VENUE – Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool
DATE – 30th May 2026
Words and Pictures – Graeme Wright
Jayler have been around for three years or so now and I’ve conspired to miss them live a few times during that period for some unexplained reason. The temptation is there to describe them as the next big thing in Rock music. People I respect have lauded them. Other artists have praised them to the hilt. They have already played some huge shows and are about to go out on the road with the legendary Sammy Hagar. These boys are twenty one years of age, surely all this hype is a bit over the top?
Well after attending the full electric album launch show at the Jacaranda Baltic in Liverpool, in the words of The Monkees, “I’m a Believer.” This show was absolutely fantastic and a really appreciative audience backed my opinion to the hilt. I was totally blown away by everything I saw and heard, from the quality of the songs, the confidence, the stage presence, right through to the sheer musical ability on display from every band member. Let’s get the obvious out of the way. These boys must eat, drink and sleep the seventies and the influence of Led Zeppelin is undeniable. Heavy Blues combined with modern Heavy Rock make comfortable bed fellows in this case and for much of this gig I was stood there open mouthed with amazement at what unfolded before me.
James Bartholomew is a wonderful front man. He has a range to die for, plays a mean guitar and at one stage even whipped out his mouth organ to great effect. Tyler Arrowsmith is a guitar wizard. Super cool, insanely confident and every inch the Rock star, he strolled around this stage with great aplomb. Ricky Hodgkiss on bass is a different beast. Quietly efficient, hugely focused, he actually reminded me of Cliff Burton who I was lucky enough to see on a number of occasions before his tragic passing. Ed Evans is the glue that holds everything together. He is like the Terminator behind that drum kit in the fact that he just never stops, and he must have been exhausted by the end of the evening.
But at the end of the day we are here for the songs, and what amazing songs they are. From the down and dirty ‘Riverboat Queen’, the Heavy Metal/Prog of ‘The Rinsk’ and the incredible instant classic ‘Take Me Home’ this band have got the requisite material in spades. The new album is an amazing debut and the live versions are to die for. Excursions into the crowd from various band members, stage craft that is second to none and a great camaraderie to boot tells me that the sky is the limit for this band. I’m just glad that I saw them playing in an intimate venue like the Jacaranda because I’m confident that they will be playing much bigger auditoriums as headliners before we know it. A wonderful show, a wonderful band and genuinely humble guys. See them when you get the chance and buy their debut album, you won’t regret it.
Setlist
1. Intro
2. Down Below
3. The Getaway
4. No Woman
5. Alectrona
6. Riverboat Queen
7. Lovemaker
8. I Believe To My Soul
9. Need Your Love
10. Over The Mountain
11. The Rinsk (including War Pigs)
12. Take Me Home
Band Members
James Bartholomew – Vocals/Guitar
Tyler Arrowsmith – Guitar
Ricky Hodgkiss – Bass/Keys
Ed Evans – Drums
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