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Single Review: Ryder - Southbound (2024)


Written: 24th November 2024


Hailing from Queens, New York, Ryder fuses elements of classic rock and modern hard rock. The quartet is comprised of vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Ryder, Max Knight on lead guitar and a rhythm section of bassist Rod Viquez and drummer Nick Bavaro. Southbound is the first single from the band’s upcoming album Menagerie.


With an intense attack, the foursome launch into the track with James Ryder - in a state of almost metallic mantra – announcing I’m going Southbound, before the main riff and opening guitar motif kicks in with a swaggering, rocking groove. After twenty seconds, the song settles into the first verse which initially strips back some of the guitars and builds via the second verse towards an eminently catchy chorus. The weight of the world is on my shoulders / Feeling drained of youth and growing older. Expressing his narrative of frustration and restlessness, James Ryder’s vocal delivery is raw and emotive, a blend of traditional rock power and subtle blues rock influences that perfectly convey the song’s message of desperation and determination. He is also not without energy and just after the ninety second mark, as the chorus ends – Leave what isn’t right / Ride into the night – there is something redolent of Blaze Bayley during his time in Iron Maiden singing the pre-chorus - Only God knows / The whole sky glows – of Lightning Strikes Twice. The never say die attitude of Blaze is certainly a characteristic of the song as a whole.


Classic rock influences abound and are fully evident in the song’s structure and instrumentation. Max Knight’s lead guitar work is particularly noteworthy when delivering solos - the main guitar solo blazes with vitality and flamboyant zest - that are both emotionally charged and technically impressive. His playing pays homage to greats of the genre but maintains a freshness with subtle nuances in his string bends.

Lyrically, Southbound is not a challenging listen – Rev up the engines / I’m ready to go / To chase a dream / You can’t go slow. However, deep, meaningful, analytical sentiment has never been the aim of such songs. The appeal lies in their attitude, aura of defiance and vivacious spark and Southbound has these qualities in abundance. Structurally, Ryder understand that a track needs moments to breathe and the slight reduction in tempo following the guitar solo and before the final chorus make the last fiery salvo all the more compelling.


The production on Southbound is polished yet retains enough of raw edge to retain the song’s authenticity. Each instrument is allowed to shine within the mix, with James Ryder’s vocals sitting prominently atop a bed of rich layered guitars and a driving rhythm section. Their sound is steeped in the timeless riffs and melodies of classic rock, yet they infuse it with the heavier, punchier elements of modern rock to create something that feels both familiar and innovative.


From the first notes, it is clear that Ryder know exactly what sort of band they are. They wear their influences on their sleeve, while aiming to inject their own modern take on the genre. Southbound stands up to repeated to listens because it is hook laden, intense and most of all, fun. Fans of Aerosmith, Thin Lizzy, Guns n’ Roses, Van Halen and AC/DC will find much to enjoy here. Music serves many purposes and sometimes that should be to make you sing along, punch the air and just have a bloody good time. Southbound fulfils each of these requirements with ease.


Southbound is out now.


Ryder online



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