Upgrading from a razor-sharp trio to a four-piece outfit, Phil Coyne and The Wayward Aces have unleashed a serious dose of energy on their latest twelve-track album, ‘White Knuckle Time’. Recorded completely live in the studio alongside producer Paulie Bignell at Hailstone Studio, the record preserves the group's classic Chicago blues DNA while injecting a much heavier dose of swing, grit, and forward momentum.
The band's expanded lineup pays immediate dividends. Dale Lindrea’s commanding bass and Will Harris’s driving percussion establish a rock-solid foundation, allowing guitarist Morgan Klose to chime, twang, and prowl beneath Coyne’s expressive vocals and brassy harmonica. It creates a rich, expansive canvas that feels instantly alive, capturing four musicians operating at the absolute peak of their collective stride.
Opening track 'Walking Blues' lays down a marker with its stubborn optimism and persistent boogie beat, setting up a theme of resilience that runs right through the record. The title track follows suit as a soaring dance tune built around a loping rhythm, driven by aggressive harp lines and howling guitar. It perfectly captures the adrenaline of taking a life-altering leap with foot to the floor.
Rather than relying on pure bravado, the songwriting frequently explores the humour and messiness of everyday life. Tracks like 'Weapon' and 'Your Mistake' showcase a darker, tongue-in-cheek side, while 'Cocktail Hour' delivers a stylish, barroom strut celebrating the simple relief of a cold drink after a long day.
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Elsewhere, the band pays affectionate homage to their roots on 'Checking Up On My Baby', a warm 12-bar Chicago blues nod to Sonny Boy Williamson II. They shift gears effortlessly on 'Wolf', employing a souped-up Bo Diddley beat where guitar and harp trade infectious attitude, before speeding into 'Kickin Arse', which marries classic blues riffs with sheer punk energy. Wrapping up with the reflective, pulse-driven boogie of 'Brother', the album finishes on a high note, celebrating enduring friendships that survive the test of time.
Reflecting on the recording sessions, Phil Coyne remarked: “I walked into the studio wondering how I’d go leading the charge in a room full of heavy hitters, but when we walked out I was like - damn, now that’s a band I’d want to hear”. That electric energy translates into every single groove.
Keep up with Phil Coyne and The Wayward Aces across their official website and Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
