
BLACK EYED SONS
Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits (Off Yer Rocka)
UK hard rock veterans The Quireboys have evolved into Black Eyed Sons, named after a Quireboys album from 2014, with Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits their debut under this revised name. The move ends a dispute with Spike, vocalist and founder member acrimoniously sacked three years ago.
In the wake of the fallout, guitarist Guy Griffin stepped up to assume Black Eyed Sons vocal responsibilities, the band continuing as a five-piece while Spike retains ownership of the Quireboys name. Cowboys…, meanwhile, is jam-packed with incendiary riffs while thunderous drum fills and wailing harmonica add texture and depth. With contributions from the likes of Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke and Alice Cooper guitarist Ryan Roxie, this is a record full of enthusiasm and tasty musical nuggets aplenty.
The most appealing aspect of Black Eyed Sons is their group attitude. They don’t appear to care about anything but their music, and that’s to be commended. It’s also what separates them from other rock bands today: their ability to not compromise who they truly are as artists.
words COLIN PALMER