RIVAL SONS CONFIRMED FOR THE UK’S DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL
RIVAL SONS have been confirmed to play at this year’s edition of the Download festival, which is held at Donington Park in Leicestershire, UK from June 8th to June 10th.
The band, who are currently on a sold out tour in the UK with BLACK STONE CHERRY, will be performing on the second stage on the final day of the festival, and join a line-up including METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, SOUNDGARDEN, SLASH and more.
RIVAL SONS guitarist SCOTT HOLIDAY comments:
“The lore of Download has been circumnavigating us for some time now, so we couldn’t be more pleased to be asked to join the festivities. This is also probably the most prominent festival we are told to play by our fans. Well… it’s on, now! Who wouldn’t be ecstatic to play with some of the (more…)
Rival Sons Release Full Details Of Expanded Album Reissue
via Classic Rock Magazine
Rival Sons have now released details of the special edition of Pressure & Time, which is released on March 12 by Earache.
There will be two extra tracks on the CD. These are:
Company Man
This Life On The Road
The bonus DVD will have three tracks filmed at last year’s High Voltage Festival, namely:
Gypsy Heart (more…)
RIVAL SONS Recording New Album
via Blabbermouth
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS are back in the studio throughout February to record their new album, due later this year via Earache Records. The CD is being laid down at Honey Pye Studios in Nashville, Tennessee with Grammy-nominated producer Dave Cobb, who has worked on all three previous releases from the band, and Grammy-winning engineer Vance Powell.
RIVAL SONS once again teamed up with video director Greg Ephraim for the “All Over The Road” video, which can be seen below
(more…)
RIVAL SONS: New Video Interview Posted Online
Mike Sullivan of ExploreMusic recently conducted an interview with Californian blues rockers RIVAL SONS at Cherry Cola’s Rock N’ Roll Cabaret in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. You can now watch the chat below.
RIVAL SONS once again teamed up with video director Greg Ephraim for the “All Over The Road” video, which can be seen below
RIVAL SONS frontman Jay Buchanan commented: “Just like in the last video, there was no green screen used for this one. We actually did drive a Cadillac through outer space with a bunch of hot, naked chicks in the backseat. I haven’t seen a final edit yet because they’re trying to lower it to at least an ‘R’ rating. We’ll see if that actually happens.”
(more…)
Rival Sons To Reissue 2011 Album
via Classic Rock Magazine
Rival Sons are to release a special edition of last year’s album Pressure & Time.
Out on March 12, this will have two extra tracks – Company Man and This Life On The Road – plus a bonus DVD. The latter will include:
The songs Gypsy Heart, Pressure And Time and Soul live from the High Voltage Festival last year.
Pressure And Time live backstage at the Werchter Festival in 2011.
The official videos for Pressure And Time, All Over The Road and Get What’s Coming.
The Pressure & Time promotional trailer.
The band will be touring the UK in March with Black Stone Cherry.
Find out more at www.rivalsons.com
Top 20 of 2011 – Jake’s Picks
Shortly after I wrote last year’s Top 20 list, I knew it was going to be interesting to write this year’s. I’ll be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope for 2011 after the year that 2010 was. There were several huge releases in ’10 that I figured would put it on top for, at least, a few years. Sure, there were a few heavily anticipated releases I knew were coming in ’11 like Graveyard‘s Hisingen Blues, but that still paled in comparison. It wasn’t until this year started to go along that it was clear that 2011 was just as good, if not better, than 2010. This was helped along by several amazing hidden gems that were discovered throughout the year. I must have had fun discovering and enjoying all of this music because 2011 flew by faster than any year in recent memory.
In comparing last year to this year, I did find something curious. Last year, Bill and I shared similar lists with 10 matching entries with several of those in nearly identical placements on our lists. This year, things are a bit different. I only count 7 matches, and only 2 with a similar position. Consider the additional albums on this list an early Christmas gift from the cosmos.
