SAXON
Inspirations
Biff Byford calls upon his heroes to cure the pandemic blues
SILVER LINING MUSIC
Saxon were prepping their 23rd studio album when Biff Byford suffered a heart attack in September 2019 and several months later COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill. Taking its place, this 11-song covers collection, the band explain, explores how Biff’s foghorn blare might interpret the tunes that Saxon grew up with, but equally importantly, “has and shares some fun in these dark times.” It’s successful on both counts. Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones, Led Zep’s banshee roar Immigrant Song and the Jimi Hendrix standard Stone Free reveal a fresh side to Biff’s delivery, while faithful reworkings of Black Sabbath’s Evil Woman, Motörhead’s Bomber and AC/DC’s Problem Child also excavate some of their musical roots.