EP Review: Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons – Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons (UDR Records)

This 5 track EP is a wonderful slab of rock & roll, an upbeat journey that unashamed in its pandering. Opening with the fast-paced, Big Mouth, it’s a song that is all about its catchy chorus. Vocalist Neil Starr is solid, a really good singer but it’s all about the guitar work.

Campbell keeps it straight-forward for the most part but rips hard when he needs too. Spiders is a great example of that with its dirty sounding riff & nod along beat.

Take Aim would be entirely forgettable if it wasn’t for a great little solo near the end of the track. This brief moment lifts it up nicely ensuring that it doesn’t already look like the band are running out of ideas 3 songs into the EP.

It was always going to be impossible for some of Motörhead’s style to creep in & No Turning Back’s fast-paced riff in the verses really sounds like the legendary band. What stops it from being a rip-off are the choruses, having The Bastards Sons stamp all over them. Probably the best song on the album.

It ends with ballad that is surprisingly meaningful. The use of acoustic guitar adding some extra depth & Starr’s vocals are on absolute point.

A solid piece of rock & roll. It’s good to see Phil Campbell continue to make good music after the end of Motörhead & with his three sons the future is looking very bright.

Full Track Listing:

1. Big Mouth
2. Spiders
3. Take Aim
4. No Turning Back
5. Life in Space

You can find out more & pick up the EP over on the official Bastards Son website.