The Commoners: Live In The UK Review

Canadian roots-rock outfit The Commoners have built their reputation on fiery performances, gritty songwriting, and a clear love for the classic rock lineage they draw from. With Live in the UK, recorded during their 2024 tour across Britain, the band captures the full weight of their stage presence in a concise, nine-track release that both revisits fan favorites and breathes new life into them.

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, The Commoners are a five-piece band that blends classic rock grit with bluesy swagger and modern sensibilities. The lineup features Chris Medhurst on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Ross Hayes Citrullo on lead guitar, Ben Spiller on bass, Miles Evans-Branagh on keyboards, and Adam Cannon on drums. Together, they craft a sound that feels both timeless and immediate, rooted in the classic rock tradition but delivered with a freshness that speaks to today’s listeners.

Having reviewed The Commoners’ previous albums, Find a Better Way (2022) and Restless (2024), I recognize their approach as a thoughtful exercise in classic rock revivalism. Their sound draws heavily from southern rock’s golden era—clearly informed by the likes of the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Black Crowes, for example. You’ll also catch echoes of Led Zeppelin’s swagger, Deep Purple’s intricacy, and even some distant rumblings reminiscent of early Black Sabbath. However, rather than relying purely on nostalgia, the band filters these influences through a modern lens—tight arrangements, clean production, and a focus on dynamic songwriting—making their music feel rooted yet current. 

The album opens with “Shake You Off”, a track built on gritty riffage and brisk momentum. It’s an effective opener that highlights the band’s command of pacing and structure, offering a punchy, hook-laden performance without overstaying its welcome. 

“The Way I Am” follows with added urgency compared to its studio version, benefiting from a more prominent lead guitar and rhythm section. The chorus, in particular, walks the line between ruggedness and melody, an approach that seems central to the band’s sound.

The emotional centerpiece of the album comes with “Restless”. Opening with gentle acoustic chords, the track slowly unfolds into a stirring southern-rock ballad. The lead guitar work is expressive and evocative, almost cinematic in how it paints a picture of longing and reflection. It’s the most affecting moment on the album, and arguably more emotionally potent than its studio counterpart.

 On the heavier end, “Devil Teasin’ Me” introduces a darker, more aggressive riff and a blazing, stretched-out intro that adds weight to the performance. The chorus is among the strongest on the album—bold, anthemic, and rhythmically satisfying.

Rounding out the set are “Fill My Cup” and “Find a Better Way”, two energetic rockers that tie up the album on a powerful note. The former leans into swagger and groove, while the latter feels like a summation of the band’s sound and serves as the perfect closer for this live set. 

One of the album’s strengths lies in its organic production and mixing. Rather than sanding down the edges, the band keeps the imperfections and spontaneity intact. The sound is clear enough to appreciate the musicianship, but raw enough to preserve the live atmosphere, with an audible rough-edged chemistry among the players that comes through in the transitions, fills, and instrumental stretches.

While Live in the UK doesn’t radically reinvent any of the songs it revisits, it does showcase the band in a setting that emphasizes their strengths: tight performances, a strong sense of musical identity, and the ability to connect their studio work with the energy of the stage. For listeners already familiar with The Commoners, this is a valuable addition to their catalog. For new listeners, it serves as a convincing introduction to a band rooted in tradition, but aware of the value in refining rather than simply repeating it.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Shake You Off
– The Way I Am
– Devil Teasin’ Me
– Find A Better Way
– Restless

The Big Hit

– Restless