October is a bloody awful month for flu. The influx of freshers to Bristol’s two universities also initiates the well known mini-epidemic of ‘Fresher’s Flu’ - something that lead singer of Favourite Sons, Ken Griffen, seems to be stricken with this evening. And if he doesn’t have the dreaded flu, well that must mean that the man normally performs every gig to the very last effort he can muster before bedtime – a true rock and roll professional then.

As his fellow band mates seem to keep a watchful eye over their lead man it’s difficult to tell whether Ken is actually releasing the emotions present in tracks such as ‘The Things That We Do To Each Other’, or if the glistening throbbing veins on his forehead actually mean that it’s time for more Lemsip. Either way the Sons deliver a powerful set.

As Favourite Sons roll through a decent slab of their first LP, Down Beside Your Beauty, it is hard not think of an ‘[The] OC’ friendly Mark Lanegan, or a mellow Nick Cave (minus the pillaging and impending doom). Ken’s booming and sometimes sultry vocals backed by the remaining Sons’ groove packs a punch on tracks such as ‘Down Beside Your Beauty’ and the down-beat ‘Pistols and Girls’. Furthermore, the Sons also have a shot at a helping of radio friendly pop with the catchy ‘Hang On Girl’. There really isn’t a dull moment in the set.

Favourite Sons add a much needed punch to the often limp wristed genre of emotional soft-rock even with a suspected case of ‘freshers flu’. Who knows what they are capable of after a week of lemon and honey flavoured decongestant? World domination could be a menthol lozenge away.

(4/5)

Check for Live Dates  Photo: Simon Hoyle