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Nothing quite offers up tales of outlaws, sinners, and redemption as the old American West. Outlaws and gunslingers make for interesting characters, and let’s be honest here; after playing Red Dead II for hours on end, everyone likes to think that they have a little bit of outlaw in them. It’s the backdrop of the old American West that Everyday Heroes plough on their debut (and concept) album ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’.
‘Texas Red’ is the main protagonist here, a name lifted from ‘Big Iron’ on Marty Robbin’s seminal ‘Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs’ album: “In this town there lived an outlaw by the name of Texas Red, many men had tried to take him and that many men were dead”. Red wasn’t a good guy, and ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’ is his tale of trying to reach some sort of redemption.
The lyrics come courtesy of Everyday Heroes rhythm guitarist Daniel Richards who, in the name of research for the album, undertook the Camino pilgrimage in Spain. Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that runs across the top of Spain and into France, and holds almost mythical status as it can take over a month to complete depending on how committed you are. In the movie ‘The Way’, Martin Sheen plays a grieving father who travels to retrieve the body of his estranged son, who died while attempting the pilgrimage, and Sheen resolves to take the journey himself. Redemption, and to an extent; faith, are very interesting subject matters and Richards paints a vivid picture with his lyrics, especially on ‘Standing Stones’ which is a reference to the many small stone towers along the way where pilgrims add their own stone.
An interesting concept behind the album, but that wouldn’t mean anything if the music on offer didn’t back it up. Thankfully the eleven tracks compliment the concept, the lyrics, and the gorgeous cover artwork. A lot of this is down to the powerful, clean vocals from vocalist/lead guitarist Luke Phillips.
Black Stone Cherry is probably the go-to comparison to make when talking about Everyday Heroes, and it’s not too far off. The guitar sound between Phillips and Richards has the same bluesy, hard Southern rock feel (the aforementioned ‘Standing Stones’ is prime BSC pre-arena headlining days). But the boys from Kentucky didn’t birth this sound, so you could also point out a Skynyrd or Blackfoot influence. Hell, crank up ‘Find My Way’ and it’s latter day Volbeat with Thin Lizzy guitar melodies. The guitar work on ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’ is first rate; the Slash influenced solos on ‘The Witch’s King; the fuzz of ‘All Outta Faith’; the killer Gary Moore vibe on the short intro to ’Soul To Save’, all memorable. Sidebar: listen to Phillip’s vocals during the chorus of ‘Soul To Save’, Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze fronting a kick ass rock band? No?
Although the overall feel is of a classic rock nature, there is a fresh, eclectic vibe to parts of ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’, especially on ‘West Of Forever’ which is a fantastic mix of Thin Lizzy melodies set to a galloping pace, soaring uplifting vocals, rat-tat-tat drums, and mariachi horns. Can’t have a concept album about the old West without some mariachi horns! By the time Texas Red reaches his destination on closing track ‘Without A Throne’ has he atoned for past sins? Only Red and Daniel Richards knows that for sure. One thing for sure, ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’ is an ambitious project for a debut album, but Everyday Heroes pull it off with ease, and only one question remains: when can we expect the sequel?
Review – Dave
More information on ‘A Tale of Sin and Sorrow’ here:
. Official Website: https://www.everydayheroesband.co.uk
. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EDHbandUK
. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayheroesofficial
. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9q3dMfJwHoP7jFu7l5sdQ
. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EDHbandUK
