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When this reviewer first encountered Sons of Liberty, the “Old bull, young bull” fable (complete with F-bombs) was used to amplify the point that, on a festival line-up of younger acts, the Bristolian five-piece represented the wisdom and patience of the old bull of the often-used metaphor for experience vs youth (or eagerness). Four years (and two changes in vocalist) on from that first encounter, the “old bulls” are taking their collective feet off the gas pedal and slowing things down on the gig front, with gigs being more sporadic rather than the full-on touring fans are more accustomed to.
Tonight’s show is, according to the setlist, gig #278, and for the “young bull”, vocalist Russ Grimmett, #71. Given how unforgiving and difficult it has become to be a touring entity, it’s understandable that Sons of Liberty are being more selective with their future live plans. A shame, though, as Sons of Liberty side by side in full flight, under the stage lights, is truly something to behold.
Special guests for this brace of Scottish dates are the relatively new outfit from Kirriemuir, Angus (and if you need to Google why that town is famous, then, duh), and Dundee – Alabama Crow. Consisting of Billy Jack (vocals/rhythm guitar), Paul Randall (lead guitar), Danny Elder (bass), and Craig Duncan (drums), the four-piece, as the gig pictures show, have a strong penchant for going taps aff. Just as well it’s a bit toasty under those lights, what with it being Scotland in October, not like it is Greece, eh? What was the final score at Hampden tonight, Demis Roussos? Kojak? King Leonidas? Anyone?
For a new band, the set is refreshingly cover-free. The band choosing to impress with their own material rather than adding rock staples here and there to keep the punters interested. The name of the band might suggest a Southern Rock influence, but the reality is steeped more in classic, traditional heavy rock than it is in the Southern states of the USA. On moments such as ‘Get Out Alive’, the AC/DC-like boogie is full-on, and the urge to bop one’s head is overwhelming. The fiery guitar work from Paul Randall plays a major role in this, and it’s a joy watching his fingers flying up and down that fretboard.
The fresh-as-a-daisy new one, ‘Reach’, continues with the boogie shuffle, but it also packs something of a Kings of Leon-like punch, mostly down to the vocal melodies from Billy Jack. Tone down the ballsy boogie, and there is a killer KoL b-side right there….but why would you want to do that? Confident enough to throw in some call-and-response during the titular ‘Alabama Crow’, these guys are starting to build up a head of steam, and with more gigs under their belts, should sneak into the “further exploration is mandatory” category.
With three studio albums and countless EPs under their belts, Sons of Liberty are masters at putting together a well-constructed setlist that ticks all the boxes. Heads down rock n’ roll – check. Hip-swaying boogie that sees sporadic dancing breaking out – check. Full-on guitar frenzy – check. Poignant moments to break up the good humour and banter flowing from the stage – check. A set from The Sons has it all. And these guys make it look effortless.
Studio album number three, 2024’s ‘The Devil Is In The Detail’, saw the band dialing back some of the more Southern rock aspects of previous albums ‘Animism’ (2020) and ‘Aces & Eights’ (2021) in favour of more of a traditional hard rock feel. Perhaps it’s what (then) new vocalist Russ Grimmett brought to the party, but with ‘The Detail Is In The Devil’ there was a definite lean towards a ballsy hard rock album. And it’s ‘The Devil Is In The Detail’ that The Sons turn to for the opening salvo that begins with Grimmett’s hair-raising scream on ‘Time to Fly’ – which also opens the album. Heavier than you might have imagined, and with lead guitarist Fred Hale in sizzling form, it’s a fiery way to start the show.
From here it’s straight into the boogie-licious ‘DC-strains of ‘Light The Fuse’ which has a killer groove to it, followed by the thick bass-licks from the rock steady Mark Thomas that shepherd in the intro to the catchy-as-hell ‘Tertulia Time’ (interesting fact, pub quiz fans, a tertulia is a social gathering with literary or artistic overtones, especially in Iberia or Spanish America). Fred Hale is knocking them dead with his lead work, and with Andy Muse alongside him as the Malcolm Young to his Angus, it’s a guitar-heavy show where both guitarists constantly shine. Alongside these two are the nerve centre of the band, Mark Thomas and his partner in crime, drummer Steve Byrne, who are one of the tightest rhythm sections you are as likely to encounter on the circuit. Apart from a few stick twirls from Byrne, the pair keep it simple and build the foundations for the others to strut their stuff upon.
Grimmett has been a fantastic find for The Sons. Energetic, relatable, great fun, and packing quite a voice, he brings the youthful energy to blend with the wise, grizzled experience of the others, and it’s clear that there is a real sense of togetherness between the band. He handles the earlier material perfectly, putting his own stamp on belters such as ‘Beef Jerky Boogie’, which does what it says on the tin, ‘Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief’, ‘Up Shit Creek’, ‘Damaged Reputation’, and ‘Ruby Starr’. Obviously, more at home on his own moments like ‘Full Force Five’, ‘What’s A Man Supposed To Do’, ‘Hawk Men Come’ (one of the strongest songs that The Sons have ever cooked up), and an emotional rendition of ‘Walk With You’. As touched on earlier, a well-constructed setlist that ticks all the boxes.
Next up for Sons of Liberty is an appearance at Rockin’ By The River in Saltash in a few weeks; after that, who knows? The only other date mentioned so far is a slot at Destination Rock Festival 2026 in Sheffield. Hopefully, the slowing down of mile after mile in a splitter van will keep the guys enthused enough, for Sons of Liberty are too strong a live proposition to disappear altogether.
Connect with Sons of Liberty, here.
Review – Dave
All images – Dave Jamieson