As always, the creating of these lists are extremely hard, and I hate to leave some very deserving bands off of a list like this. Unfortunately, I can’t include every amazing album on this list. This year’s list has been worked on all year. I’ve meticulously arranged albums as I’ve listened to them throughout this year, continually going back to adjust their standings. Some bands have moved up, some have moved down, and some have flew to the top, seemingly out of nowhere. (more…)
Top 20 of 2011 – Bill’s Picks
Well it’s that time of year again. Time to name my favorite albums of 2011. 2011 brought us a lot of good stuff by a lot of great bands. 2011 also brought on a lot of surprises from bands that were really unknown until their material was released or well afterwards. Bandcamp played a huge role in music discovery for me. It turned out hundreds of great albums not only released in 2011 but in years past as well. This list, my favorites as well as honorable mentions, is no way a complete list of what was released this year. There is just to much out there that I don’t either have time to get to, never heard of or won’t discover until well after this year is completely over. I know there’s going to be a few surprises. Let it be known that I listened to a LOT of new albums this year and picking my top 20 out of the hundreds was very hard to do.
20. 
The Sade – Damned Love – (review) I really didn’t know what to expect when this one came across my desk but I needed to check it out. And check it out I did. I was pretty damn impressed that I listened to the album at least 10 times in a row. In my review I stated “The majority of the album is all alchchol fueled hard rock. Throughout my listening of the album I couldn’t help but think that this is what Social Distortion may sound like if they were more rooted in 70′s hard rock as opposed to their punk roots.” Granted it’s been a few months since I’ve listened to it, it still has a strong spot in my top 20.
RIVAL SONS ‘ALL OVER THE ROAD’ VIDEO PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY ON VEVO
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS’ brand new music video for the track “All Over the Road” has premiered exclusively on VEVO.
RIVAL SONS once again teamed up with video director GREG EPHRAIM for the stylish new video, which is the band’s second video to premiere on VEVO following the release of “Pressure and Time” earlier this year, placing the band alongside numerous big-name artists.
Watch the “All Over the Road” video now by heading to (more…)
RIVAL SONS ANNOUNCE EUROPEAN HEADLINING TOUR
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS have confirmed a European headlining tour, which is due to kick off on November 4th in Nottingham, UK.
The band played a highly-successful string of European festival dates earlier this year, followed by a UK tour with heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST and QUEENSRYCHE. Now, following a US tour with EVANESCENCE, the band will be returning to Europe for their first headlining tour.
RIVAL SONS guitarist SCOTT HOLIDAY comments:
“After one month’s return to the States, we could no longer take it, being away from our fans in Europe. So we are elated to be getting back out to them this November. Besides getting back to some of our favorite countries and cities, this tour will also give us the chance to introduce ourselves to a bunch of new places, like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Finland, Estonia, Vienna and more! Hopefully everyone over there is ready for a full-on, (more…)
RIVAL SONS TO APPEAR ON “LOPEZ TONIGHT” NATIONAL TV SHOW ON TUESDAY
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS are set to invade the nation’s living rooms tomorrow night – Tuesday, August 9th – when they make their debut TV appearance on late-night television talkshow “Lopez Tonight” with their brand of authentic, high-octane rock ‘n’ roll.
The band will be performing their new hit track, “Pressure and Time”, and rocking out with comedian and host GEORGE LOPEZ plus special guests including ROSEANNE BARR and MICHAEL PENA.
Tune in to “Lopez Tonight” on TBS this Tuesday, August 9th at midnight to witness what is sure to be a landmark TV performance from America’s fastest-rising rock band.
For more information about the show, go to http://www.lopeztonight.com (more…)
“AMERICA’S BEST NEW BAND,” RIVAL SONS, RELEASES NEW ALBUM TODAY
RIVAL SONS CONFIRM UK HEADLINING SHOWS
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS, who are preparing for the release of their highly-anticipated new album, PRESSURE & TIME, have confirmed two headlining shows in the UK.
RIVAL SONS will play two headlining shows in Leeds and London on July 12th and 13th respectively, before joining JUDAS PRIEST and QUEENSRYCHE for a full UK tour.
Tickets for the Leeds show are available at http://www.lunatickets.co.uk or call 0113 2454650.
Tickets for the London show cost just £7.50 and are available at http://www.hmvtickets.co/events/3396
See RIVAL SONS live on tour this summer at the following shows: (more…)
RIVAL SONS HIT THE ROAD FOR SOUTHERN U.S. SHOWS
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS are on the road for a number of Southern US shows.
