Son Of Man hit their stride with fine songs and inspired playing on the new album Gaslight.

Release date: Available now

Label: Esoteric Antenna/Cherry Red Records

Format: CD / Digital

Son Of Man were formed through a coming together of muscians who had played in two well respected bands from Wales, Man and Sassafras. An important aspect of the band is its honouring of the legacy of the legendary Man, through playing live some of Man’s most iconic songs. The band has also developed its own distinct musical identity forged across three albums, including this new release Gaslight.

The current make-up of the band is George Jones, guitar (son of the late Micky Jones of Man. Micky was one of the best guitarists this reviewer has ever seen live), Richie Galloni, vocals, Bob Richards, drums, Marco James, keyboards, and Ray Jones, bass. I had the privilege of seeing Son Of Man at the Memorial Concert for the much-missed Deke Leonard, in Port Talbot in June 2017, where they played a wonderful set of classic Man and Deke Leonard songs, in a powerful, moving, and emotional performance. So, it was with a sense of real anticipation that I put on the CD and listened to the album.

Proceedings commence with the song Down. A gentle ambient introduction, leads into George Jones’s mammoth guitar riff, flying over Bob Richards thundering drum pattern. Richie Galloni’s vocal is just outstanding, a little reminiscent of the late David Byron’s vocals with Uriah Heep. A very high compliment indeed. A nice touch is the more tranquil mid-section, where Marco James provides some lovely piano melodies.

Stuck, the second song in, has a striking hard rock swagger, with Ray Jones’s excellent bass playing anchoring the song in an attractive swing rhythm. The harmony led chorus and George Jones’s stinging guitar break add further to an impressive performance. Can’t Stop Loving You, is an example of the band’s versatility, with a nicely paced ballad song structure, that showcases Richie Galloni’s emotion filled vocal.

These songs are a very strong opening to the album. Gaslight, the title track, is framed by another high-powered George Jones riff, and features some fine ensemble playing, with dynamic time shifts, and a roaring instrumental section, where George Jones and Marco James expertly exchange guitar and keyboards phrases.

Particular highlights on the album are its two longest songs, There Will Come A Day, and The Road. There Will Come A Day is a song with a message, as Richie Galloni narrates the story of the oppression of Indigenous Americans. Musically there is a combination of lilting acoustic guitar and organ, punctuated by atmospheric reverberating electric guitar.  The Road is the most progressive rock styled track on the album, combining anthemic musical motifs, counter melodies, and a fabulous building instrumental section, that features some great interplay between guitar and keyboards together with soaring vocal harmonies.  

The album concludes with Thanks For The Ride, which reminded me of some of the gorgeous flowing music to be found on Man’s Slow Motion album. Featuring another stand out vocal by Richie Galloni, it is also a song blessed with many subtle instrumental flourishes, and is a wonderful finish to the album.

On Gaslight, Son Of Man have really hit their stride, with strong writing, great sounding musical arrangements, and really engaging ensemble and solo playing. It is quite simply an excellent album. All the band members write, and their passion for the music is very evident on this album. The sound of the album is also very impressive, with an in-depth soundstage, and separation of the instruments, highlighting the fine musicianship within the band. Micky and Deke would be very proud of the band and what they have achieved with this album.

You can view the official music video for the title track Gaslight here:

You can find out more about Son Of Man here, and look out for the band playing live: Facebook

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