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

A varied, radio-friendly album that'll leave you awestruck and hugely satisfied.

After several years concentrating his time and expertise as a record producer, former Little Angels front-man Tony Jepson returned to the live arena in 2017 with his new band Wayward Sons.

Jepson (vocals, guitar), alongside Sam Wood (guitar), Nic Wastell (bass), Phil Martini (drums) and Dave Kemp (keys), certainly hit the ground running and their debut album 'Ghosts Of Yet To Come' created quite a (much welcomed) stir in the Rock community. It was a powerhouse of an opus full of hard-hitting Rock 'n' Roll with a modern edge, presumably aimed towards both the older and younger markets within the Rock spectrum. The group obviously gelled and enjoyed taking this new music out to the masses so much so that less than two years later we are witnessing their sophomore effort.

Personally, I felt that 'Ghosts ...' was a tad too profound for my tastes. Yes, it contained well-structured and well-delivered songs, but I got a feeling that the band were trying too hard to impress. Thankfully, 'The Truth Ain't What It Used To Be' sees the group in a much more settled mindset, and each track now has the time and space to breathe as well as exhibit the unquestionable quality of both the musicianship and poignant lyrical content.



Opener 'Any Other Way' is a total gem of a song and my absolute favourite; it's punky riff, pounding rhythm section and edgy vocals amalgamate to make this a composition that should be embraced by almost every Rock subgenre, be it young and old. Imagine if Vega, a young Elvis Costello and Waltham (remember them?) got together – this might be the result. Continuing this predominant effervescent trend are 'As Black As Sin', 'Feel Good Hit', '(If Only) God Was Real' and 'Punchline', and each one carries the listener along on a journey of angst and steadfastness – they're also damn catchy too!

The first single 'Joke's On You', 'Have It Your Own Way' and 'Long Line Of Pretenders' are more commercial, whilst the Queen/Take That/Cats In Space (seriously!) sounding 'Little White Lies', 'Us Against The World' and title-track illustrate a more judicious facet. That just leaves the exquisite piano-led power ballad 'Fade Away' and the exemplary hidden track 'Totally Screwed'; seriously, don't overlook this one!

Compared to its predecessor this is a more varied, radio-friendly album that'll leave you awestruck and hugely satisfied – highly recommended.

Dave Crompton