Black Eyed Sons add their spin on a tried and trusted formula – and it works.

Release Date: 31st January 2025

Label: Off Yer Rocka Recordings

Format: CD / LP / DL

EVOLUTION, NOT REVOLUTION

“What’s the new name for The Quireboys?” asks one wag on t’internet. An evolution that might be a new name as Guy Griffin says:”We’re taking a step back from the soap opera,” and The Quireboys minus Spike becomes Black Eyed Sons.

The revised moniker is a nod to the 2014 Quireboys album of the same name. As they say, the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree that sees Guy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar) Paul Guerin (guitar) Keith Weir (keyboards) Nick Mailing (bass) and Pip Mailing (drums) conjure up and recapture the spirit of raucous Rock and Roll. While the guys formed the core of the Joe Elliott fronted Down ‘n’ Outz and rebooted the songs of Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople, Black Eyed Sons present a whole new picture in a similar frame.

STAR TURNS FROM THE GUEST LIST

Such is the esteem in which the gang is held that they’re able to flick through the little black books and dial up the likes of Dan Reed, Ryan Roxie, Mike Tramp and naturally Joe Elliott to the ranks. Namechecking Def Leppard, Michael Monroe, Enuff Z’Nuff and the New York Dolls should be sufficient to raise eyebrows at the potential of what’s on offer.

What’s on offer is a barrage of sleazy tempos, honking harmonicas, rollicking and tumbling piano. Lie To Me sets the ball rolling and we could be travelling the time tunnel and bopping along to the soundtrack of a 1974 Top Of The Pops. You can almost imagine Rod and the Ronnies hamming it up to this one. Cleverly shambolic and rough around the edges. A template for what’s on the menu.

SLEAZE LEVEL UPPED

“Hey Momma, quit foolin’ yourself,” is a raw cautionary warning that ups the sleaze. The rocking and rolling is also duly upped on Savoir Faire and Don’t Throw Me In The Corner (with your dirty laundry…). Sounds like someone’s been (a) used and tossed aside or (b) been a naughty boy who’s got a fair comeuppance. Squealing guitar solos wrung from the necks notwithstanding. Star turn may well be the dirty funk in Dig Me Out Of This Hole. It features Skid Row’s Scotti Hill demanding to be given some Rock and Roll. Stark by comparison, the sneer and attitude (maybe ‘attitood’?) sting like a deep cut.

AND CHILL

The acoustic chillout flavourings prove a nice contrast. Autumn Reigns that sees them take an Eagles-y template and make it their own. Along with the title track, they provide a mid album breather before picking up the baton for some easy mid tempo grooves with the acoustic at the core. The dash of organ that surfaces on occasion adds a splash of colour and swirl of cinematic texture.

With an eye out for the sense of mid Seventies Stones – think Black & Blue – a hint of nostalgia is never out of place. The cowboys in pinstripe suits have it to burn.

Here’s the debut single:

Black Eyed Sons online: Facebook

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