Philip Sayce
The Wolves Are Coming
Forty Below Records (available now) Strat-wielding blues-rocker’s album punches hard
For high-energy blues-rock fans, Philip Sayce takes some beating. His Fender Strat’s battered appearance is testament to how strong a player he is with the ability to bend, hammer and pick with blazing fireworks through to the softest of ballad-serving touches. The Wolves Are Coming is a masterful presentation of strong songs played with passion and stunning guitar tones. Not afraid to divulge his influences, Philip told us in issue 508 that his sights are set firmly on the era of classic rock: “[Take] Robin Trower, for instance: when I hear live recordings of those guys in the mid-70s… there’s something about the earth under my feet moving.”
Opener, That Bitches Brew, is a stomping Hendrix-esque burner, filled with heavy riffing and big dynamics. Huge. The swinging swagger of Lady Love Divine has an infectious chorus and a stinging solo, while Babylon Is Burning features guitar and vocal unison melodies and great rhythmic punches. Wah-guitar drives Your Love with a mid-tempo groove, a partylike chorus and a Uni-Vibe coloured solo. Next, you’ll experience sonic chill-out from It’s Over Now with tasty Curtis Mayfield LittleWing- styled guitar chording. For the album’s most blazing solo, check out Blackbirds Fly Alone; don’t be fooled by the intro’s acoustic strumming – Philip’s electric double‑time chops are full-on for the outro.
Overall, the album has a nostalgic, late 60s/early 70s feel with a production that sounds both powerful and organic. For blues-rock fans, this has to be one of the most must-hear albums for 2024. It’s that good!
Standout track: Babylon Is Burning For fans of: Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower