IN REVIEW: Rival Sons - "Feral Roots"

Only a decade removed from their debut, Rival Sons' sixth album isn't a grand departure from what came before; still purveyors of fuzzed-out, Zeppelinesque rock as filtered through modern times, it's not like they've earned a reputation as rock chameleons. However, with the recent rock revival wrought by the thunderous (and just a little preposterous) success of Greta Van Fleet, if there was ever a time for a band like Rival Sons to take advantage it's now.

They've more or less seized their opportunity on Feral Roots, though not at the expense of their own growth; there are new and excellent examples of the immediacy they can bring to their songs, as evidenced by the opening trio of songs on this album; Do Your Worst, Sugar On the Bone and Back in the Woods are all no-muss no-fuss, thick and groovy rock and roll songs, aimed right between your ears and effective in their potency. However, as the album progresses things get much more interesting. The acoustic intro to Look Away signifies that we're not in for the same old same old and, as the song unfolds into its majestic final form, it's clear that Rival Sons are going after a few unexplored urges.

Nowhere is this approach more effective than on the slow burning ballad Too Bad, a song that could have been a boring slog and yet here emerges as a smoldering album highlight. Credit goes in part to Jay Buchanan's steadily impressive vocals, for which Too Bad is an excellent showcase, but the way the band ratchets up the intensity around those impassioned wails as it hurdles toward its conclusion can't be denied either.

Feral Roots does pack most of its thrills into its first half, and the album does get a little uneven toward the end, but there are enough strong songs here to forgive a little front loading (and album closer Shooting Stars is more than worth sticking around for). More importantly, the album's tasteful, genuine feel marks a welcome distraction from an environment where too many bands ape their influences rather than pay them proper respect. Six albums into a career under the radar, Rival Sons have finally earned that same modicum of respect.

January 25, 2019 • Atlantic
Highlights Do Your Worst • Look Away • Too Bad