Review: Davy Knowles 'What Happens Next'

Davy Knowles

By Danny Coleman

It has been said that the beauty of blues and roots music is that its simplicity lies in its complexity and perhaps no words ring truer when speaking of Davy Knowles’ latest release, a 12-track effort titled What Happens Next out October 22nd on Provogue Records. Joe Satriani called Davy Knowles his favorite modern bluesman. Peter Frampton termed him the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century. Knowles has appeared on late-night and early-morning television as well as with acts such as The Who, Jeff Beck, Sonny Landreth, Gov’t Mule and Joe Bonamassa. Right now, he just may be the hottest thing on the blues/roots circuit.

Isle of Man-born Davy Knowles first burst onto the scene with his band Back Door Slam, garnering rave reviews. Since then, he has gone solo and independently released two more studio albums, 2014’s The Outsider and 2016’s Three Miles From Avalon, and became the first musician in history to play live directly to the International Space Station from Mission Control in Houston, Texas.

A finely-crafted work produced by Eric Corne (John Mayall, Joe Walsh, Joe Bonamassa), What Happens Next shows a slightly different side of Knowles but one which does not stray from his persona and style. It’s a perfect blend of blues and straightforward rock and roll, rife with meaningful lyrics. This release has a little something for everyone. Knowles says “This album taught me about restraint in terms of guitar playing. I had to reign it in to let the songs breathe, but I am looking forward to reimagining them and stretching out when we play live.”

“Light of the Moon” is not only a great choice as an opener for the record but should serve the same purpose on the road. Driven by crunchy guitar, a thumping bass, eerie organ and heavy low-end drums, Knowles’ soulful vocals showcase his range. With several “hey, heys” strategically placed, this is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Featuring psychedelic overtones, “Heartbreak Or Nothing” rides on an underlying organ just beneath the mix and solid guitar tones that give this tune an 80’s feel. Once again, just clean and simple riffs and power chords with a catchy melody line. Go ahead, try and get it out of your head.

If Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and any Jack Johnson song had a love child, the result might be something like “Roll Me,” a soul-infused number with an appealing blend of poetic lyrics, clean blues licks, and dynamics, wrapped up in an inspiring vocal presentation.

A slow, bluesy, effects-driven piece, “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” is sure to be a fan favorite. It’s a moody, heavy track with slide guitar passages and piano fills. With lyrics such as, “Like a prisoner on the run, my past is catching up with me and I’m forced to make a bargain between the Devil and the deep blue sea,” this tune is destined to be a “can’t miss” song.

The pace picks up with “One & the Same,” a return to the feel of earlier tunes with a strong bass and drum presence that swells into a chorus. It’s a mellow rocker with feel and groove.

Album standout “Hell to Pay” is a slow burn with passionate vocals. Knowles sings “There’ll be hell to pay Darling, with a broken heart that burns like fire.” Direct and to the point with a cadence that puts the “R” in Rhythm and Blues, Knowles’ vocal is on the edge of greatness here. “Hell To Pay’ is my first attempt at writing a song in a genre that I’ve been a fan of for forever,” Knowles explains. “I am a huge fan of soul music and was listening non-stop to Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Fantastic Negrito, as well as soul/funk singers like Sly Stone.”

“Wake Me Up When The Nightmare’s Over” returns to an edgy guitar sound, reminiscent of vintage Billy Squire and is one of the many upbeat, rock n’ roll selections on this record.

The ride finishes aptly enough with an acoustic piece, “If I Ever Meet My Maker.” Showcasing Knowles’ singer-songwriter talents, this track is about the loss of a loved one and meeting up once again after this life is over. A fitting end to this journey, it’s a train pulling into the station and a thoughtful cool-down piece that highlights Knowles’ versatility as an artist. What Happens Next is a well-written, well-produced work. With inspiring vocals and ripping guitar work, the album allows Davy Knowles to solidify his ascent as an accomplished and evolving musician.

Listen to “Hell To Pay”