Uk groove rockers GRIFTER’s first album never reached this man’s ears thus “RETURN OF THE BEARDED BRETHREN” is for me the introduction to the band. Album opener “Black Gold” is a clear statement for things to come. Hard rocking southern grooving boogie rock from the school of the mighty CLUTCH or closer to home ORANGE GOBLIN all be it that singer / guitarist Ollie STYGAL’s voice bares more resemblance to – again CLUTCH ‘s Neil Fallon than to the infamous BEN WARD. When listening to tracks like “PARANOIAC BLUES” or “ PRINCESS LEIA” it’s hard to grasp that we’re talking 3 English lads and not some rednecks from the Southern States of the USA… if swampdevil music is your cup of tea…. then this is a must have . RETURN OF THE BEARDED BRETHREN is a strong solid album which would also stand strong without a cover BLACK SABBATH ‘ FAIRIES WEAR BOOTS being added as it’s actually the weakest link on this album.