Song Review: Rival Sons “Bird in the Hand”
Via Rival Sons on Spotify
The two-time Grammy Nominated Rival Sons are back on their grind as they prepare to release their 8th album, Darkfighter, this coming June. The album’s third single, “Bird in the Hand”, was released March 10, 2023 following “Rapture” and “Nobody Wants to Die”. Compared to its precursors, while this song has similar raw and edgy vocals from lead Jay Buchanan, it holds an entirely unique sound. Even without hearing the full album, these three song selections for singles off of Darkfighter already prove the band’s creative skill and natural ability to diversify their sound.
In particular, the verses in “Bird in the Hand” have an intense rhythmic buoyancy to them forged by Michael Miley on drums and Dave Best on bass. This trio, often accompanied by keyboardist Todd Ögren on tour, meshes incredibly well to create this dark and intense ebb and flow of sound that is present on the bookends of each chorus. Additionally, guitarist, Scott Holiday, adds a heavy bluegrass influence as his riffs harbor a similar raw twangy-ness. The combination of these two musical styles create a unique cocktail of sound that is worn astonishingly well by the band. Their ability to transcend genres and create this eccentricity in today’s music is an incredible strength for a modern band.
Via Rival Sons Instagram
Songwriting team Buchanan and Holiday also showcase their dominance in lyricism and melody in the chorus. Their gritty and self-reflective voice is prevalent here, using various incomplete idioms perhaps to disprove them or negate their relevance to life.
This song in particular has allusions to rebirth and casting aside the idea of surrendering hopes for reality, at one point stating, “you can have your cake and eat it too,” portraying a twist on the old English idiom that denies the ability to experience life and also enjoy it at the same time. Another quote, “scatter the ashes of the mess I used to be”, touches on the ability to change as we learn and grow through life. Both quotes seem to follow a similar grain, that in order to truly live we need to evolve as we experience life’s challenges.
While the meanings of songs are always up for individual assumptions and interpretations, Buchanan seems to gravitate towards ideas of forging your own destiny while still paying homage to your roots. And it’s pretty safe to say that the members of Rival Sons are doing a pretty bang-up job at establishing their place in today’s music scene.
Rival Sons embark on their first headlining tour since the COVID-19 pandemic to promote their eighth album, Darkfighter, set to release June 2nd of this year. The Darkfighter tour kicks off in Oklahoma City mid-May, be sure to check them out in a city near you!
Via Rival Sons Instagram
