It’s a bit like buses I guess, you stand waiting for one, then three come along at the same time and it must feel a bit like that in the Emerald Isles at present when it comes to classic/blues based rock bands. We already have The Answer and Glyder and can now add Dublin’s Jaded Sun to that list with their quality debut album, “Gypsy Trip”. 

Formed in 2003, Jaded Sun went about things the hard way, gigging to save the cash to produce their first EP, “Raw” in 2004, which was then followed in late 2005 with a second EP entitled “Falling On The Fears”. 2006 saw more gigs, highlighted by supporting Bon Jovi in Dublin’s Croke Park before spending most of 2007 writing and finalising material for “Gypsy Trip” which was recorded and mastered over a hectic 7 weeks in Los Angeles. 

What Jaded Sun have achieved is a polished and well produced album that delivers right from the first notes of the foot stomping opener, “Breaking Through”. Next up is “Crazyman” which offers some great slide guitar work, producing a sleazy, southern blues sound reminiscent of The Black Crowes or Cry Of Love. We remain way down south for “Fever”, with its’ Lynyrd Skynyrd like tempo changes before jumping right back to the UK, where a distinct Thunder influence is felt on “Hey You” and “Crave”. Maher’s voice even sounding a little Danny Bowes like in places.  

It’s briefly back to some good old southern boogie on “Can’t Stop”, complete with Billy Powell type piano and some classic steel guitar, before the tempo slows right down for “Sweetness” and “He Knows Home”. These two tracks are, arguably, the strongest on the album mainly due to the quality of the build up, wonderful guitar and because they most suit Mahers vocal style. The tempo increases once again to end the album with a real flourish. “Positive” is just one of those songs that you know will be a real crowd pleaser when played live and closing track “She’s Got Class” is without doubt excellent encore material, being driven along by a thunderous rhythm section and has a great little guitar riff to boot. 

Finally is there room for Jaded Sun? No doubt in my mind, they are steering course that is closer to The Answer than to Glyder musically but vocally they are different enough to be recognised in their own right. “Gypsy Trip” is a really strong debut and I can only hope they will be bringing the live show to the UK soon.

Let us know your views on Gypsy Trip

Track Listing

Breaking Through
Crazyman
Fever
Hey You
Crave
Can’t Stop
Sweetness
He Knows Home
Positive
Higher
She’s Got Class

Line Up

John Maher – Vocals
Eorann Stafford – Guitars
Sean Gosker – Guitars
Damien Kelly – Bass/Keyboards
Gavan Murray – Drums