Son Of Man was initially formed by guitarist George Jones and drummer Bob Richards, former members of the band Man, as a tribute to Man founder Micky Jones (George’s father). While their plans at first were a series of tribute concerts, they eventually became a recording band, and have now released their third album, Gaslight. The band is rounded out by Richie Galloni on vocals, Marco James on keys, and bassist Ray Jones (returning to the band after a six-year hiatus, replacing guitarist Glenn Quinn). Largely rooted in classic rock with bits of metal, folk, blues and prog, it's a diverse, yet still very cohesive, collection of tunes. The album opens with “Down”, which has a very strong David Gilmour guitar intro (think “Welcome To The Machine”) and then turns into a solid classic rock track with crunching guitars and a bit of a modern-day Deep Purple feel. “Stuck” is full of AC/DC like guitar licks, but musically has more of a melodic rock edge along with great vocal harmonies. Showcasing Galloni’s soulful vocals, “Can’t Stop Loving You” is a solid power ballad, although a bit generic, while “Far From Home” is a straight-ahead midtempo track that’s again on the more melodic side with a real eighties metal vibe, especially with the synths. The title track is a powerhouse rocker with a darker edge and is a perfect example of all the pieces coming together. Galloni’s vocals are strong and at times effects laden, while the guitars are at first heavier and dirtier, and about halfway through it explodes into a hard charging track that sounds like Deep Purple with a little Judas Priest thrown in. “The 103” is their tribute to a Harley 103 and is a solid AOR rocker with more great harmonies, plenty of hooks and some nice organ fills. Shifting gears a bit, “There Will Come A Day” is a big sounding, Native American-themed track that is actually reminiscent of The Eagles (don’t miss the harmonies), but with more great organ and occasional hints of Pink Floyd in the guitar work. The atmospheric “Tomorrow” is a gorgeous, laid-back and dreamy track that has its own sound, but definitely takes a page from the Pink Floyd book. Changing things up once again, “Hiding” is an extremely catchy, bluesy rocker complete with some great honky tonk piano, while the powerful epic “The Road” is a big sweeping rocker with touches of prog that is another album high point. Closing things out is “Thanks For The Ride”, which opens with piano, strings and acoustic guitar before leading into a solid midtempo rocker that make for the perfect swansong for the album.
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