The last time I reviewed a Godfathers release, the group’s tremendous 2017 album, ‘A Big Bad Beautiful Noise’, sole surviving founder member Peter Coyne had assembled a superb line-up of top-notch players, including Darren Birch (Black Bombers, Walter Lure, Brian James) on bass and the multi-talented guitarist, songwriter and producer Steve Crittall.
The album received strong reviews across the board, so Coyne’s abrupt sacking of the group via Facebook last year sent shockwaves through the group’s loyal fanbase.
Coyne quickly announced a new line-up based around the talented and hugely respected Richie Simpson (guitar) and Billy Duncanson (drums), both ex-Heavy Drapes. The new line-up was completed by bass player Jon Priestley & guitarist Wayne Vermaak.
Released on 17th June to celebrate the 35th anniversary since the band’s formation, new double A side single ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ & ‘Wild and Free’ harks back to the group’s original‘80s sound, with blazing guitars reminiscent of the Pistols’ Steve Jones and lyrics characterised by veiled political sentiments. Coyne himself describes the single as “truly exciting, state of the art rock & roll”.
The Godfathers’ new double A side is available in limited edition, clear red vinyl 7inch single & also limited edition 4 track CD that features the 2 numbers, plus demo versions of both songs unavailable in any other format.
Buy ‘I’m Not Your Slave/Wild and Free.
More at www.facebook.com/TheGodfathersFamily.
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