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HOT NEW REVIEWS
STONEFLOWER
‘FINALLY’ (AOR HEAVEN)
About 16 years ago I
reviewed the debut album Crack a little smile of the Norwegian band
STONEFLOWER, but the foundations of this band were already done 10 years
further back when a few of the members recorded an album with DIESEL DAHL (TNT
Drummer). I can remember that album and also reviewed it in one of the first
printed issues of Strutter’zine. Fast forward to 2014 when STONEFLOWER released
the follow-up Destination anywhere, which was received very well, but things
got really interesting when they decided to look for a new singer and record
another new album, where also few well-known guests would appear. The result is
Finally and the singer they found is an amazing talent named JOHN MASAKI (known
from NORWEGIAN IDOL show). He has an amazing vocal range and reminds me of a
cross between DENNIS DEYOUNG and TOBY HITCHCOCK. The band’s line-up further
consists of Svenn Huneide - Bass, Vocals; Tom Sennerud - Guitars, keys, vocals
and Geir Johnny Huneide – Drums, while the guests appearing here are drummers
Per Hillestad (LAVA, A-HA) and Steinar Krokstad (STAGE DOLLS), Tommy Denander
(Guitar, PAUL STANLEY, ALICE COOPER), Bjørn Ole Rasch (keys, SECRET GARDEN) and
Gunnar Westlie (Guitar, DA VINCI). The album was mastered by JK Northrup (KING
KOBRA) and is basically a wet dream for the AOR fans, because this is the exact
way to create an AOR Classic! 11 songs are included and it starts with the
uptempo Gonna let you go, a very catchy fresh sounding AOR tune that has a lot
of similarities to WORK OF ART. Following track What can be done also reminds
me of WORK OF ART a lot, pure midtempo AOR with a beautiful chorus. It becomes
very sensational during Believing, which is a superb pure 80s AOR tune that is dangerously
close to TOTO. It is clear that we are dealing here with AOR HEAVEN, with
picture-perfect vocals, hooks and choruses like we know it from the glorious
1980s. PRIDE OF LIONS and WORK OF ART are considered as the finest AOR acts of
the past 20 years, but with this new STONEFLOWER album we have another winner
that should be put right between the albums of those bands! When we continue
with the uptempo AOR of Calling all stations, we get to hear one of the best
AOR songs of the past 10 years, as this is an amazing catchy tune with a killer
chorus that is even better than anything PRIDE OF LIONS has ever done, pure AOR
brilliance that also reminds me a bit of RADIOACTIVE. Kaylee brings more high
class midtempo AOR with even similarities to FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS! Back to
classic uptempo AOR a la PRIDE OF LIONS with the lovely The devil never cries.
It is clear that everything is perfectly done here in making it perhaps the
finest AOR album of 2020! Shivering hands is a little poppy and adds a few different
arrangements halfway the song, but is overall once again another catchy AOR
chorus driven tune. The titletrack is uptempo AOR again, WORK OF ART meets
PRIDE OF LIONS, while Through the fire is almost like we are listening to
DENNIS DEYOUNG when he did a pure semi-AOR ballad (Show me the way), although
PRIDE OF LIONS also did such brilliant AOR ballads in the beginning. I think by
now you will understand that this is an absolute AOR HEAVEN CLASSIC that even
beats WORK OF ART’s last album! How does it feel is back to classic uptempo AOR
with a lovely chorus, dangerously close to the first PRIDE OF LIONS classic
album. Closing track Fall closes things nicely being a nice calmer piano-led
ballad. Without a doubt, we have a true winner here and any AOR fan looking for
the best of the best at the moment should stop looking and just grab this new
STONEFLOWER album. It is AOR perfection up to the highest degree! Make sure not
to miss this absolute gem that even delivers 2 of the finest AOR songs of the
past 20 years (Believing and Calling all stations). Check out this wonderful
band at: https://www.facebook.com/stoneflowertheband
and soon we will do an interview with them as well.