RIVAL SONS are kicking off their string of Southern shows with a performance at Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, this Saturday, May 21st. RIVAL SONS will be performing on the main stage along with such artists as FOO FIGHTERS, THE FLAMING LIPS, MOTORHEAD, PRIMUS and more.
RIVAL SONS drummer MICHAEL MILEY comments:
“Ya! We are on our way to Gulf Shores, Alabama, as we speak, for the Hangout Fest. It’s been an adventure already, having locked our keys in the van (um, Scott) with a friendly young, able and willing Texan gentleman devising his own slim jim to “unlock” our vehicle after about 2 gallons of (more…)
Review – Rival Sons – Pressure & Time
Classic Rock Magazine has been praising Rival Sons for quite some time now. Rightfully so, this band kicks some major ass. Pressure & Time, the band’s 2nd full length will be released to the masses soon. Get ready, it’s about to hit hard like a storm.
The opening track, “All Over The Road” opens with some fast paced, 70’s based retro rock. “Young Love” is, at times, sounds like a mix between an Aerosmith and Doors tune. It’s outgoing and engaging. “Pressure & Time” has a nice funky vibe to it featuring plenty of bass and loud vocals and some great guitar solos. “Only One” is a mellower and powerful tune. It’s got everything, powerful vocals, great guitar and drumming and features an organ too. “Get Mine” sounds like a classic blues rock tune.”Burn Down Los Angeles” is a bass and guitar heavy number with some great lead and (more…)
RIVAL SONS REVEAL ‘PRESSURE & TIME’ ALBUM COVER
Official Press Release of what was reported a few days ago
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS have revealed the cover art for their forthcoming album, PRESSURE & TIME, which is due to be released on June 20th.
The album art was designed by legendary artist STORM THORGERSON, who is known for many iconic album covers from the likes of PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, GENESIS and many more.
STORM THORGERSON discusses the artwork: (more…)
Rival Sons “Time & Pressure” Cover Revealed
Lifted from Classic Rock Magazine
Classic Rock can exclusively reveal the cover artwork for the upcoming Rival Sons album Pressure & Time – you can see it below.
This was designed by the celebrated Storm Thorgerson, who has worked with the likes of Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Dream Theater and Muse among many others in a career that goes back over 40 years.
“Why did I choose to work with them? Firstly, they were enthusiastic about having me do the cover,” sais Thorgerson. “Secondly, they made contact with me, and thirdly I think the music’s good.”
As is usual, Thorgerson submitted several ideas for the design to the band. And after a lot of dialogue, eventually they settled on the one here.
“In the end I had just two weeks to the final cover, which really isn’t long enough. But it appears that Scott (Holiday, guitar) and Jay (Buchanan, vocals) both like it for different reasons, although I’m not sure what those might be. But there again, for a band to choose a cover they didn’t like would be daft.” (more…)
RIVAL SONS REVEAL ‘PRESSURE & TIME’ TRACK LIST
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS have revealed the track listing for their forthcoming new album, PRESSURE & TIME.
RIVAL SONS have been hailed by Classic Rock magazine as “ones to watch” in 2011 and recently headlined a show in London, England as part of HMV’s Next Big Thing tour. Following a four week stint on the road, the band wrote, recorded and mixed the new album in just 20 days, ensuring a rawness for both the listener and the band.
RIVAL SONS frontman JAY BUCHANAN explains:
“In the code of the Samurai, any decision must be made between three and five breaths… Writing by that code forces us to act, go with our instincts and really, truly listen to each other. Creatively, you’re bringing your most immediate instincts.”
Guitarist SCOTT HOLIDAY adds:
“This is just the simplest way to not cheat ourselves or the listener. Rock and roll can’t be over-thought, and if it is, it loses its immediacy and instinct… It needs to be a knife FIGHT, not a knife DANCE.”
The track list for PRESSURE & TIME is as follows: (more…)
RIVAL SONS CONFIRMED FOR HIGH VOLTAGE AND MAIN SQUARE FESTIVALS
Californian blues-rockers RIVAL SONS have been confirmed for this
year’s notorious High Voltage festival, which takes place on July 23rd
and 24th at London’s Victoria Park in the UK.
