Review: The Commoners – Live In The UK
The Commoners – Live In The UK
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Gypsy Soul Records
Release: 2025
Text: Martien Koolen
The Commoners hail from Toronto and to be honest I never heard of these guys before, but after a couple of spins of their live album recorded in the UK, I can say that this is a f… impressive, good band indeed.
This Canadian quintet produces a sound that is an extraordinary blend of bands like Free, The Faces, Led Zeppelin, Blackberry Smoke and finally The Black Crowes. The Commoners have released two studio albums prior to this live recording and ‘Live In The UK’ features their best tracks; nine songs packed with big riffs, awesome hooks, huge/catchy choruses, and lots of impressive guitar solos indeed!
Shake You Off kicks of this wonderful live recording and right from the start all Commoners guns are blazing at full force. Follow up The Way I Am features the first lengthy killer guitar solo, while Devil Teasin’ Me, the longest song of the album, displays the twin guitar melodies and solos of Chris Medhurst and Ross Hays Citrullo at full force galore.
The two “resting” points of the album are the ballads Restless and See You Again, the latter featuring a gritty chorus, while Restless is truly emotional and the slide guitar solo is perfect for sure. Other great tracks to enjoy are Who Are You featuring an absolute killer riff, Gone Without Warning has an addictive groovy chorus and Fill My Cup offers a great guitar solo. Finally, Find A Better Way ends this formidable album, and it is a killer track to end this bluesy rock and roll live experience!
‘Live In The UK’ is 100% southern rock roots music bliss and who cares that these guys really sound like the Canadian Black Crowes.. nobody, right, so turn up the volume, bring out your air guitar and enjoy!
Tracks:
01. Shake You Off
02. The Way I Am
03. Who Are You
04. Gone Without Warning
05.Restless
06. See You Again
07. Devil Teasin’ Me
08. Fill My Cup
09. Find a Better Way
Website: https://thecommoners.ca/