Written by: Nick Ashton
Band:
Title:
Release Date:
Greyfox Conspiracy
Preacher Man
12th December 2025
Southern rock has fallen out of favour on this side of the Atlantic since it’s heyday in the 70s and 80s. The God and guns stance of latter day Skynyrd is divisive, not least in the current political climate, and bands emerging from Nashville are tending to travel down country roads which are not necessarily appealing to rock fans with fond memories of Molly Hatchet or Blackfoot in their prime. Therefore, it is all the more rewarding when you discover a band that truly understands the history of southern rock and can deliver an album of hell raisin’, hard rockin’ tunes that would not sound out of place on a roadhouse jukebox in the deep south.
Preacher Man is the debut album by Greyfox Conspiracy, whose members have been around on the South Wales music scene and beyond for some time. Collectively they have paid their dues, learned their chops and know how to have one hell of a good time. Formed by Greyfox Growl, aka Rob Cooksley, the band has grown into a close-knit family that shares the values of loyalty and brotherhood. This spills over into their music, which often references the maverick figure fighting back against authority by standing up for himself and on behalf of others on songs such as Backs To The Wall, Renegade and Branded Man. The former is a slow burning hard rocker on which the riff takes a back seat to the vocals, allowing the message conveyed in the lyrics to come across clearly. In contrast, Renegade has an in-your-face swagger and a riff that punches you in the gut. The guitar break is restrained but effective – there is no need for histrionics – and the chorus is an instant ear worm which will soon have you yelling Hell Yeah!
… If your idea of a good time is hollerin’ along with some kick ass outlaw southern rock ‘n’ roll then this is the album for you. ..
Where Cooksley truly excels as a song writer and storyteller is on the songs based on real people and events. He clearly has a deep love and knowledge of the Old West and the rich history of the American Frontier, which he draws upon to tell tales of both larger-than-life characters such as Crazy Horse and lesser known but equally interesting pioneers of the west. The titular Preacher Man is a case in point: it tells the story of a Presbyterian Minister who on one hand saw to the spiritual needs of his congregation while on the other hand he hunted down outlaws as a Texas Ranger. All of this is set against a rabble rousing, rumbling riff that is sure to get heads nodding and feet stompin’. The story of Lakota warrior Crazy Horse is a similarly riff-heavy anthem that evokes the spirit of the Native Americans’ fight against the invading settlers. Cooksley’s vocals are suitably enraged as he screams the hero’s name while the rest of the band lean into the chugging, steamroller riff.
Musically, the album treads a familiar pathway spanning southern rock and heavy blues rock. Freight Train summons up the might of a steam locomotive ploughing on relentlessly through the night, whereas Lord Have Mercy has a confident swagger and a tasty guitar solo. I Got Your Back brims over with brooding menace as Cooksley simultaneously looks back at the split from his former band and forward to the newly formed brotherhood with his current band mates. The album closes with the more reflective Time Will Tell, a slow blues which ponders the state of the environment and man’s impact upon the world.
This is an album brimming over with authenticity and passion: the songs are riff-driven with economical but effective solos, allowing the lyrics to remain at the forefront of the songwriting. In the live setting, the songs rock hard and while the same is true for the recorded version you are able to dive deeper and enjoy the stories as they unfurl. If your idea of a good time is hollerin’ along with some kick ass outlaw southern rock ‘n’ roll then this is the album for you. Hell Yeah!
Greyfox Conspiracy are:
Kenn Barnes – Lead Guitar
Rob Cooksley – Vocals
Darren Richards – Bass
David Harris – Rhythm Guitar
Bob Richards – Drums (Studio)
Mikey J. – Drums (Live)
Track Listing
- Preacherman
- Twist of Fate
- Branded Man
- I’ve Got Your Back
- Lord, Have Mercy on My Soul
- Backs to the Wall
- Crazy Horse
- Freight Train
- Renegade
- Time Will Tell