For a certain generation, and I include myself in this, the Heavy Metal and hard rock as we know it, is entering its twilight years. Many legacy acts we continue to worship are slowly making way for the next crop of rebel-rousers to wave the devil-horned flag. But one elder statesman who is refusing to let the grass grow under his feet is former McAuley Schenker Group frontman Robin McAuley.
Robin McAuley – Soulbound (Frontiers Music Srl)
Release Date: 28 February 2025
Words: Brian Boyle
Following 2021’s Standing On The Edge and 2023’s Alive, the legendary pipes of the County Meath native has recharged his 71-year-old batteries once again to give us Soulbound.
Although probably more to do with fulfilling a Frontiers Music contract, his productive streak over the last number of years may have some suspecting McAuley is in a rush to bulk out his solo discography. But none of that matters one bit when he can still knock out quality tunes like opener ‘Til I Die, which could be seen as a defiant statement of a man not ready for the pipe and slippers just yet.
It’s a sobering thought when you realise MSG’s debut, Perfect Timing, is already 38 years old. But McAuley is like a good pair of vintage leather boots, full of character, roadworthy and always ready to give you a good kicking. And your shins lose a few lumps on the recklessly off-the-cuff feel of The Best Of Me, an absolute piledriver of a tune.
When McAuley joined AOR giants Survivor in 2006 as a replacement for the now departed Jimi Jamison, it was one of those high-profile appointments that just fitted like a glove. When you hear gritty and melodic gems like the title track and Crazy and how he drives right through them, it ain’t hard to work out why he got the nod for such a prestigious role.
Although Ireland has produced iconic and statuesque musicians like Phil Lynott, Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher, as far as hands-free hard rock frontmen go, the island has not produced many of any real distinction; Robin McAuley remains the only proper bona fide representative.
And what’s worse is that even in his native land, his name would go over most people’s heads. But by and large, those who know him absolutely love him. And for those who have followed him as far back as his Grand Prix days, his stellar performances on euphoric rockers Let It Go, and Wonder Of The World will not come as any surprise and are prime examples of the Irishman’s calibre.
However, the album isn’t without its lesser moments. One Good Reason sounds like it has been punched in the throat and gasps for air, and closer If There Was A Man is a slow burner that deserves its basement placement.
But on the whole, Soulbound is a quality, hard-hitting rock album and a much heavier proposition than the more AOR-doused Alive. Pounders like Bloody Bruised And Beautiful, Born To Die, and Paradise all get you cranking up the volume dial to its apex.
Robin McAuley may not get streets named after him or have statues erected in his honour, but he has always been one of the truly great rock voices, and Soulbound monumentally proves that ain’t changing anytime soon.
