Review: The Commoners ‘Restless’
By Martine Ehrenclou
Upon first listen to the first few tracks on Restless, the new album by Toronto-based rockers The Commoners, you might think this is a great party band to see live. And they are. But these rock and rollers with a 70s influence have another side to them, and it’s part of what makes The Commoners unique. It’s not just their soulfulness—it’s their inspired songwriting, their willingness to take risks. With one helluva lead singer fronting the group of talented musicians, you can hear they’re all thoroughly invested in their music. You don’t often find that.
Following their critically acclaimed album Find a Better Way (2022) Restless opens a window to life on the road, including grueling routines and exhaustion behind the veneer of a rock band on the rise.
Restless is not cookie-cutter rock, which isn’t always the case with rock & roll. “Devil Teasin’ Me” jumpstarts the album with Ross Hayes Citrullo’s infectious guitar riffs, followed by Medhurst’s vocals that at times bear an uncanny resemblance to Lou Gramm’s, which is never a bad thing. The song is well crafted melodic rock. Slide guitar carries the melody that builds to an emotional ending with skilled drumming by Adam Cannon, deep-feel bass from Ben Spiller and Miles Evans-Branagh on keys. They all sing backing vocals.
“As with our previous album, we wanted to marry old and new southern rock together in a way that was unique to the band’s Canadian roots,” says the Commoners’ guitarist and producer Ross Hayes Citrullo. He goes on to say that their music is influenced by The Black Crowes, The Allman Brothers, and Blackberrry Smoke and that they have deep respect for those who came before.
The Commoners have a handle on guitar and bass hooks as with “The Way I Am,” a dynamic rock song about a romance that’s just out of reach, a common theme in rock and blues. Lead singer Medhurst delivers passion and fire as Citrullo plays one of many innovative guitar solos on the set of 10 songs on the album.
The rock ballad “Restless” is completely different. A standout. Opening with acoustic guitar, twin guitars, and a slower pace that lends itself to more soulfulness, Medhurst sings about life on the road, the struggles, the weariness. He admits he still feels restless. “The beast is unfed.” Melodic chord changes lend to the emotion of the song, with Medhurst singing at some of his best on the record. The slide guitar passage is beautiful, moving.
“Who Are You” gives you the Saturday night party band you’ve been looking for, all with a bluesy base. It’s a tantalizing rocker about telling someone off who’s full of put downs.
Changing things up, “Body and Soul” is an exceptional tune that opens with a haunting minor key. It’s a bit darker than the other tracks, about a tortured relationship and the pull when you know it isn’t good for you. Excellent guitar with distortion, with a David Gilmour feel. Medhurst’s vocals are right on point when conveying pain and conflict, and the band zeroes in on what it takes to play close to the edge.
“See You Again” is a bit of a whiplash but stands as a fully cohesive, melodic track grounded by acoustic guitar, piano and solid drums. This band knows how to write melody. Medhurst sings about the loss of drummer Adam Cannon’s father who passed away while the band was touring in the UK and their difficult decision to keep touring. A standout.
The album closes with an acoustic guitar number, a daring choice given the first few tracks are rockers. Soulful and revealing, the lyrics ask questions about one’s purpose in life. It’s inspirational in nature, and reveals how authentic this band really is.
Pre-order the album here
“The Way I Am”
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