(Points:
9.2 out of 10)
THE VAL
'KING OCELOT' (THE FISH FACTORY/SPAIN IMPORT)
I
definitely remember reviewing this awesome Spanish female fronted AOR band
almost 10 years ago when they released their debut Back, but somehow I lost
contact and missed their 2nd album Heading for surface in 2014. Thankfully they
now have a 3rd album out titled King ocelot, which is without any doubts a
superb pure 80s inspired female fronted AOR album that should be in the hands
of fans like LAOS, WITNESS, DANTE FOX, ALYSON AVENUE, COASTLINE, HEAT, PRIVATE
LIFE, etc. etc. There is some sensational stuff on this album, which is thanks
to the high quality of musicianship and of course the amazing strong vocals of German
singer GABRIELLE DE VAL KOENZEN. 14 tracks are on the album, opening with the
intro Electric jungle, which is followed by the first real song Crying on the
bedroom floor, a typical classy 80s female fronted AOR/Rocker in the style of
the aforementioned bands. Crazy world begins slow as an AOR ballad, but
develops into an almost Symphonic Melodic Rocker like early LANA LANE, ending
up being a terrific song that has very impressive keyboard/guitar
intersections. Back to pure 80s AOR with Symphony that could well be lifted
from an American major label female fronted AOR release, although there's also
a touch of 80s Euro/Scandi-AOR/Melodic Rock in the chorus department here
(ERIKA meets DAVINCI). When listening to Son of mine, the thoughts of ALYSON
AVENUE and COASTLINE are very clear, so once again Scandi-female fronted AOR at
it's very best! Back to LANA LANE ish uptempo Symphonic Melodic Heavy Rock with
the sensational Lilly and the old man, which has a lovely memorable chorus you
will be singing for days after you heard it. It also reminds me a bit of BATTLE
BEAST and NIGHTWISH with Annette Olzon, so a bit rougher than the AOR tracks,
but nevertheless super melodic and perhaps one of the best songs on the album.
We're halfway with Inner voice, a nice semi melodic rockballad. A little moving
into uptempo KIM WILDE/NENA/BLONDIE ish Poprock is High heels, a song that
could do well on the radio for sure. The poppy polished ballad Wings for an
angel follows and is quite sugarsweet ABBAish. Although not bad at all, the
band seems to be heading into a slightly poppy direction from those last 2
mentioned tracks on, because also next track Save a little love is quite a
poppy tune and so is Kill the noise that features once more ABBA influences.
Thankfully, during the last 3 songs the band is returning to the AOR/Rock
direction, because You break the silence is pure midtempo AOR in the DANTE FOX
style, with a deadly catchy chorus that even has a bit of WITHIN TEMPTATION
somehow. Say goodbye is a nice slightly faster uptempo Symphonic Melodic Heavy
Rocker in the LANA LANE style again and closing track King Ocelot is a nice
short calm acoustic tingled tune. Although there is a poppy part at one point
during the album, in general speaking, this is a must-have release to any fan
of female fronted AOR, because it has a lot of highlights that remind us of the
classic days of the mentioned bands. More info on this Madrid based band at: https://www.theval.es/the-band
INTELLIGENT
MUSIC PROJECT V 'LIFEMOTION' (INDEPENDENT/BULGARIA IMPORT)
(Points: 8.7 out of 10)
WOLF
PARADE 'THIN MIND' (SUB POP RECORDS/KONKURRENT) Canada
has brought us so many great music the past 50 years and it never seems to
stop. It all started back in the early 1970s with THE GUESS WHO and countless
other rockacts from mainly Toronto and Vancouver somehow. However, since ARCADE
FIRE put Montreal on the map, also this city gave us many new bands, including
WOLF PARADE. This band was formed in 2003 and quickly got noticed by the music
press, which led to a deal with SUB POP RECORDS. The legendary label released
WOLF PARADE's debut album Apologies to the Queen Mary in 2005, which was
followed by 3 more albums and now there is Thin mind. This is without a doubt
the band's finest work so far and grabs musically speaking clearly back to
classic 1980s New Wave, without sounding dated or too synth/keyboard
orientated, because WOLF PARADE rocks uptempo for the greater part on Thin
mind. The first couple of songs (Under glass, Julia take your man home and
Forest green) are the kind of uptempo new wave/rockers that will wet the
appetite of fans of SLOW READERS CLUB, THE EDITORS, THE KILLERS and such. These
are very catchy uptempo tunes with singable choruses and a beat that will live
