Simon RushworthInglorious – Inglorious (Frontiers)
Genre: Classic Rock
Not since Northern Ireland’s The Answer has a British band threatened to take the classic rock world by the scuff of its neck and wear the blues-soaked roots of an enduring genre as a bold badge of honour.
Inglorious are the most exciting homegrown act to emerge in a decade. No doubt.
Remember when Glenn Hughes’ star-studded Black Country Communion looked set to kickstart the classic rock scene only to publicly implode and fail to realise their massive potential? Inglorious might lack the experience but their music is on a par: ignore their promise at your peril.
Given the self-deprecating band name it would seem reasonable to approach this self-titled debut with low expectations. In reality there’s nothing shameful, dishonourable or ignominious about the 11 tracks here – it’s exactly the opposite as vocal superpower Nathan James delivers a magnificent set of stirring anthems.
The one-time reality television hopeful (it never did Vintage Trouble’s Ty Taylor any harm) has upped his game to a terrific new level. On bullish opener Until I Die, the emotive Holy Water and the quite brilliant Bleed For You it’s clear those inspiring X Factor appearances were no flash in the pan.
Of course James needed a real rock band to realise his dream and in Wil Taylor (guitar), Andreas Eriksson (guitar), Colin Parkinson (bass) and Phil Beaver (drums) he’s found his soul mates and musical brothers. As a quintet they’re convincing, classy and dripping in rockstar cool.
RUSHONROCK RATED: 10/10 Glory Boys