Rival Sons, the American rock band hailing from Long Beach, California, has been a critical part of the classic, blues-infused rock revival since their formation in 2009. Comprised of Jay Buchanan on vocals, Scott Holiday on guitar, Dave Beste on bass, and Michael Miley on drums, the band has garnered widespread acclaim for their electrifying live shows and their modern take on the classic rock sound. They've been likened to iconic bands such as Led Zeppelin and The Black Crowes, though their style uniquely fuses elements of hard rock, blues, soul, and psychedelia.
The band gained significant traction with their 2011 release, "Pressure & Time," which catapulted them into the limelight and set the stage for a series of successful albums. Their energetic performances and musical craftsmanship have made them a favorite on the touring circuit, both as support for legendary bands like Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and AC/DC, and as formidable headliners in their own right.
Rival Sons' discography has not only been embraced by fans but also acknowledged through various awards and nominations, consolidating their status as a leading act in today's rock landscape.
In a much-anticipated 2023 release, the band presents their eighth studio album, "Lightbringer." Speaking about the new album, guitarist Scott Holiday remarked, "When you do two albums back-to-back like this, there are a lot of things to think about. The first record has to pack enough of a punch and tell enough of a story for the second half to have an even bigger impact. We balanced them out with energy and meaning, but the follow-up always needed to deliver a bigger blow. I think Lightbringer provides this." Vocalist Jay Buchanan elaborated on the album's significance, stating, "Darkfighter is a new Rival Sons, and Lightbringer is the clear definition of what we are now.
We broke ground on Darkfighter, but Lightbringer is a step beyond the personal innovation and exploration. It goes a little further. We really took everything into our own hands and pushed to see how far we could go. It was a self-exploration to see who we were and who we'll be now. We had more friction and compromise than ever, because we isolated the bare essence of where we needed to go—and then we went there."
Overall, the anticipation surrounding "Lightbringer" highlights not just the band's continued evolution but also their enduring impact on modern rock.