in concert will probably make them crowd-pleasers and give WOLF PARADE a major
bandsound. It's quite surprising that they aren't that big yet, because when
you hear those songs you will instantly fall in love with them and radio hits
should be guaranteed! Anyway, other highlights on this sensational new album
are the midtempo melancholic Out of control (THE CURE meets THE CULT, with
DAVID BOWIE ish vocals), the TALKING HEADS/TALK TALK ish slightly psychedelic
Fall into the future, pure 80s Synthwave driven Against the day (hello DEPECHE
MODE and big hit potential for sure!) and Wandering son (which is basically
pure early 80s AOR/Poprock like almost classic RICK SPRINGFIELD). In the end,
this album is a modern big sounding version of all that is now called classic
80s rock and 80s new wave, which should work very well among the young
generation I think since this is very popular at the moment! Make sure not to
miss this highly recommended modern New Wave/Rock album! More info at: https://wolfparade.bandcamp.com/
Through
the years a lot of bands make a transition musically speaking and some more
than others. In The Netherlands we have a band like RACOON that started out as
a Hardcore Punkrockband, but is now a soft poprock orientated band, but
thankfully a very good one! In Brooklyn, New York, the band THE MEN has
underwent a similar change, because they started as a Hardcore Punkrockband
back in 2008, but are now a a completely different and very diverse band. I was
not familiar with their earlier recordings, so I can not compare their new
album Mercy with their previous 7 albums, of which 6 are also released on
SACRED BONES RECORDS between 2011 and 2018. Anyway, there are 7 songs on this
new album, which starts very calm and breezy with Cool water, but thankfully
there's much more diversity going on throughout the album. In fact, this
somewhat rare opening Alternative Rock ish track has not much to do with the
rest of the record, because already following track Wading in dirty waters is
totally different. This is a 70s Psychedelic Acid Rocker that clocks in at 10
minutes, contains a Hammond Organ like sound and is quite close to classic THE
DOORS mixed with a bit of CANNED HEAT, with an endless jamming like feeling.
You would think these are 2 different bands actually, but they are definitely
one and the same. The band by the way consists of Mark Perro (vocals, guitar,
keys), Nick Chiericozzi (vocals, guitar), Rich Samis (drums), and Kevin
Faulkner (Bass). The band surprises even further on the next track Fallin' thru
that sounds like a cross between NICK CAVE and LEONARD COHEN, a very dark slow
slightly depressing tune only accompanied by a piano and a very low and deep
way of singing. Following track Children all over the world is something
completely different again, because this is an early 1980s orientated New Wave
ish uptempo rocker, akin dangerously close to GOLDEN EARRING. Somehow, this is
the finest track on offer, a radio-ready anthem that should go down well live
on stage. THE MEN seems to be one of the most diverse bands around, because
Call the Dr. is a an uptempo acoustic tingled NEIL YOUNG meets CALEXICO ish
altcountryrocker. The final 2 songs are Breeze (another GOLDEN EARRING ish
tune, but then more 1970s uptempo Rock/Hardrock orientated) and the calmer
darker NICK CAVE ish Mercy. Concluded, a very interesting album that offers so
much diversity, you just can't ignore it! If you're starting to become
interested, please go to the band's website at: http://wearethemen.blogspot.com/
Out
of Dublin, Ireland comes LANKUM, a band formed around Ian Lynch – vocals,
Uilleann pipes, concertina, tin whistle, percussion, Daragh Lynch – vocals,
guitar, percussion, piano, Cormac MacDiarmada – vocals, fiddle, viola, banjo,
double bass, vibraphone, piano,
percussion and Radie Peat – vocals, bayan, concertina, harmonium, organ, piano,
electric organ, harp, mellotron. As you can see, the 4 musicians in this band
are able to play a lot of various instruments, which can also be heard on their
latest album The livelong day. Musically it is Irish sounding Folk, but with an
incredible dark and almost depressing sounding approach, so thid ain't the
typical happy uptempo Irish Pub sing-a-long material. Instead you get a slow
dark sound that even reveals some melancholic ambient influences, where bands
like SWANS and MY BLOODY VALENTINE are already mentioned in press sheets.
