Jay Buchanan once led his own band before he became the lead singer of the grammy nominated, globe-trotting Rival Sons. So it was always assumed by everyone in the band that Jay would also release solo material while fronting the hard rockin' band. But becoming one of the biggest touring rock acts on the planet and recording 9 records doesn't leave much time for anything else. So Jay sequestered himself in the the Mojave Desert to conjure up the spirits that would allow him to delve deep into his own soul to find what he could mine out of it.
The result, Weapons of Beauty, is his first solo effort since joining Rival Sons and it provides a showcase for the power and sincerity of Jay's voice which can be out volumed in his band's usual form. Though some are melancholy and sparse, the songs look for truisms in life cutting to heart of what really matters. Lead single Caroline not only laments love lost but achingly tries to find what love really is. True Black not only is an upbeat change of pace but makes for great t-shirts - Paint My Casket True Black (available on weaponsofbeauty.com).
Jay talks about how a chance visit to see his parents caused him to set fire to early life keepsakes but made it possible to write Deep Swimming. His thoughtful and articulate descriptions of his own songs and the signposts that got him to this point uncover an easy going poet vs. the hard rocker he might be perceived as. The album is more country, folk, americana, even gospel compared to Rival Sons and is evidence of Jay's broad tastes and talents.
He shares stories of playing with Black Sabbath, getting ready to make a new Rival Sons record and getting out with the band and solo in 2026. Weapons of Beauty is out February 6th on vinyl, colored vinyl, CD, download and streaming.
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