Tim Ainslie & The Vibes return with a refined groove and a head full of stories on No Regrets, a vibrant reimagining of their 2018 release Pint Half Full. But this is no mere remix—it’s a full-blown reinvention, drenched in blues, jazz, funk, and a splash of wit that reflects the sonic swagger Ainslie and his band have cultivated over years on the road and in the studio. Released on March 7, 2025, No Regrets doesn’t just revisit the past—it reframes it with new clarity, new energy, and a whole lot of soul.
The album’s transformation owes much to the expert touch of audio engineer Jim Griffiths at Principal Audio, who gave the original recordings a fresh polish while preserving the grit and spirit that made them memorable. What results is a crisp, clean, and charismatic record that manages to sound both timeless and brand new. It’s a testament to the staying power of the songs—and to the creative vision of Tim Ainslie and his longtime collaborator, drummer Brendan O’Neill, who helped shape the project during a creatively electric summer at his home studio.
No Regrets is more than just a musical retouch. It’s a journey through Ainslie’s eclectic musical world, shaped by a cast of heroes as diverse as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ian Dury, Cory Wong and Ella Fitzgerald, Brian Setzer and beyond. This colorful palette is fully on display across the album’s ten tracks, which leap from bluesy struts to jazzy daydreams, funked-up breakdowns to soulful slow burns. And at the center of it all? Tim’s guitar—talking, laughing, crying, and testifying with every note.
The opening track, Pint Half Full, sets the tone: a bluesy, upbeat nod to optimism in the face of life’s curveballs. From there, we’re treated to swaggering grooves on No Brainer, heartfelt reflections on If I Knew Then, and the barnstorming, horn-drenched charm of Mr Evil. Each track pulses with personality, offering clever lyrics, expressive guitar lines, and arrangements that beg for repeat listens.
The album’s title track, No Regrets, acts as both mission statement and musical heart of the project. It’s a mature yet free-spirited reflection on looking back without bitterness—a sentiment that seems to guide the entire reimagining of this album. Whether it’s the slow-burning Oyster Reach or the funky punch of Good to Bad, every moment feels intentional and brimming with life.
But what makes this release stand out isn’t just the mix—it’s the attitude. Ainslie’s music doesn’t posture or pretend. It invites you in, buys you a drink, and makes you laugh while handing over the keys to a late-night joyride. There’s an honesty and warmth that’s become increasingly rare in modern blues and rock. Perhaps that’s why No Regrets feels so refreshing—it doesn’t try to chase trends, but instead leans fully into the band’s authentic voice.
Tim Ainslie himself is a musical journeyman with the chops to back up every note. Having played with a wide range of bands across the UK, Europe, and the US—including Steamboat to Chicago, Groove Doctors, Delta Groove, and more—he’s shared stages with legends like Buddy Whittington and Lightnin’ Willie, and even earned the title of ‘Best Guitarist’ from Digital Blues Magazine during his stint with the Groove Doctors. With The Vibes, formed in 2009, he’s crafted a space for his diverse influences to come together in full technicolor.
Over the years, the band has released The People Have Spoken, Standing Ten Feet Tall, and Pint Half Full. But No Regrets is where everything clicks. It’s a record that celebrates past work without resting on it—an album that reclaims and reinvents with soul, precision, and plenty of vibe.
At its heart, No Regrets is a celebration—not just of music but of evolution, collaboration, and the courage to revisit old ideas and shape them into something greater. It’s about second chances, but also about standing firm in your creative identity. As Tim Ainslie & The Vibes pour another round of their signature sound, listeners are invited to sip, sway, and smile—because with music like this, there truly are no regrets.