Anyway, the result is an interesting album that really needs to be listened a
few times before making a good judgement. If you want to hear something like
THE DUBLINERS, then you will disappointed, because LANKUM goes for a more
interesting darker Irish folk sound. It's best to check it out for yourself at:
http://lankumdublin.com/
Not
that much info on this Dutch band, but they were kind enough to sent me their
album Scratching the surface. Musically speaking they bring us a rather
interesting mixture you don't hear that much, because at first sight they play
Alternative/College Pop/Rock like R.E.M., but in almost each song there is a
classic rock guitarsolo involved and I have to say their guitarist is really
good. Actually ANYBODY is a one-man's band, because the man behind this
band/project is a multi-instrumentalist who writes, records, produces and
releases music from his couch at home. The result is quite nice, although
vocally it is a bit monotone and perhaps a singer would be necessary to lift up
the sound overall to a higher level. His guitarwork is quite strong and also
songwise he brings a good portion of alternative rock and as mentioned the
mixture sets him apart from the rest. Check it out for yourself at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/anybody14
Although
released already 2 years ago, MIKE ZITO's First class life is a timeless record
and brings classic heavy bluesrock that will please any fan of GARY MOORE,
WALTER TROUT, JULIAN SAS, JOE BONAMASSA and such. The St. Louis, Missouri
born
guitarist/vocalist/producer/songwriter has already released quite a lot
albums in the past 2 decades, but with First class life from 2018 he might have
released his milestone. The album made it to the number 1 position on the
Billboard Top blues albums charts, so it definitely had an impact in the
bluesrockworld. 11 songs are included and fans of mentioned blues musicians
will absolutely love this record, of which the absolute highlights are the slow
Old black graveyard and Damn shame that sound closer to blues than you could
ever imagine! Some of the current blues musicians leave the classic Bluessound
of BB KING and MUDDY WATERS behind them, but MIKE ZITO is true to that classic
bluesrocksound and therefore I can highly recommend this album to fans of the
real bluessound. More info at: https://www.mikezito.com
When
he was just 13 years old back in 2007, the Mississippi based guitarist/vocalist
RYAN PERRY already made it to the best in an International Blues Challenge and
now in 2020 he releases his anticipated debut album High risk, low reward. The
album was recorded in late 2019 in Berlin, Germany, along with bassist ROGER
INNISS, drummer LUCY PIPER and backing vocalists Jeffrey Staten and Stefanie
Bechtold, 11 songs are included in total, of which 3 are covers and 8 original
songs written by Ryan himself. I have listened to the album several times, as
it really is a strong classic Bluesrock record, not too far away from GARY
CLARK JR's early work. Ryan has a very plleasant lower soulful voice, which is
perfectly suitable for this bluesy rock. His guitarplaying is phenomenal and
combined with some good songwriting, we can hear some great material on his
first album, such as Homesick, A heart I didn't break, Changing blues and Hard
times. 2020 will likely bring more new Bluesrockalbums, but at the end of the
year RYAN PERRY's album might well become one of the highlights. Make sure to
check him out at: https://ryanperryband.com/
Already
existing for over 50 years now, the New England based band ROOMFUL OF BLUES has
already released 20 albums and are a household name in the area where they are
performing regularly. They also performed with legends like ERIC CLAPTON,
STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, BB KING, CARLOS SANTANA, etc. Of course the line-up changed
a lot since starting in 1967, but they have always played classic
Blues/R&B/Rock with a Horn section, with in their current line-up a very
strong lead singer PHIL PEMBERTON (sounding like BILL CHAMPLIN) and excellent
guitarist CHRIS VACHON. It feels sometimes a bit like CHICAGO, but then with a
1940s kinda Big Band approach as well as that typical New Orleans sound here
and there. They are doing it very well on their new album, so if this is your
first attempt in trying out this band, then you're safe to start here with In a
roomful of blues. Although I mentioned Big Band, New Orleans and CHICAGO,
overall speaking ROOMFUL OF BLUES is ofcourse most of the time pure Bluesrock
and should therefore be checked by every dedicated Bluesfan out there! A song
like She quiet me again is basically showing the band at their very best and is
sounding like nothing else in the music scene at the moment, because this is a
slow shuffle jazzy piano-bar driven blues ballad in classic 1920s/1930s style
and is probably one of the absolute highlights on this interesting and diverse
album. Make sure not to miss this
release if you want to hear something else. More info can be found at: https://www.roomful.com/
