BY GEMMA BROSNAN
SONS OF ALBION are smashing all the stereotypes and changing the face of dark, hard rock with an imminent debut single creating much more than just a stir.
Deliciously dark and dramatically intense, with a dangerously hypnotic stage presence, their iron clad riffs and anthemic choruses not only casually captivate, but effortlessly elevate the crowd.
Filthy good looks and awe-inspiring vocals are provided by Logan Plant - son of legendary Led Zeppelin hero, Robert Plant – with his ferocious force and energy cementing his unquestionable link to rock royalty.
After tackling Europe and the UK last year with exhilarating support slots alongside Black Stone Cherry, Velvet Revolver and at the biggest festivals, they have just returned from the States in time for the release of ‘Take A Look’, the debut single threatening to propel them to the top.
We caught up with Logan, Nuno, Francisco and Gones, aka SONS OF ALBION, to find out more.
Gemma: Guys, you are barely eighteen months old so let’s go back to the beginning. How did you guys get together?
Francisco (Drums): Basically, I started a band, we needed a guitar player so I invited Nuno to come along. After a while, we needed a singer and we tried out a few, but singers are like hats and I knew the perfect one, so I kept calling Logan trying to convince him to join. One day he gave in and then that was it.
Gemma: You have been described as hard-driving rock as opposed to the generic indie sound which currently dominates British airwaves. How would you describe your sound?
Francisco: Rock. Absolutely. Full stop.
Gones (Bass): I don’t think of us as classic rock, it’s very raw and has similarities with early ‘90s grunge, but it’s a lot more modern.
Logan (Vocals): You could say we are the new generation of rock because the stuff we are coming out with now is pretty grungesque but hitting on a heavier, darker tone.
Gones: It is not definitely not throwaway indie and is much more meaningful then the stuff that you might listen to for five minutes that makes you feels a little bit better. That is not something you can get your teeth into or feel emotional about to the degree that I feel our music can do.
Gemma: Is there one track which you feel defines the spirit of Sons of Albion and what you guys are about?
Gones: ‘Take A Look’, the new single.
Gemma: You have been praised in the past for the raw, electric energy of your live performances. Do you feel that putting on a good show is equally as important as creating great music?
Nuno (Guitar): I think it is essential because it is your one direct chance to interact with the audience who are there to hear your music. It’s about breaking down the barriers between yourself and the crowd and creating an intensity with the performance that reaches them, rather than just playing songs in your own space and either ignoring or losing the crowd.
Gones: You actually get to meet people who want to listen to your music and have a big party about it, so it’s great.
Francisco: Normally, we just go for it and give each song the power it needs.
Logan: The performance is a natural extension of the song and it does turn you on.
Gemma: Out of all the gigs you’ve played, what has been your best one so far?
Logan: We performed some great shows in the States.
Francisco: The last one in New York was really, really good.
Gones: We’ve had some amazing shows at The Water Rats and supported Velvet Revolver last year which was great.
Gemma: And the worst gig?
Francisco: Oxygen festival in Ireland last year wasn’t great as we had to sleep in a field, straight after a gig in Portugal.
Logan: It was shocking.
Francisco: It was alright, it was just miles away from the last gig and a logistical nightmare.
Gemma: What do you enjoy most about being on tour?
Nuno: Partying.
Francisco: And the food is amazing.
Gemma: What’s the main difference between the American and British crowd?
Francisco: The US audience find it easier to engage with our style of music as they are more receptive to our style of rock.
Gones: I think the American crowd show their appreciation in a different way to a British crowd because they are often less reserved and more up for it from the start.
Logan: I also think it’s because heavy guitar music is the biggest market in the States. It’s huge.
Gemma: You’ve been compared to Soundgarden, Muse and Rage Against The Machine – who would you describe as your biggest influences?
Logan: All of those and I guess Alice in Chains, Audioslave and Nine Inch Nails.
Francisco: Faith No More.
Gemma: Last year you did Download, V Festival, T in the Park. Any festivals lined up for this year?
Logan: We did a lot last year so this year we’ve been focused on recording.
Francisco: Hopefully Reading and Leeds but also some of the European festivals including one in Portugal, but as we have our album coming out this year, it makes sense to focus on that and leave some of the bigger festivals for next year.
Gemma: Logan. You are the son of rock legend Robert Plant. Is he a fan of your sound?
Logan: Very much so. He likes a bit of guitar, bass and drums and has been to see us a lot.
Gemma: Would you describe him as an inspiration?
Logan: Yeah of course, he is my dad and a huge inspiration.
Gones: He wanted to be in the band but we said no.
Logan: He loves what he is doing.
Gemma: Has he given you any tips?
Logan: Other than telling us to have a good monitor engineer, no, but he loves the band and he loves the guys.
Gemma: The new single is out next week so I’m sure they’ll be a few more people loving your sound. Thanks for your time.
Sons of Albion: Thank you.
Sons of Albion’s new single ‘Take A Look’ is out Monday April 13.
For more information and a free download check out http://www.myspace.com/sonsofalbionuk
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