An album review of ‘A War On Everything’ by The Glorious Sons
By Jonathan Pabico, Senior Columnist
3.5/5
It was disappointing to find out that fans will not be attending the summer concerts of the Canadian rockers The Glorious Sons. The band cancelled their upcoming July and August tour dates for their recent album A War On Everything due to COVID-19. Regardless of this unfortunate news, people can be comforted and reassured by the fact that their newest soundtrack will easily outlast the pandemic.
Contrary to the album’s title, most of the songs are not brooding contemplations about war. They are, instead, armed with surprisingly simple themes about love and hope. At the same time, the collection reaches the precipice of punk rock with raw lyrics and fierce soundscapes.
Tracks like “The Laws of Love and War” have gentle sounds from the acoustic guitar paired with soft vocals that provide a delicate break from the album’s more thrilling selections. With this, the band illustrates that they are not afraid of bringing heart and warmth to the rock genre.
Despite this approach, A War On Everything is not as exhilarating as past albums The Union and Young Beauties and Fools. The Glorious Sons’ previous work had songs with more experimental subtleties and better arrangements. Their current collection feels more conventional, even though the tracks have some innovative elements.
The band’s playlist still provides the typical fun you would expect from a rock ‘n’ roll album ready to be blasted at full volume on your radio during a road trip post-pandemic.The song “One More Summer” has a satisfying guitar intro that retreats into a backdrop so that the unrelenting vocals and sharp beats from the drums can take centre stage during the chorus. While the piece is about past betrayal, the music can still satisfy your vacation needs with its vigorous rhythms.
Many of the album’s tracks deliver positive tones that are enjoyable for any listener. One of the best takeaways is “Kingdom in My Heart”—it’s filled with uplifting energy. The intro’s rollicking claps are infused with resonating guitar solos, and then they are followed by vibrant piano strokes. These style choices perfectly balance with lyrics like “life will rip us to pieces, and we’ll just laugh it off.” This dynamic song conveys how past hardships are made better by those still there for you today.
The album may be underwhelming for those seeking the same level of boldness from past collections. However, the band combines straightforward themes with enthusiastic tracks to provide poignant melodies. If you’re looking for music to please your inner rocker, then The Glorious Sons’ A War On Everything is the answer to that quest. To stay updated with The Glorious Sons, visit the band’s official website.