GHALIA
VAUTHIER is the name of the Belgian singer/songwriter/guitarist behind GHALIA,
which further features 6 other musicians. Musically speaking this is prime-time
female fronted bluesrock in the style of the other current generation of female
blues guitarists/vocalist like SAMANTHA FISH, JOANNA SHAW TAYLOR, ANA POPOVIC,
etc. They all try to reach the superstardom of BETH HART and I have to say that
also GHALIA is doing this very well. She is able to play some great guitar
licks as well as sing very well, which can be heard very clearly during the 11
included songs on her 2nd album Mississippi blend. It is the follow-up to her
debut album Let the demons out from 2017. The album was recorded in the USA and
really feels like classic US Bluesrock, with really sensational vocalwork of
Ghalia, because she brings the level to higher places during songs like First
time I died, Lucky number or the cover of the
traditional
Wade in the water. Definitely a name to keep your eyes open for, because she
might become the next lady to conquer the bluesrockscene. GHALIA is part of the
New Generation Of Female Blues Rockers and is a must to check if you like the
earlier mentioned artists. More info at: https://www.ghaliavolt.com/
Out
of Australia comes singer/songwriter ANDY MICHAELS, who sent me 2 albums he
recorded the past 2 years. Musically speaking this is a mix of Adult
Contemporary Pop balladry and a little bit of Melodic Pop/Rock, with clear
70s/80s/90s influences, but it doesn't sound dated at all. The opener of his
2018 album Revisited, which is the song Today's tomorrow is quite a nice
uptempo melodic rocker actually. Following track Angel features a great female
singer called KERRIE IRONSIDE, who sings on a few more songs. I am actually
quite interested in hearing more of this female singer, because she has an
incredible soulful voice. For me personally it is clear that she is the
absolute winner here on this album, but thankfully Andy is also a gifted
musician/songwriter, so the combination of these 2 work very well during songs
like Angel, White lies and Will there be love. Overall the feeling of the album
is reminding me a bit of MIKE AND THE MECHANICS, JOHN FARNHAM, PAUL CARRACK and
MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK, but also a few times JOHN LENNON comes to mind when
hearing a song like Home. I would have loved to hear some more uptempo rockers
like the first song, but Revisited is a very calm laid-back record, reminding
of the mentioned acts. Andy himself is also able to sing quite well, but we
have to wait until we hear the calm singer/songwriter poptune Where are you
now, which is his finest moment on the album. The 2019 album Incediary heart continues
the laid-back Adult Contemporary Pop balladry style of the previous album, with
also once again guest female singers, of whom SHARON COURT sang on 1 song on
Revisited I did not yet mention. Anyway, the result is another nice album with
as finest songs the ones with female vocals, such as the beautiful Emerald eyes
where TIARNA MADISON sings. She has an amazing voice and gives the song a
modern typical female fronted pop/rock touch, ready for massive airplay if you
ask me, as this is a very catchy tune in the style of FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE,
LAPSLEY, AUSTRA, BAT FOR LASHES, etc. The only pity is the use of a
drumcomputer instead of a real drums, but anyway, that voice of Tiarna is just
amazing. She sings on a few more songs, such as the titletrack, and also KERRIE
IRONSIDE can be heard again, now during the excellent midtempo rockish ballad
The flame. Most of the time the material has a soft singer/songwriter pop
approach, while there's also some real classic pop balladry to be found on the
album, such as Fireflies that almost reminds me of classic BARBRA STREISAND
ballads of the 1970s. I was not able to find info on the female singer on
Sticks and stones, but it appears to be another female singer called CAROLYN
THOMAS, who also has a very strong voice and gives the song a nice melodic
pop/rock touch. The use of various female singers and Andy's own voice give the
Popmusic he brings an interesting diversity. Recommendation on a future album
would be a few more uptempo rocking tunes, invite both Kerrie and Tiarna (and
perhaps Carolyn) to sing on most songs and use real drums on all songs, then I
think ANDY MICHAELS could deliver something very sensational. Concluded, this
is definitely worth checking out at: https://andymichaelsmusic.com/about-andy
Out
of Orlando, Florida, USA comes the Classic 80s US Hardrock sounding band KING
COUNTY. They play the kind of rock that made the 1980s in the US of A a country
filled with catchy hookladen fun and melodic party tingled music where
thousands of new bands all over the place wanted to become the next FIREHOUSE,
TWISTED SISTER, BON JOVI, DEF LEPPARD or DOKKEN. When alternative rock and
grunge killed the classic Hair Metal sound in the early 1990s, only a few bands
