Written by: Steve Latimer
Band:
Album Title:
Release Date:
The Heavy Souls
Have You Got Soul
31st January 2025
Have You Got Soul is the debut album from Sheffield based Blues rockers The Heavy Souls. That said, you’d be forgiven for thinking this album is from a band that have a few albums under their belts. It’s a well written, well performed and well produced piece of work. The band’s music has an edgy and raw quality that they’ve maintained while producing a polished, professional debut album. It’s full of catchy riffs and well crafted guitar solos with a relentless engine room. The vocals float effortlessly over the top, with just the right rasp and hint of anguish that is perfect for the genre.
Every album needs a strong opener, and the title track delivers in spades; it has a dramatic intro that builds into the first of many instantly addictive and memorable guitar riffs. The song is about the power of music to change the way you feel. You can’t write a song about that subject if it doesn’t do what it says on the tin right? Don’t worry – they nailed it!
Have You Got Soul is followed by She Devil. It starts with a guitar hook straight out of the ’70s. The stripped-out verses are the perfect foil for the soaring powerful chorus. For me, the song is about the spell that infatuation can cast, and the track really does keep you under a spell.
The Rise and Fall starts where She Devil left off, with a slow and deliberate intro. But some clever writing takes you on a trip of time signatures with an up-tempo chorus. The musical light and shade match the theme of the song perfectly. The song is an acknowledgement that life can be confusing and frustrating, but if you ride the wave with positivity and the right people, things will be OK.
Sleepwalking is a soul-searching power blues ballad. The lyrics suggest the sleepwalker in the song is carrying some regret of past actions and waiting for that one moment or person that can wake them up. The song doesn’t provide the answer, and I think that’s just fine.
The Abyss was the first single the guys released from the album. You can see why they chose it. My interpretation of the song is that of someone exorcising their demons to avoid falling into the abyss. It showcases all elements of their writing and performance. A simple guitar riff, and a stripped-out verse that builds into a powerhouse of a chorus. There’s a tempo change bridge to keep you on your toes and perfectly executed guitar solo.
She Said has a slightly different feel about it. Perhaps more classic rock than the other tracks on the album. But it’s a great example of the bands ability to absorb the influence of things that have gone before and put their own spin on it. It’s a classic un-requited love song. But its psychedelic bridge gives it a touch of something unique.
Next up we have another classic subject being given a new flavour. Broken is a coming-of-age song, another staple of the genre but it gets respectful treatment. This track includes a great example of a musician’s ability to judge what a song needs – the guitar solo on this track is perhaps the best on the album. Not because it’s particularly technically extravagant, but it’s just what the song needs at exactly the right time. It starts with a mellow tone and crescendos beautifully to the big finish.
Caught In Your Spell is a song about falling in love. The lyrics will resonate with everyone who has had the experience. Again, it’s a familiar song subject that’s given a different spin. The chorus is probably the most anthemic of the album – in my crystal ball, I can see Clarke Vaughan teaching audiences to sing this one. It has the possibility of becoming the signature live track. If this track doesn’t tick that box, the next one will.
Prey starts with another one of those simple but instantly catchy guitar riffs and features another chorus that will give the band a chance to get the audience involved. It’s got a great call and response element to it.
The River is a redemption song and captures the positive end of album vibe perfectly. Another great guitar hook and a verse that has a real pounding drive to it. The chorus bursts into life like an explosion. It’s a great way to finish off the album.
This is a good album by any standards. That fact that it’s a debut album makes that a huge achievement. My one slight criticism is, I found myself wanting another up-tempo track in the middle of the album. It’s an itch that may possibly have been scratched by re-ordering the tracks rather than adding another song.
But that’s it and it is me being very picky, and of course, it’s completely subjective. I haven’t seen the guys live yet, but I will be hunting them down in 2025. I suspect their live shows are going to give me that tingly feeling.
Presave Link:
The Heavy Souls are:
Clarke Vaughan – Vocals
Ben Boswell – Guitar
Ryan Jones – Bass
Charlie Morris – Drums
Track Listing
- Have You Got Soul
- She Devil
- Rise And Fall
- Sleepwalking
- The Abyss
- She Said
- Broken
- Caught In Your Spell
- Prey
- The River