GRETA VAN FLEET are sometimes coined as the fashionable band that is bringing the “traditional rock” sound again, however they don’t seem to be the one ones who pay homage to ’70s and ’80s rock with their music. California rockers RIVAL SONS received their begin within the mid-2000s, earlier than traditional rock revivalists have been a pattern. It simply so occurred that their sound was very traditional, providing a fuzzy, blues-based type of rock that was beginning to turn out to be new once more.

Now, the Grammy-nominated band is releasing their newest album, “Lightbringer”, which is their second full-length album to reach in 2023. It is the companion album to “Darkfighter”, which arrived in June.

Though solely six tracks, and with a gap tune clocking in at practically 9 minutes, “Lightbringer” nonetheless has loads of meat and juice. “Darkfighter” kicks off the album. Titled after the band’s earlier album, it’s actually a number of songs in a single, from a delicate people ballad to a raging rocker to a straight-ahead traditional rock tune. Frontman Jay Buchanan‘s vocals shine at first and finish, however “Darkfighter”‘s center is only instrumental, giving it an fascinating dynamic. It might by no means be a radio single, however “Darkfighter” breaks novel floor.

“Mercy” follows, bringing an excellent catchy, 1960’s-style guitar riff and classic, retro vocals. As Buchanan begs the listener to have just a little mercy, guitars swirl and hug his vocals, and the rhythms transfer the tune alongside urgently. The monitor, like a lot of “Lightbringer”, has a jammy really feel that reveals off the band’s musicianship.

Subsequent up is the album’s massive energy ballad, “Redemption”, a candy, passionate tune. Because the album progresses, “Earlier than the Hearth” is likely one of the strongest and most radio-friendly songs on the set. Whereas its sonics recall KINGS OF LEON and even COLDPLAY, RIVAL SONS add their typical exhausting rock aptitude with a hotter fashion, making it very a lot their very own. “Candy Life” is one other radio-ready single, with an upbeat, catchy supply. “Mosaic” rounds out the album in a most delicate trend, with Buchanan singing of “pleasure, heartache, happiness and ache” amid acoustic guitars, because the album closes.

Listening by “Lightbringer” and this yr’s “Darkfighter”, each information are cohesive and share the same fashion and sonics. It might be incorrect to categorize the songs on “Lightbringer” as having extra “mild” than these on “Darkfighter”; as an alternative, each albums provide a deep, intense nostalgic rock sound with an additional transfer in direction of roots and blues.