survived throughout the 1990s, but eventually died as well and only in recent
years new bands in that classic style pop up again and actually create new
original tunes. KING COUNTY is definitely one of the good new bands out there
that is playing this classic piece of real American Hardrock, which can be
heard during songs like Take it leave it, Dying to live, All that I want and Delicious
consequences. They come across like a mix between RATT, TWISTED SISTER, ASKA
and DEF LEPPARD, with here and there a slight more modern touch (Sacrifice and
Blood stained adrenaline for example are akin a bit too ALTER BRIDGE). Some
additional information learns that the band is originally from New York &
Massachusetts, but in 2000 they were hired by Disney World as the house band at
Pleasure Island. Since 2000 KINGS COUNTY has performed over 2000 shows,
including supporting STYX, BON JOVI, TED NUGENT, FOREIGNER, THE B52's, JOAN
JETT, 38 SPECIAL and countless others. The members played in bands/projects
before KINGS COUNTY, such as lead singer/bassist ROB DEXTER and guitarist BILL
KANIA, who both were originally in the 1980s Metalband BATTLE BRATT (remember
them???). In the end, they have got a
lot of experience which now resulted in a nice full-length album that should be
checked by fans of RATT, FIREHOUSE, DOKKEN, DEF LEPPARD and such. More info at:
https://www.kingscountyofficial.com/
Out
of the German capital Berlin comes a hot new classic 80s inspired female
fronted Melodic Rockband called ROCK TWICE. The band is formed around Ulli Zett
– Guitars, N.K. Robin – Keyboards, Gina Johnson – Vocals, Marty Priest – Bass
and Joe G. Farmer – Drums. Together they present us their debut CD, which is a
real winner for fans of classic 80s female fronted melodic rock in the style of
ANGELA AND THE RUDE, LAOS, ROUGH, HEAT, INFINITE DREAMS, RUNESTAFF, TC KROSS,
PAT BENATAR etc. etc. Opener Hellfire (with a surprising Cello!) starts the
album really well, as this is a very catchy midtempo melodic rocker with
memorable choruses. The following 2 or 3 songs are less stronger, but with the
PAT BENATAR ish That's not you, the band is on the right track again. Other
highlights are the lovely classic melodic rockballad Little soul (VIXEN meets
SCORPIONS), the fantastic catchy uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker Always right (best
song on the whole album, must-hear for fans of HEAT, HEADMASTER, IF ONLY and
such) and the piano-ballad Evry evry song (a la BARBRA STREISAND). Concluded,
this is a nice beginning for the German female fronted melodic rockband ROCK
TWICE and hopefully they can develop themselves on future recordings, because
they definitely have potential and should for now be checked by fans of the
aforementioned bands. More info is available at: http://www.rocktwice.com
PROPORTIONS
'VISIONS FROM A DISTANT PAST' (PROPS MUSIC/USA IMPORT)
PROPORTIONS
are an instrumental band from Arlington Washington, USA and they were kind
enough to sent me their 2nd album Visions from a distant past. A few of their
songs feature guest singers, but their music is mainly instrumental and has a
70s meets 80s vibe, with clear somewhat quirky progressive rock, fusion and
jazz influences. The band's line-up consists of Denis Boucher (drums &
percussion), Tomas Stark (keyboards and electric and acoustic guitars), Lennart
Ståhle (guitars, basses, orchestration & flute) and Andy Kubicki
(Keyboards, bass, misc orchestration and percussion). The music is of an
incredible high level and has clear YES, STEVE HACKETT, GENESIS, JETHRO TULL,
KING CRIMSON and GENTLE GIANT influences, so it is very British 70s orientated
and during the 2 songs with vocals (Seagull's call with JOHN EYRE on vocals and
Open door with PIERRE BORDELEAU), this can be heard at it's very best, as both
are sounding as close to the aforementioned band's mid 70s recordings you can
get. Floorcare is one of the highly interesting instrumentals that seem to even
reveal 80s Synthwave influences (with keys a la VINCE DICOLA), although KING
CRIMSON fans will also love this tune! On the other hand, the jazzy
instrumental Colors of light should also be mentioned, because this song has a
very relaxing vibe and lovely guitarsolos. There's also some RUSH influences
and harder edged but still melodic progrock to be heard when you hear the
lengthy instrumental Splendid illusion, so basically for each and everyone
there's something to enjoy here. If only it was still the mid 1970s for these
guys, then a major label would have snatched them up, but now they are doing
this independently and have done a really great job, because it all sounds just
perfect, both musically and production wise. Not to be missed if you call
yourself an open-minded progfan! Check it out for yourself at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/proportions2
I
was excited to check out this new Dutch band during the Left Of The Dial
festival in Rotterdam in October 2019, but sadly at the same time another
interesting Russian band was playing, so I didn't choose BLUE CRIME back then.
