Sons of Liberty are five guys from south Wales and Bristol. One day Andy MOOSE Muse and Fred Hale the two guitarists went out on a trip to buy a used guitar, always having a love of southern rock music they were listening on the radio and thought nobody is playing this music: we’re going to have to get together and form a band and that’s how it all happened, they recruited former Glory Road vocalist Rob Cooksley and Mark Thomas bass, and finally Steve Byrne to complete the rhythm section and the band was born.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_RbObEvhXM&w=560&h=315]Since 2014 they have been entertaining stages with their own blend of Southern rock and this is their second ep, the first being Shinola. AGED IN OAK is six tracks and every one of them is a toe tapping delight.
IF IT AINT SOUTHERN.
If you don’t start moving to this anthemic song straight away then check your pulse, it moves at a frantic pace with the southern boogie riff at the beginning, the high piercing scream of Rob and the hey hey hey’s from the guys it is a number that will have live crowds jumping and roaring. Beginning with the lyric “If it aint about whiskey and it aint about beer it aint about anything I want to hear” that sums these guys up straight away pure class.
DAMMED IF I DO.
A slower number with great bass leading the song, another anthem with a great guitar solo to get the head banging and fists pumping.
DIXIE WHISKY.
A nice drum solo intro before the band really bring it, great dual guitar work, and once again a nice driving bass line but the vocal power of Rob on this track takes it to another level. A song about a six-day booze binge (they did rest for one of the days) Rob throughout the song says “keep it going now” and they certainly do with another brilliant guitar solo and a great drum riff outro one of the highlights of the ep for me.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmu7ZvAqTsQ&w=560&h=315]MY SISTER.
A beautiful slow ballad with incredible slide guitar skills it reminds you of the Skynyrd and Blackfoot love songs they used to play; I just wish the slide solo had gone on longer I was loving it. This will have crowds waving their arms in the air from side to side.
THAT’S WHO I AM.
Great intro from the rhythm section and some more blistering slide work but this song gives Rob a chance to show off his harmonica skills, and some great longer guitar solos from both guys. The dirty bass and hard and heavy drums keep the toes tapping till the end
MOVING ON
Thin Lizzy type twin guitar sound on this number; a little nod to being on the road and loving every moment of it but all done in their own inimitable style.
After hearing this ep and the anthems and the crowd participation numbers, go out and be part of that crowd and see Sons of Liberty live: you won’t hear a more authentic UK southern rock band.
Band Photo by Linda Powell
Review by Dave Martin for Jace Media
