To mark their 30 anniversary, The Quireboys have released a new triple album - Black Eyed Sons on Off Yer Rocka Recordings. Packed with a live unplugged in Sweden bonus disc and a DVD of their 2013 gig at The O2 Academy Islington, this is a great celebration of 'a career built on rock n roll staples of love, heartache, women and liquor.' This three disc package has some great artwork and photography too (Jonni Davis and Lee Thompson.) The presentation is fantastic and is almost like having an EP in your hands with booklet and gatefold (any chance of a vinyl release guys?)
Back in the day they were dubbed the British Guns 'N' Roses and have supported The Rolling Stones and aforementioned Guns 'N' Roses and they have had commercial success with Hey You, 7 O' Clock and I Don't Love You Anymore. As the music scene changed during the 90s and their line up altered along the way, one thing that never wavered was their loyal following and the bands belief in themselves.
This new album boasts some great tunes Troublemaker (Black Eyed Son) You Never Can Tell and Double Dealin' are quintessentially Quireboys with blues led hooks and rock vocals and What Do You Want From Me? (thanks to Guy Griffin and Spike for keeping it real) harks back to hey day of The Rolling Stones and Python Lee Jackson and is sure to be a live classic for the band. The last track Monte Cassino (Lady Jane) whilst being a beautiful paean but leaves the album at a bit of an anticlimax, but then you can just put the next disc in and have Don't Bite The Hand That Feeds You to continue the party!
Few bands are able to play stadia, small venues with comparative ease bringing with them their fans, enthusiasm and good old fashioned rock and roll! Watching the live DVD is like having the band in your front room. Spike with his JD in hand puts on an amazing performance and the energy of the band give could easily fill an arena. As they perform songs from back catalogue and the 2013 album Beautiful Curse including, Mona Lisa Smiled, 27 years, Chain Smokin' andThis Is Rock N Roll, they continue to up their game song after song. The old songs still sound as good as the day you first heard them and the new stuff just raises the bar.
Like a vintage bourbon the band just seem to get better with age and this release just serves as a reminder that BRNR (British Rock N Roll) is very much alive and kicking. Long may the The Quireboys continue to fly the flag for a long tradition of BRNR which has influenced so many. Awesome stuff!