on The Truth Aint What It Used To Be. Breaking all the rules and conforming to their own beliefs Wayward Sons have forged something special. Now ain’t that the truth!

Wayward Sons – The Truth Aint What it Used to be – Album Review

In a world full of twisted illusions Wayward Sons have delivered a rock-solid classic album with The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be.  Toby Jepson is the voice and his band are the musical soundtrack to this distinctive rock extravaganza. The warped guitars and furious drums carry the breaking sound of his frustration, whilst the bass and piano carry the steady beat to life’s pace.  As Toby’s thoughts on this current world and its political villainy are brought to life through the album; you get a flavour of hope and aspiration despite the message that society is being screwed over.

From the off, you are given a treat of classic rock delights.  Album opener Any Other way with its simple, singular riff develops into a hearty rhythmic beat that moulds into the distinct sound of Wayward Sons.  Since their formation in 2016, the band has honed themselves a unique classic rock sound.   With kicking licks and grooves Black as Sin goes all out and is one of the edgier dark rock tracks on this album.

If there was an anthemic song to describe Wayward Sons then Jokes on You would fit the bill. It has all the swagger and demeanour of what the band is about now.  Although different in pace from their first album Ghosts of Yet To Come, it has an imprint all over it that screams Wayward Sons!

Little White Lies has been given lots of airplay over the summer by the band but if you are new to this song, then welcome to a new side of Wayward Sons.  Who show off their diversity as musicians on this Beatles-Esque mind-blowing number, taking you on a musical journey to a bygone era?   With its punchy beat Feel Good Hit makes an impact as does Toby, taking his vocals to an optimum level. Earning him a ripping 10 on the ‘yowl’ Richter scale!

Fade Away is one of my personal favourites with its smooth piano intro /ending.  It reminds me of The Greatest Showman title track, meets Freddie Mercury in its plight. This evocative song is packed with great mid-riffs and dreamy phantom solos. Its simplistic fevered beat rises to a high octane classic rock masterpiece of full-on rock exuberance.  A song made in 2019 that wouldn’t be out of place at Queen Concert back in the late 70s.

Have It Your Own Way kicks up a stink and brings the energy right back up to date with its frankness.  Did they have Billy Joel in mind when they made Long Line of Pretenders of course not?  But it’s the piano and storytelling that gives you the familiar sound of Wayward mixed with that era of old school rock. Toby has really found his vocal sound. Not that’s it changed but he’s cultivated a new dynamic along with the band.

Posing the topical question (if only) God Was Real this song is distinct in its sound as is Toby’s angst, he gives a venomous lashing to the question, what if? The heavy chugging riffs remind of  The Idol Dead from their Dark Little Hearts era. And I like the clever use of the spoken word over the post-punk sound.

The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be – Fact!  Rousing your thoughts on what is the truth, the message is delivered loud and clear with the lyrics. Are you ready for the Punchline? It’s no tragedy as Wayward go all out on this melodic rocking song, be sure to check out the rip-roaring guitar solo toward the end.  You could now be left feeling that it is Us Against the World on this heartfelt number. As Wayward Sons have taken you on an epic musical journey, on this fact facing, thinker of an album.

But it doesn’t end just yet, as there is a secret track. I do enjoy the surprise of secret track bursting out through your speakers. Totally Screwed launches right in with its rebellious punk streak, this straight-up song, tells you how it is, no-frills and no holds barred!

The gusto of Wayward Sons has well and truly come alive on The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be. Breaking all the rules and conforming to their own beliefs Wayward Sons have forged something special, now ain’t that the truth!

Wayward Sons put together four videos in the run-up to the release of Truth Ain’t What It Used Be  You can watch them in the links below. The videos feature the story of Colin and Alice; who are working and living in a world of corporate clowns and give you an overview of the band’s concept album.

The Jokes on You

Any Other Way

Little White Lies

The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be

Wayward Sons are Toby Jepson (Vocals/Guitar), Sam Wood (Guitar), Nic Wastell (Bass), Dave Kemp (Keys) and Phil Martini (Drums).

Wayward Sons
Wayward Sons

Track Listing for The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be:
Any Other Way
As Black As Sin
Joke’s On You
Little White Lies
Feel Good Hit
Fade Away
Have It Your Own Way
Long Line Of Pretenders
(If Only) God Was Real
The Truth Ain’t What It Used To Be
Punchline
Us Against The World
Totally Screwed (hidden track)

 

Wayward Sons links:

www.facebook.com/waywardsonsbanduk

Twitter @WaywardSonsBand

https://www.waywardsonsband.com/site/

 

 

The gusto of Wayward Sons has well and truly come alive on The Truth Aint What It Used To Be. Breaking all the rules and conforming to their own beliefs Wayward Sons have forged something special. Now ain’t that the truth!

About Alex English