REVIEW:: ‘Son Of God’ leaves no doubt the Rose Carleo Band have again delivered the goods – and they mean business!

5 Mar 2026

Of all the reasons a single might be delayed, holding a release back to focus on an audition (and subsequent success) on TV show The Voice – has got to be one of the most impressive! But that indeed be the case with Son Of God – the bitchin’ new single from the Rose Carleo Band – which the band put on pause mid-last year, whilst bandleader Rose gave her all to winning that national competition. When people first hear Rose Carleo, it’s undoubtedly the voice that knocks you over. The irony of her appearing on a talent show called The Voice wasn’t lost on me – and be in no doubt, although she didn’t take home the title, her kick-arse renditions of Pat Benatar’s All Fired Up, Zep’s Rock and Roll, and the Stones’ Gimme Shelter ensured that Rose ultimately won the hearts of many.

Right outta the gate, the riff-heavy Son Of God grabs you by the throat and doesn’t ease off. The track’s well crafted too, with a production that is slick and so super heavy, your eardrums won’t know what flattened them. It’s driven by a killer Mick Adkins riff – his amp pointed straight at 139 King Street (former home of Alberts) with zero apologies. Adkins’ guitar solo by the way is a standout, and complements Son Of God perfectly. Let there be rock – indeed.

Listen out for Carleo’s vocal ability about two minutes in as she reaches a higher range before the drums and riffage cut back in – it’s great stuff. If you were worried that RCB might lose that bass grunt after long-time four-stringer Steve King returned to Rose Tattoo, fear not – Bill Kervin has made the position his own and is rock heavy with a capital H. Kervin paid dues in Dragon and Angry Anderson’s band, among others, and his history with RCB drummer Mick O’Shea stretches back to the late ’90s (when they recorded on the Black Smith Hopkins album Buried Up To My Neck In Mud).

Lyrically, Son Of God is a well-written tribute to a close friend and loyal supporter, layered with enough clues….from the Gretsch G6131 taking pride of place among the band members in the accompanying video to the song’s inspiring lyrics – for any AC/DC diehard to decode. If AC/DC means anything to you – this song will touch you too. Forever Young. Always.

Be sure to catch the Rose Carleo Band live on their Queensland dates this March (as a duo) – at Scarborough Bowls on the 19th, Helensvale Tavern on the 20th, The Loft in Brisbane on the 21st, and Sunshine Beach Surf Club on the 22nd – before they embark on a week‑long tour of Japan in April. Returning from their Japan tour, the Rose Carleo Band will celebrate their album launch at Marrickville Bowlo in Marrickville, NSW, on May 16.

Packed with loud ’70s hard rock riffs, a driving rhythm, and Carleo’s immense, powerful vocals, Son Of God leaves no doubt the RCB have again delivered the goods – and they mean business! Her stint on The Voice finally pulled back the curtain on one of Australia’s best-kept rock ’n’ roll secrets. With Son Of God out now and a new album on the horizon, that momentum is set to continue – and justifiably should be the one to push her to a wider audience. Buy now!

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