Simon RushworthBlack Eyed Sons — Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits (Off Yer Rocka)
Sometimes it’s best to let the music do the talking.
Or, in this case, the shouting: loud and proud from the rock and roll rooftops.
Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits is one cocksure statement of intent from a band gloriously rebranded and reborn.
Let’s face it, Black Eyed Sons were never going to deliver a dud.
There’s far too much experience, expertise and creative energy at the core of a crew that’s helmed the Quireboys and Down N Outz for decades.
But the 11 tracks here blow any lazy preconceptions out of the water.
From start to finish a star-studded rollercoaster ride is a riff-laden breath of fresh air.
The songwriting, by the way, is supreme.
Partners in crime Guy Griffin and Paul Guerin didn’t need to lean on so many A-list collaborators — but, make no mistake, that bold decision was a masterstroke.
When the latter first revealed to Rushonrock this record’s hazy genesis, it was hard to pin down how things might pan out.
For a while it seemed an ambitious project lacked focus — dogged by disparate ideas and distant dreams.
But we needn’t have worried.
What Cowboys In Pinstripe Suits became was a joyous celebration of rock solid bonds, shared memories, mutual respect and legacy-building music.
Not so long ago it felt like Black Eyed Sons were staring down the barrel.
Now it’s time this band fixed its gaze on a brilliant future.
Black Eyed Sons reveal blind ambition
Here’s the honest truth — Lie To Me is some of Griffin’s best work yet.
And it’s significant that the stirring album opener is the only song here solely credited to Black Eyed Sons.
It’s a dirty rock and roll classic that sets the bar reassuringly high: if this is what the rest of the album’s many contributors had to aim for then no wonder Cowboys In Pinstripe Suits feels like the perfect fit.
The dizzying title track’s a mix of Americana, soul and glam as Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott lends his Down N Outz buddies Griffin, Guerin and Keith Weir a helping hand.
Throw Ryan Roxie and Chip Z’Nuff into the mix and an all-star line-up laps up the opportunity to cut loose and let rip.
Early single Medicine brings Buckcherry’s Josh Todd and Steve D to the fore and the duo don’t disappoint, adding real bite to one of Black Eyed Sons’ better efforts.
Elsewhere Alan Clayton (Savoir Faire), Dan Reed (So Glorious) and Mike Tramp (Your True Colours) ensure Cowboys In Pinstripe Suits maintains its mix of riveting unpredictability and assured quality.
These Sons are shining. Prepare to be dazzled.
