Sheffield has a rich musical history. From Def Leppard to Arctic Monkeys, the Steel City has produced some massive bands. The Heavy Souls see no reason why their debut album should think small.
“Have You Got Soul”—no question mark. It seems to be a statement, and when it comes to Heavy Souls, the answer is a resounding yes.
You’ve heard this sound before—the title track is full of big, thick grooves, and Charlie Vaughan roars like Jay Buchanan. But who cares when it’s this good?
Like that? Good, because there’s plenty more. “She Devil” is all about the “devil woman” who did them wrong. “Rise and Fall” belongs in the ‘70s and doesn’t see why it shouldn’t be. “Sleepwalking” keeps the spirit of early Whitesnake alive—and my, what a solo from Ben Boswell.
“The Abyss” adds a touch of psychedelics and brooding menace. “She Said” returns to the heavy blues that underpins the whole album—and these boys know how to write a hook. “Broken” doesn’t worm its way in; it smashes the door down and rifles through your fridge.
“Caught In Your Spell” slows things down with a mystical feel, but if you want something that roars like Wolfmother, “Prey” has you covered. The Wolfmother comparisons stack up on the closer, too.
“The River” has the same primal energy, the same desperation. “I am not a sinner” is delivered in a way that suggests some bad stuff has gone down.
It’s only the debut, but there’s enough here to suggest The Heavy Souls are a name to watch. Just say you’ve got soul if they ask—it seems the sensible option.
Rating: 8.5/10
