As a music journalist, you listen to a lot of albums, and sometimes they all blend into one, but WAYWARD SON’S latest offering, Even Up The Score, is a breath of fresh air.
Hailing from the UK, WAYWARD SONS are a hidden gem in the UK’s thriving hard rock scene. With two albums already behind their belt, they’ve already started to see success as they’ve played some of the most popular festivals in the UK and with some of the biggest bands in hard rock like STEEL PANTHER.
Their impressive success which has happened so early on in their career is thanks to the grit and determination of Toby Jepson (Vocals, Guitars), Sam Wood (Guitars), Nic Wastell (Bass), and Philip Martini (drums and percussion). Not only are they incredibly hardworking, they’re also impressive song writers.
In the band’s third album, WAYWARD SONS take their exciting mix of old school 70s hard rock (think DEEP PURPLE and KANSAS) and have delivered an onslaught of powerful rock tracks that are radio ready.
Even Up The Score starts off strong with the title track that is comprised of catchy melodies, a stadium-sized chorus, and hard riffs that remind me of Highway Star by DEEP PURPLE. It also utilises keyboards which gives it the 70s groove that is so prominent throughout the rest of the album.
As we dig deeper into the album, former LITTLE ANGELS vocalist shows his steel in tracks like Big Day, Sign Of The Times, and Faith In Fools. His voice holds together and enhances the other elements of the songs and is part of what makes it so enjoyable.
Downfall is one of my favourite tracks on the album because of the central riff and the explosive chorus that has so many hooks it sticks in your head long after you’ve finished the album.
Land of the Blind oozes 70s rock. With story-led lyrics that conjure strong visuals it’s reminiscent of LED ZEPPELIN tracks like Houses Of The Holy, where the music gives way to a mind-cinema.
The theme of memorable melodies continues until the end of Even Up The Score. They Know is the album’s finale and it uses an impressive combination of intricate riffs and stela power chords that leave a lasting impression on the listener.
After having listened to Even Up The Score, it’s safe to say that this is one of my favourite albums of the year and WAYWARD SONS are one of the best band’s I’ve discovered in the past few months. As someone who listens to a lot of extreme metal it’s nice to take a breather and lean into hard rock outlets like WAYWARD SONS who still manage to stay heavy with gritty riffs yet have lighter lyrics and a more playful feel to their music. Fundamentally, I’d recommend WAYWARD SONS to anyone who loves hard rock and appreciates good song writing. With their talent and early success, I can see them going really far in the hard rock circuit and I look forward to seeing what their career brings in the next couple of years.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Megan Taylor
Even Up The Score is out on 8th October 2021, via Frontiers Records.
Find WAYWARD SONS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
