It is always good when you can discover new music coming through and even better when that album surpasses your initial expectations. This is exactly what I found with the debut album from Maverick and his Hired Guns – ‘Ride the Sun’
The album opens with the title track Ride the Sun which immediately grabs your attention. It an excellent opener which instantly reminds me of the first time I heard the Oasis single D’You Know What I Mean? With the eclectic but complementary use of a sound bite and sounds, which perfectly complements the lead guitar.
There is a familiar Brit pop sound which also carries over to Song in the City and the ballad Fortune Teller, which with lead vocalist Paul’s voice feels as though it would be perfect for an acoustic session.
Whilst on the surface, at least in the opening songs there are some influences from 90’s Brit pop, but there is so much more going on in the production. With the composition there are several layers to sound which are blended seamlessly and may go unnoticed on the first listen. One factor which does not go unnoticed in the interchanging of instruments to coincide with temperament of the song. Whether is be the incorporation of the saxophone, organ and the piano, it is prominently audible as part of the main song and not just during the solos.
Keepers of the light creates a rawer sound and a more divergent dual vocals, which works brilliantly on the track. This is followed by the Lonely Mountain, which with despite an upbeat sound feels less polished than some of the other tracks, with a natural live feel to the song. It has vibes of a catchy summer song and despite its simplicity is still one of my favourite tracks on the album.
Despite the lack of vocals on the track, with Paul coming in towards the end, Breathe is the song on the album which really took me by surprise and stays with me. Building up with the emotion with the piano and the backing of the string orchestra it is a beautiful piece which doesn’t feel out of place in on the album.
Butterflies takes the album a bit more upbeat again, but maintains an emotion hold both with the lyrics and Paul vocal delivery.
The tone however changes again with a reprise of Ride the Sun, which brings back an alternative take on the title track which has more of a blues feel. Once again showing a different side to the band.
Windmills brings us back to rockier sounds from the start of the album, with another brilliant guitar solo which proves to be feature throughout the album. Constellations on the other hand brings us back down with a more stripped back and emotional Ballad.
Despite being included in the song list on the album, 50p Rocket is probably regarded as the bonus track or b side single on the album (for those old enough to remember buying singles). It a fun nonsensical track which grows on you the more you hear it and a nice way to finish the album with a smile.
Ride the Sun is an excellent debut album from Maverick and his Hired Guns. Whilst there is a familiarity with the songs, they have developed their own style which includes an eclectic mix of musical influences. The arrangement on the album works brilliantly to bring the various styles seamlessly brought together. I was expecting a solid indie-style rock album, but what they delivered is so much more.
The debut album Ride the Sun from Maverick and his Hired Guns is available to download here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/maverickandhishiredguns/ride-the-sun
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