RIVAL SONS have also just been confirmed for Main Square Festival in
France as well as Belgium’s Rock Werchter – one of the largest annual
rock festivals in Europe. The band will be performing on the Main
Stage of High Voltage on Saturday, July 23rd and will be playing
alongside an impressive line-up of artists, including JUDAS PRIEST,
QUEENSRŸCHE, DREAM THEATER, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, JETHRO TULL and
more.
(more…)
Stream Rival Sons’ “Torture”
Rival Sons is a band that we’ve assumed to be poised to take over rock charts, and with good reason. These Classic Rock worshipers have garnered some good word from many publications, including Classic Rock Magazine. I’m sure you’ve seen Bill go on (with very good reason) about them and their latest EP. You haven’t? Well, hop on over and read his review. After you do that, you can preview the second track off of said EP.
Check it out after the jump. (more…)
Review – Rival Sons – Rival Sons EP
Rival Sons is back. Their 2009 full length Before The Fire was a favorite find last year and with this recently released self titled EP, they continue their hard rocking ways.
In a good way, this EP is like an extension of Before The Fire. It’s an extra 6 songs and 28 minutes if listened back to back. It is a true masterpiece within itself. “Get Whats Coming” starts it off then rolls into the heavy hitting “Torture.” “Radio” roars at you in the same vein as “Tell Me Something”. “Sacred Tongue” slows down the pace a bit much like “The Man Who Wasn’t There”. “Sleepwalker” picks it back up and then the bluesy closer “Soul” brings it to a nice and easy stop. (more…)
Rival Sons Release New EP
Just in time for Christmas, Rival Sons have unleashed their latest EP on Bandcamp for the reasonable price of $5. There’s 6 tracks available in your format of choice including FLAC. This would make a great Christmas gift for yourself or the Rival Sons fan you probably know. As with most Bandcamp albums, this EP can be streamed through Bandcamp for free. So head on over, listen and buy.
Help Rival Sons Tour
So. Cal rockers Rival Sons are looking to tour and they need your help. The band is currently looking to raise some money for an upcoming tour they want to do. They’re using the Kickstarter service to help raise the funds. The minimum to donate is $1 but you can donate as much as you want. Your donations don’t go unrewarded either. If they reach their goal, which ends on October 11th, you’ll get some neat things in return such as demos, an unreleased video, a download code for their new and upcoming EP and much more. You’ll have to click on the link below for full details. Check out their Myspace page and while you’re at it, read our review of their 2009 album, Before The Fire.
Review – Rival Sons – Before The Fire
I’d like to thank The Soda Shop follower Jim P. For turning me onto this next band. Without him I doubt I would have run across Rival Sons. Rival Sons is a four piece band hailing from southern California. They play an awesome brand of late 70’s classic/hard rock. Think early Aerosmith. Vocalist Jay Buchanan even sounds a bit like Steven Tyler. While the comparisons are there, this band is not an Aerosmith tribute band.
The opening track “Tell Me Something” reminds me a bit of “Walk The Line.” More so in the way the song is structured and not so much as the way the song sounds. “Memphis Sun” is a big blues rock sounding song that gets pretty epic as it continues. It’s easily my favorite track on the album. The fourth track, “Angel” is just as great and epic. “Pocket of Stones” will rock your ears out til it bleeds. With track 6, “The Man Who Wasn’t There” the band band brings it down a few notches. The song is a much slower in both tone and tempo. “On My Way” is another bluesy track with that mixes the speed and is an epic song that wouldn’t surprise me if it wounded up on a movie soundtrack. The album ends with “Nanda-Nandana” which is a faster and upbeat tune and incorporates some different styles and sounds.
This album really took me by surprise. I’ve listened to it at least 10 times in the last 3 days. I’m currently listening to it as I write up this review. The album is for just about everyone. Whether you like old school 70’s, classic rock, hard rock and/or southern rock or bands like Aerosmith, Night Horse, Dirty Sweet or even Graveyard , you’ll like this. The album was released last year directly through the band. Check out what they have to offer on their sites.Leave your comments below, let us know what you think.
Bands interested in a review? Check out the “about”ab on the upper right hand side of the screen.
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