Saints of Sin - Bannermans Bar Edinburgh 17 November 2019

Hats off to the Saints of Sin; their self-titled second album is one of the most enjoyable UK soft rock albums in ages and they’ve travelled from Bournemouth to Edinburgh twice in a month to promote it with support slots.

Rui Brito on vocals is a charismatic front man and encourages crowd empathy and goodwill in a warm, self-deprecating and humorous way. He’s a very good communicator and an even better singer, splendidly backed by the rest of the band who combine on excellent harmony vocals. They’re all good-looking lads too which goes down well with the ladies in the audience.

The highlight of the show is the power ballad ‘The End of Time’. As well as being the main writer and producer for the band, Sparxx Jenkins works overtime here, switching between piano and guitar on a song which also features a genuinely jaw-dropping vocal performance from Rui. There’s only room for one love song in the set but fans of the softer side of life will also enjoy the track ‘Forever’ on the album.

It’s not all about the soppy stuff though. The band dip into the sleaze bag for ‘Nasty Love’ and get the funk out for ‘Alive’. Other rocking highlights include ‘Big Bad Wolf’, ‘Heart Attack’ and the south coast groove of ‘Cryin’ Eyes’.

Everyone is on their side and warmed up for Midnite City long before they close the set with ’21 Shots’ - a favourite from their first album. I was there with two mates and all three of us couldn’t wait to spend a tenner on the latest CD at the merch stall after the gig, so it’s a job well done and an example to other young bands on how to earn a following. They will be welcome back in Scotland anytime.