Review by Justin Marque for MPM
Following his well-publicised split with The Quireboys, the subsequent war of words on social media and the wrangling for the band name, former lead singer Spike was determined to bounce back with a vengeance.
Gathering around him some of the original members of the group, a one-off gig was played during December 2022 but they then slipped off the radar once more. Sadly, the following April guitarist Guy Bailey passed away, the writing of new songs with Spike a legacy left and making it more important for the band to get in the studio which they did and ‘Wardour Street’ is the product of these turbulent, yet productive, times.
To say a lot rests on the album is an understatement, Spike needing to show he may have been down but never out and with the addition of Thunder’s Luke Morley to the gang, the release isn’t short of firepower. Boasting eleven tracks, ‘Wardour Street’ is exactly what you expect it to be and this raw edged basic rock ‘n’ roll that manages to throw in a few other elements to mix up the pot.
The pub rock with frills of ‘Jeeze Louise’ opens the album, full of feisty life but the band manage to throw in a bit more of a Country tinge in ‘Raining Whisky’ and acoustic ballad ‘You and I’ brings to mind 70’s chart bothering mob Smokie.
There’s a nice patina of nostalgia during ‘Myrtle Beach’ and the confessional ‘Happy’ is very on the nose for the Northeastern storyteller when he sings the line “my drinking and gambling was out of control”, its Rolling Stones style riff a perfect fit.
The score settling ‘No Honour Amongst Thieves’ drips with vitriol and when Spike howls “I’m the whisky drinking, beer swilling, hell raising Quireboys singer” there’s a sense that he’s asserting dominance and preaching to the converted who will doubtlessly lap up the album.
Flipping between the lustful hard rocking ‘Howlin’ Wolf’, tender ballad ‘It Ain’t Over Now’ and the closing title track that boasts some great acoustic guitar and wonderful saxophone, there’s something for everyone.
The playing throughout is excellent, with Morley being a particularly sterling choice to replace their fallen brother and everyone participates with commitment. Ironically, where the album hits its biggest road bumps is with the constant and unnecessary ad libbing and tubercular croak of the frontman, his constant exhortations during instrumental passages wearing thin very quickly.
Whilst the name may have been decided on, there’s still a lot to play for and the reception to his former bandmates’ new name of Black Eyed Sons and new album ‘Cowboys in Pinstripe Suits’ early next year will likely cause more division.
There’s certainly room for two stripped back rock ‘n’ roll bands on the circuit so we can only hope that axes will be buried and that they both let the music do the talking. As for now, take a trip to ‘Wardour Street’ and raise your glasses to raucous nights and loud music.
Album pre-order link is here: Quireboys – Wardour Street – Various Formats – Box Set – White Vinyl L – Cadiz Merch (cadizmerchstore.com)
