Band:
Spike - vocals
Guy Griffin - guitar
Paul Guerin - guitar
Jimmi Crutchley - bass
Pip Mailing - drums
Keith Weir - keyboards

Additional Musicians:
Nick Mailing - additional bass
Cherry Lee Mewis - backing vocals
Garry Atkins - brass
Ian Bufton - brass
Mark Joley - fiddle
Rob Bond - pedal steel
Ben Haswell - mandolin
Simon Law - mellotron

Production:
Produced by Nick Mailing and Guy Griffin.

Review:
The Quireboys are a band that have always made an effort to distance themselves from being associated with any of the endless list of metal sub-genres, whether it be glam rock, hair metal, or sleaze. They are neither, and they would probably be insulted if you thought that they were. The Quireboys are, as frontman Spike proudly proclaims at every gig, "a Rock n' Roll band!" Homewreckers & Heartbreakers reiterates that notion, whilst at the same time reveals a band that has clearly matured since the early days of A Bit Of What You Fancy. If fears that this new found 'maturity' may lead you to think that the band have become a tedious bore (Bon Jovi anyone?), don't worry, just listen to this album and all negative thoughts will be but a distant memory. They've stuck to the same formula that has brought them such a huge following over the years; Spike's rasping vocals (which have not lost any strength), Guy Griffin's pure, bluesy guitar tones, barroom piano-led riffs, and any other instrument you'd expect to come across in a rowdy, yet warm, southern bar.
  Album opener "I Love This Dirty Town" is a better confirmation than any that these guys are well and truly back in business. Reminiscent of the feel-good, party time, tunes that they mastered so long ago, it's the perfect introduction to what you're about to hear over the next 49 minutes. "Mona Lisa Smile" is a touching ballad, and its use of subtle and restrained violins in the background only add more to its tenderness, whilst "Louder" is a toe-tapping, feel-good ditty, celebrating the joys of life without bringing any element of cliche to it.
  "Fear Within The Lie" conveys the scene of the traditional Ol' English pub on a cold wintery night; last orders have been called and you're reluctantly awaiting the gloomy, drizzly, walk home that is approaching. If that 'walk home' mentioned is such an unattractive concept, much is the enchantment that surrounds "Blackwater", it has the ability to transport you to the complete opposite, and in this case you are taken to the surroundings of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Close your eyes and you can almost catch sight of the dust-cloaked bridleways, imposing Rocky Mountains, and smell the aroma of fresh tobacco and whiskey, all lingering in the hot summer atmosphere.
  "One For The Road" poignantly portrays a man reminiscing on their lost loves, friends, and the past mistakes they've made. Exposing elements of regret, subtle pleas for forgiveness, and a promise to change their ways, all make for a revealing and humble song. This somewhat melancholic mood continues with "Late Nite Saturday Call", that is, until you meet "Hall Of Shame", which lightens the atmosphere once again as the sounds of a slide guitar wail predominantly throughout. "Take A Look At Yourself"' does exactly what the title affirms to; a piece regarding inner-reflection of a disintegrating relationship, and the contemplation as to whose fault it falls on. Album closer "Josephine" takes you right back to the dirty, old, barroom scene; clean, bluesy guitars, Spike's trademark whiskey-addled snarl and piano riffs emerging at all the right moments.
  All things considered, this is a great return to form from the band. Along with their usual arsenal of instruments, they have also incorporated brass and mandolin compositions. And in addition to this, they've hired the services of up-and-coming blues singer Cherry Lee Mewis (who supplies backing vocals for several tracks) providing the album with a further air of soul.
  So, light a cigarette, grab a Jack on the rocks, turn the jukebox up to full, close your eyes, and let the journey begin...
  www.quireboys.com - www.myspace.com/thequireboys

Reviewed by Danielle 'Fanny' Lee for Sleaze Roxx, November 2008.

Buy The CD:
Purchase at Amazon.com
Purchase at eBay.com