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Wayward Sons: The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be
Wayward Sons - The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be Music Review

Wayward Sons: The Truth Ain't What It ...

Melodic Hard Rock
4.5/5.0

Formed and led by singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer Toby Jepson (Little Angels), Wayward Sons dropped their debut album, Ghosts Of Yet To Come, a mere thirteen months ago. The album was warmly received by fans and critics alike, garning Wayward Sons Best New Band at the 2018 Planet Rock Awards. Meanwhile, the band toured extensively by supporting heavy hitters like Saxon, UFO, Inglorious, and many others, and then dropping in on the festival circut . Now Jepson and gang return with their second long player, The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be with new guitarist Sam Wood (Treason Kings) on board.

Wayward Sons - Click For Larger Image

Wayward Sons

While it's unfair to call Wayward Sons a throwback band, Jepson definitely reaches into the history and realms of classic rock from the Seventies and Eighties. Their sound is both organic and energetic built upon a strong guitar presence with rabid solos, solid groove from the bass and drum lines, a light keyboard layer, and fine vocals and vocal harmony. All the arrangements are swollen with fine melody, harmony, and catchy refrains. The previous album was recorded live in the studio. I don't know if that was done this time around, but it sure sounds so. Boiled done to a short summary: Waywards Sons deliver classic riff roaring classic hard rock. And so, Wayward Sons have ventured little from the musical path begun with their first album. Ergo, if you liked Ghosts Of Yet To Come, you will definitely dig this album too.

On to highlighting a few songs. Straight up riff rockers with both groove and speed come with Any Other Way, Feel Good Hit, the heavier (If Only) God Was Real, and Punchline, where Jepson vocals are a bit more raging. Having somewhat of a punk vibe, As Black As Sin rushes along with sharp riffs and a heavy bottom end. Within Joke's On You, quite the radio friendly catchy rocker, there lies a lingering piano line that will eventually rise past the midpoint. The piano line, joined to Jepson's voice, leads and lilts along within the hard rock anthem, Fade Away. Whether by digital download or CD, continue to listen after Us Against The Word for the hidden bonus track, Totally Screwed, a riff rocking polemic against life, the world, and everything.

With The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be, Wayward Sons once more delivers a solid and entertaining album classic riff roaring, guitar forward, classic hard rock. Is it as good at Ghosts Of Yet To Come? You decide. Recommended.


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The Bottom Line

With The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be, Wayward Sons once more delivers a solid and entertaining album classic riff roaring, guitar forward, classic hard rock. Is it as good at Ghosts Of Yet To Come? You decide. Recommended.

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