This is an odd album to review. It has become almost mythical here at Bluesbunny Towers. There was even a Bluesbunny at the launch night way back in June but the album itself only turned up recently when a copy was pressed into the Bluesbunny's hands by singer Al Wright. I still don't know how you might get a copy and, neatly pre-empting the content of this review, you will actually want to.
The story (some say legend) of Some Boy and this album has become the subject of many a conversation in the dark, dank basements where reviewers meet. Occasional, often shambolic, live performances and the band's oft changing line up just added to the mystery. However, none of this explains the polish of this album. It sounds remarkably cohesive, especially considering its long gestation, and it stands proud. Unlike so many apologetic bands that hail from Glasgow, you feel that sense of pride throughout. The songs get your attention. Al Wright's voice - it is so good to hear the Scottish accent - powers out of the speakers like Alex Harvey did back in the days. Some Boy don't do theatre however. Their words are the gritty reality of life and the music is punctuated with tortured guitar giving a spiritual power those poxy pretenders like Glasvegas can only dream of.
Like all the great Scottish Bands, Some Boy provide us with not only songs but also anthems. "Save My Soul" is a show stopper. A powerhouse of a song. The spirit is never broken. Other people's expectations don't matter. You've got to stand tall. Only you can do it. "Black Sky" speaks the words we all wish we could say. Even love songs like "Hear Me Now" are devoid of sentiment. Pausing for thought for a moment. Shouldn't all this reality be depressing? It should be but there is so much hope in there that it isn't. Damn, it's actually uplifting. As I listened to this album, the sun began to set. "March on the Soldiers" was playing. Only it didn't appear to be playing, at least not as a song. It was more like that sunset had just got a soundtrack. As the darkness crept into the room, "Time Spent" echoed that sense of loneliness that the night brings.
There you have it. This album is the real deal. Don't even know where you can get it. That probably doesn't even matter. You should hear it but even if you don't, take comfort in the knowledge that it is out there. Just like the truth.