“Once in a generation a band cuts through the noise” is the blurb on their latest press release and while that might be stretching it a little, it is undeniable that Jayler clearly have that extra little something that is putting them on bigger stages, and more rapidly than many of their contempories.
Formed around, and taking their name from, childhood friends singer James Bartholemew and guitarist Tyler Arrowsmith Jayler are rounded out by Ricky Hodgkiss (bass) and Ed Evans (drums). With a sound harking back to the glory days of classic rock and their electrifying live shows quickly attracting fans young and old brought them to the attention of Adam Parsons Management and Silver Lining Music giving them a foothold to greater exposure. Currently lined up to support Deep Purple, and Sammy Hagar later this year, they’ve just got back from high profile slots supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd in the stadiums of South America. All of this of course without having an album out, until now.
Voices Unheard is ushered in with a short harmonica solo which hits of assured confidence. The big hard hitting riff then comes in with ‘Down Below’. Drums with presence, slide guitar, searing vocals and a big crescendo ending give a pretty good preface of the band and what’s to follow. ‘Riverboat Queen’ moves along with a blues swagger, a long time live staple sounds great here with a crisp clear production. Latest single ‘Need Your Love‘ weaves around a simple hook while ‘The Getaway’ is more akin to heads down blues rock boogie that erupts into a full on classic rock guitar solo and a song that would serve as an archytypal extended set closer live.
‘Bittersweet’ is the ballad led by delicate acoustic guitar and vocals while ‘Hate To See It Ends’ has a more mainstream rock edge. There’s more of that blues swagger on ‘Over The Mountain’. ‘Lovemaker’ has more of that repetetive riffing and harmonica which will be familar to anyone who’s caught them live over the last couple of years as will closing song ‘The Rinsk’ which has a bit more dynamics to it and is the longest song on the album.
By the time you get to the end, it does feel as though Voices Unheard would have benfitted from a little more variety, however, overall it serves as a very solid introduction and hopefully becomes the springboard to greater things.
You can catch Jayler for a run of very special shows and signing sessions for the album launch.
30 MAY — Liverpool (Jacaranda Baltic)
31 MAY — Birmingham (HMV Vault)
1 JUNE — London (The 100 Club)
2 JUNE — Nottingham (Rough Trade)
3 JUNE — Bristol (Rough Trade)
- Voices Unheard is released via Silver Lining Music on 29th May 2026.
- Jayler Official Website
Track List:
1. Intro
2. Down Below
3. Riverboat Queen
4. Need Your Love
5. The Getaway
6. Bittersweet
7. Hate to See it End
8. Over the Mountain
9. Alectrona
10. Lovemaker
11. The Rinsk
