Indebted to impassioned rockers Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, English northerner Sam Fender muscles out anthemic blazers underpinned with New Wave urgency and guitar rock grit on full-length September bow Hypersonic Missiles. In true Boss homage, the album brims with elegy in tapping Brexit ennui (“White Privilege”), grim acceptance (“Dead Boys”), and explosive sensuality (“You’re Not the Only One”). The earnest sax solo in “The Borders” channels Clarence Clemons. Galvanizing at heart, Fender’s bow burns with sharp conviction and intimacy. (Note: Sam Fender has canceled his ACL Fest performance due to illness.)

***.5

This article appears in October 4 • 2019.

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