Darkfighter
Low Country Sound/Atlantic Records, 2023
10/10
The Grammy Nominated rockers Rival Sons return with their 8th album, where their most collaborative venture yet continues their bluesy fueled hard-rock formula.
“Mirrors” gets the listen off to an atmospheric start, where warm keys lead into powerful and crisp, fuzzed out blues rock, and “Nobody Wants To Die” follows with a thumping and furious blast of pounding, arena ready rock.
The middle spot belongs to “Bright Light”, where lush textures of grace and melody make for a gritty, intimate presence, while “Rapture” showcases sturdy riffage amid the dynamic rhythm section that welcomes some of the most expressive singing.
Close to the end, “Horses Breath” recruits a mysterious ambience that segues into soulful, fuzzed out retro-ideas, and “Darkside” exits with a blistering delivery of dense and hard hitting bouts that also emits bare singing.
Undoubtedly one of the finest outfits in today’s version of blues-rock, whether you’ve been listening all along or this is your first taste of Rival Sons, you’re going to be impressed.
Travels well with: Greta Van Fleet- Anthem Of The Peaceful Army; The Cold Stares- Voices