It is said that once one gives up hope, that they have lost the battle. A loaded statement, in dark times where it seems that everything is driven by hatred and forces drawing us further apart with each passing day, it is the hope we have that will guide us through such peril.
Something to ponder for a moment, American Rock-n-Roll band Rival Sons have been putting a lot of thought into this theory themselves. Like many of us, worn down by the divisive forces of media, government, and others in a high tower above, if we are paying attention, it often feels like we are being moved around like chess pieces in some wicked game. That in mind, Rival Sons has opted not to submerge themselves into this dark abyss, and that shows with their new album Darkfighter.
Putting Darkfighter out back on June 2, 2023, the band also came up with a group of other songs apart from the recording sessions that did not seem to fit. Perhaps considered to be included on Darkfighter, thus turning the release into a double record, instead the band opted to save these tracks for a later date. Following a gut instinct, on Friday, October 20th these songs emerged as a part of a new collection called Lightbrighter.
A companion release to Darkfighter, Lightbrighter consists of just six songs, but after listening to them as a collective piece, you will understand why they are put out separately. For those who have heard Darkfighter, the songs have power, intensity, and strong messaging behind them. That said, Darkfighter is sonically by and large upbeat Rock with heavy grooves. On the other side of the spectrum, Lightbrighter offers cuts that are considerably more mellow, but no less impactful.
Real a two-sided coin, the songs of Lightbrighter are slow burns that invite you to spend a little over a half hour with Rival Sons to reinvigorate your soul. This is clear with the lengthy “Darkfighter” which sets the tone for the remainder of the album. Presenting us with the argument that the choice is ours with which way to go in life. Ultimately, shouldn’t we want to push back the darkness and instead bring on the light?
This message continues with “Mercy” and “Redemption”; a two-part story which reminds us that anger is baggage and if we do not give others a chance to be someone better, hence redeem themselves, how can they ever make a change? Then “Sweet Life” is a simple message about focusing on the positive. This is while “Before the Fire” is about a life-changing epiphany, and “Mosaic” is a beautiful closer letting us know – while we are all different, that without one another, we will surely crumble.
Some might say the concept behind Lightbrighter is a little idealistic and unconventional, but in truth, what is wrong with that? The bottom line is that negativity feeds negativity… and Rival Sons see that. If the message is lost on some, that is unfortunate, because in modern day society this type of thinking is exactly what we need. Helping drive this all home, the songs are well-constructed, very thoughtfully composed, and presented at a perfect pace.
In all, the decision to couple these six tracks separately from Darkfighter is applauded. While fun, double albums can sometimes be cumbersome… and it would be a shame if these songs were lost in the shuffle. Refreshing and uplifting, Cryptic Rock proudly gives the intent, plus overall composition of Lightbringer 5 out of 5 stars.
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