Way back in the mists of time there was a band called Little Angels, who made a heck of a bang, particularly on the live circuit. Whoever booked them as the opening act for Marillion’s first tour with Hogarth made a huge mistake as they were easily the band on the night, and the last time I saw them they expressed their displeasure at being bumped down the bill at the ZZ Top Milton Keynes bash by destroying the drum kit during their set. They were led by Toby Jepson, who not only was a great singer but also a charismatic frontman, and in 2017 he decided it was time to form a new band, Wayward Sons. This is the second album from the band, who comprise Nic Wastell (bass, Chrome Molly), Phil Martini (drums, Spear Of Destiny, ex The Quireboys, Joe Elliot’s Down and Outz), Sam Wood (guitar, Treason Kings) and Dave Kemp (keyboards, ex-Little Angels touring band and long-time sideman to Toby). After the release of debut ‘Ghosts Of Yet To Come’ they have supported the likes of Saxon, Inglorious, Steel Panther, Living Color, and UFO as well as appearing at festivals as such as Download and Ramblin’ Man Fair, as well as playing headline shows.
This is good time, honest fun rock and roll with everyone having a blast. While Little Angels are obviously going to be pointed out as an obvious influence, The Quireboys also rear their head in the way they use piano (which I guess means The Faces are the true influence given that is where The Quireboys learned their craft). It is music without pretensions, not trying to be anything other than it is, which is a good time for all. Jepson has all the presence I remember so well from ‘Too Posh To Mosh’ and ‘Don’t Prey For Me’ more than 30 years ago, and he still has that swagger. Last week I watched a Facebook at home performance from Toby where he accompanied himself with an acoustic, and even then, it was great to see he had lost none of his voice, his style, or his hair!
It is hard to pick out any particular song, as what the band are doing are delivering feel good anthems time and again, they even have one called “Feel Good Hit” where the band cry out “This is the feel good hit of the summer” where they bring in the commerciality of bands like Green Day. I can imagine this being played at festivals where the crowds are singing back to Toby and the boys. This is music which made me smile, made me feel I was somewhat younger than I am, and I just wish they would come down here as this is a band I would love to see live. Wayward Sons have produced an album which is a blast from start to end.
Rating: 9/10
Links:
https://www.waywardsonsband.com/
https://www.frontiers.it/
