 
As soon as I pressed play on ‘Baptized In The Rio Grande’ I was blown away by how heavy sounding and musically talented Sons Of Texas are and as the album progressed I continued to be impressed as the band smashed through eleven solid tracks, some which were tub-thumpers, some which were radio friendly and some which were slowed down rock ballads, and then I decided to do some research into the band and was shocked to find out that they have only been together for just over a year as the album is fantastic sounding like a well-established band who have finally created that perfect album.
Sons Of Texas of are a five piece band who hail from Mcallen Texas and are made up of Mark Morales (vocals), Mike Villarreal (drums), Nick Villarreal (bass), Jon Olivarez (rhythm Guitar) and Jes De Hoyos (lead Guitar) and they signed to Razor And Tie Records pretty soon after forming where they headed into the studio with Josh Wilbur to create their debut album ‘Baptized In The Rio Grande’ which has just been released in the UK after previously being released in the states back in March.
The album opens in a huge way with the aggressive ‘Never Bury The Hatchett’ where the band go all out and showcase what they are all about with beefy riffs, banging drum beats and vocals which take you on a rollercoaster ride in the way one minute they are shouty and the next they are melodic, ‘Never Bury The Hachett’ is not only the perfect opening to the album it is also one of those songs which would go down a storm at rock clubs across the world as everyone head bangs until their hearts content.
‘Pull It And Fire’ continues on from the opening song nicely as the band knock out yet another perfectly crafted rock anthem full of amazing guitar riffs and solos and Mark Morales once again showing off with his wide vocal range which sees him switch styles like a switch.
The album title track ‘Baptized In The Rio Grande’ also happens to be the lead single from the album and it is clear to see why as the song oozes in radio friendliness as the band smash their way through the melodic rock n roll anthem in style.
‘Nothing King’, ‘Blameshift’, ‘Morales Of The Helpless Kind’, ‘Drag The Blade’ are all outstanding heavy songs whilst ‘Breathing Through My Wounds’ see’s the band knock out an impressive ballad whilst ‘September’ see’s the band go down the bluesy rock route which they nail ever so well and ‘Texas Trim’ sees the band close the album in a big energetic way.
As far as debut albums go ‘Baptized In The Rio Grande is huge and perfectly puts Sons Of Texas on the rock n’ roll map and more importantly on the road to success and I personally can’t wait to see the band on the live circuit especially after hearing how loud, heavy, energetic and tight sounding they are on record.
5/5
Review by Trigger
|
