Jace Media Music Album Review by Halina Wegner
Fresh off the heels of two killer studio records and a growing international following, Canadian roots-rock revivalists The Commoners have just dropped their explosive new live album Live In The UK, out May 16th via Gypsy Soul Records. Recorded on their electrifying 2024 UK tour, this nine-track record isn’t just a souvenir of the band’s time across the pond—it’s a straight-up sonic time capsule of pure, unfiltered energy.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be front and centre at one of The Commoners’ gigs—sweat dripping, boots stomping, crowd roaring—this record is your backstage pass. Live in the UK is raw, real, and drenched in soul-soaked southern rock grit that punches harder live than many bands do in the studio.
Southern Soul, Canadian Swagger
Opening track “Shake You Off” sets the tone with its swaggering groove, tight rhythm section, and lead singer Chris Medhurst’s gritty, whiskey-laced vocal—blistering with conviction. From the first note, you know you’re in for a ride. There’s urgency in every strum, every cymbal crash, and every shout from the crowd captured in the mix. “The Way I Am” is stretched out just enough to breathe live, with extended instrumental moments that let the guitarists flex their chops. The solos feel spontaneous, and yet razor-sharp—these guys know how to play off each other.
“Who Are You” showcases the band’s ability to walk the line between swampy blues and crunchy classic rock, giving us a performance that could rival The Black Crowes in their prime. The live setting adds even more texture and grit, capturing the crowd energy and turning it into part of the performance. “Gone Without Warning” and “Restless” form the emotional heart of the set, each song building from slow-burning verses into emotionally charged crescendos. On Restless in particular, Medhurst delivers one of his finest live vocal takes—controlled yet brimming with raw power.
Live, Loud, and Lyrically Tight
As the record barrels into “See You Again”, it’s clear this album isn’t just about tight musicianship—it’s about connection. Every song feels like a moment shared between the band and their audience. The production captures the atmosphere beautifully, from the echo of the crowd clapping to the amp buzz humming under soulful solos.
“Devil Teasin’ Me” is a full-blown barnstormer, stretching to nearly seven minutes of heavy blues-rock ferocity. It’s gritty, dirty, and glorious—built on a swampy riff that rolls like thunder, with the band locked into a groove that hits hard and won’t let go. The crowd-favourite “Fill My Cup” grooves with gospel-infused harmonies and call-and-response moments that bring the audience right into the performance. It’s a track that thrives live, bursting with spirit, soul, and that intangible you had to be there magic.
The band close with “Find a Better Way”, and it’s the perfect finale. A track that already hits hard on the studio version, here it’s transformed—bigger, more urgent, and filled with climactic solos, crashing drums, and the kind of catharsis that only comes after 50 sweaty minutes of honest rock and roll.
The Commoners – Live in the UK is everything a live album should be. It captures a moment in time, showcases a band at the peak of their performance powers, and brings you as close to the stage as you can get without a ticket. With extended arrangements, on-the-fly jam moments, and an electrified crowd pushing every song higher, this is a release that doesn’t just celebrate the songs—it redefines them.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering these Canadian southern-rock torchbearers, Live in the UK is a must-hear. It’s a no-skip record, a beer-in-hand, volume-on-max kind of album. And it proves beyond a doubt: The Commoners are built for the stage.
Tracklist:
- Shake You Off – 4:19
- The Way I Am – 5:25
- Who Are You – 4:19
- Gone Without Warning – 4:26
- Restless – 5:48
- See You Again – 5:01
- Devil Teasin’ Me – 6:54
- Fill My Cup – 5:02
- Find a Better Way – 5:58
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