After a stellar tour in the UK, Southern Californian throwback rock band Rival Sons headed back to North America for some more live performances as summer takes off. Forming in 2009, the four-piece band comprised of Jay Buchanan (lead vocals, harmonica), Scott Holliday (lead guitar), Mike Miley (drums) and David Beste (bass) have been causing a stir in the rock scene with their blues-infused classic sound. With the recent release of their fourth studio album Great Western Valkyrie, Rival Sons are red hot and ready to show New York City exactly what they have been missing. After a performance at Mercury Lounge on June 24th the band played to a sold out Gramercy Theater on Wednesday the 25th with support from Jameson Burt and The Soft White Sixties.
From Santa Ana, CA, a young artist by the name of Jameson Burt took to the stage with many unsuspecting of what he was all about. Part of his own band called Jameson & Co, Burt was solo for this showcase; bravely walking out with just himself and an acoustic guitar. Immediately drawing attention to himself with a soulful bluesy rock-n-roll voice and his slap-strum technique on guitar, Burt shined bright with songs like “Let You Be”, “Bourbon”, and “Surprise”. Combining soothing sounds with the sincerity of a songwriter who has a story to tell, NYC received Burt warmly and enjoyed each minute of his opening set. His newest solo EP, Pronto, is out now and is highly recommended for those seeking pure stripped down Americana rock.
Taken by surprise once again, Gramercy Theater embraced The Soft White Sixties after just one song. Captivated by their raw edgy rock sound featuring distortion-driven guitar, vibrant bass, and raunchy vocals, this audience was deep in the groove of each song. Performing tracks off Get Right such as “City Lights”, “Don’t Lie To Me”, and ” I Ain’t Your Mother” showed a tight, timely rock band not only efficient on their instruments but having a blast as well. Octavio Genera danced around the stage as he sang loud and hit his tambourine like a vocalist from the golden age of rock. Playing through a solid non-stop set they closed with “Queens of the Press Club” from their self titled EP. The Soft White Sixties revved up this audience and provoked much chatter after they concluded; proving working class rock still has strength in modern music.
With many familiar faces in the room from the night prior, it was obvious just one time is not enough to see Rival Sons live. Packed wall to wall with rockers of all ages, Gramercy Theater was prime for heightened levels of rocking and rolling. Walking on stage to a roaring ovation, each band member acknowledged the love and immediately rattled off four adrenaline pumping tracks of their latest album with “Electric Man”, “Good Luck”, “Secret”, and “Play the Fool”. With a moment to cool down with “Good Things”, Rival Sons picked up the volume immediately with “Torture” and “Gypsy Heart”. Buchanan awed the audience with his ballsy blues-style singing which many would vow they have not heard the likes of since Robert Plant. Enticing that raw energy of rock-n-roll, Holiday’s guitar style was sleek and thick matching the powerful hits of Miley’s and irresistible groove of Beste’s bass.
Humbled by the chance to play a sold out show in NYC, Buchanan asked for the house lights to glimpse all the way into the back of Gramercy Theater where even those in the seated area stood tall cheering. Realizing the important roll music plays, not only in his life but to listeners, Buchanan dedicated the song “Jordan” to someone who approached him earlier in the day stating how it helped them through rough times. An inspiring track, the live setting made it that much more emotional as the warm acoustic guitars and inflections in Buchanan’s voice sent shivers down the spin of spectators. Closing out the set with The Animals inspired “Rich and the Poor” and hard hitting “Open My Eyes” was only a climax before more spectacular music moments later in the encore began with “Manifest Destiny, Part 1”. Filled with doomish tones, the echoing reverb was intense and relaxing at the same time. Taking the time to introduce each band member, they blasted on into “Pressure and Time” which showcased the amazing drumming of Miley, riling up everyone even more. Feeding off the energy, Buchanan asked if everyone wanted one more song which received an overwhelming response kicking off their hit “Keep on Swinging”. Taken back by the level of enthusiasm of the sold out crowd, the band was all smiles, taking in every last drop of the moment. The evening winded down with Buchanan dedicating the touching song “Face of Light” to his son. Relating to the sentiments many parents have who are not with their children, the song was the perfect conclusion.
Rival Sons capture the ears and hearts of rock fans yearning for grass roots classic rock revival. Their love for the stage and performing their music will lift them higher and help them withstand the flare of any current trend. This evening in New York City was definitely a stand out moment in their career thus far. Take the time to check out Rival Sons and see exactly what everyone else is raving about.
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