Album Review: Ricky Warwick, Blood Ties

Over the last 30-plus years, Ricky Warwick has made some truly brilliant rock, and his hot streak continues with the incendiary Blood Ties. His seventh solo album, the scorching opus sees the Newtownards native draw inspiration from his day jobs fronting The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy, while exploring some new territory.

Described as one of the most personal albums he’s made, this is a positive record about giving your personal demons a two-fingered salute and refusing to let the bastards drag you down. Featuring a gaggle of guest stars, including Runaways legend Lita Ford and guitar hero Billy Duffy from The Cult, the LP is loaded with feelgood hits.

Standouts include the wistful, ’90s-style alt-rocker ‘Crocodile Tears’, and the GNR-like ‘Rise And Grind’. The highlight is ‘Angels Of Desolation’ – a kickass track about pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, it boasts one of the best choruses Ricky’s ever written.

Fun and uplifting, this is another jewel in the crown for NI’s king of rock.