Sadly I will also not be able to attend the new 2020 tour they are doing, which
brings them just around the corner where I live in Dordrecht. As a sort of
solace, I can now review their official debut album I'm afraid we became one,
which surprises me a lot, because this is really a sensational first album of
the band. They have come up with an original own kinda sound and identity that
combines influences 80s post-punk, 80s gothic, 00s modern rock, 60s/70s psychedelic
rock, 70s doom rock/metal in an alternative rockstyle with dreampop lush vocals
of the female singer, which in the end sounds very adventureous and diverse. 11
songs are included, some quite lengthy actually, but all of them are very
interesting to hear over and over again, because everytime you hear something
new. When you listen to the uptempo Manimal, one of the more radiofriendly
tunes, you can hear a band that just needs to be heard, as it sounds so
well-thought and different, with a pumping bass/drum section combined with
lovely 'dreamy' vocals. There are more of such songs on the album for sure, but
I would also like to point out Absent nation, which sounds dangerous, dark,
slow and very melancholic, while during the following track Trigger it gets
uptempo again, although also here we can even hear some Doom influences during
the slower parts in the song. The hypnotic Ancient engine almost brings you in
an epic acid psychedelic trip. There is so much to discover here and I'll bet
BLUE CRIME will make an impact in the international music scene soon, because
what they are doing here is of an incredible high level. Check them out at: http://www.bluecrime.net/
THE RAGGED
SAINTS 'SONIC PLAYGROUND REVISITED' (AOR HEAVEN/SUPERSOUNDS/FINLAND IMPORT)
And
here we have yet another interesting band from Sweden called STARMEN, a
somewhat fictional but existing band which is clearly influenced by KISS
visually speaking, with all 4 members wearing masks and named STARMEN (Silver,
Gold, Purple and Red Starmen!). It is a little mysterious actually, because
there are definitely well-known names involved in this band, because
vocalist/guitarist Kristian Hermanson was in CLEOPATRA and THE POODLES in the
past, while on drums we can find Peter Strandberg (HEARTBREAK RADIO) and some
unlisted musicians such as ANDREAS EKLUND (HOUSE OF SHAKIRA), the drummer of
THE POODLES (Christian Lundqvist), DESTINY singer KRISTOFFEL GOBEL and probably
more musicians from the classic Swedish Melodic Hardrockscene make their
(guest) appearance. 12 songs are included on their debut album Welcome to my
world, which they have released independently. At first sight I thought this
was going to be a WIG WAM meets THE POODLES kinda adventure or another H.E.A.T.
soundalike, but STARMEN are definitely more serious and authentic in their 80s
inspired catchy Melodic Hardrock. A song like Ready to give me your love for
example is basically pure WHITESNAKE meets RAINBOW ish classic Melodic
Hardrock, done at an incredible high level and with a certain blues/soul kinda
vibe in the vocal department. The vocals in the semi melodic rockballad Stay
the night are really fantastic and the song itself touches again WHITESNAKE and
even BLUE MURDER. Of course also the guitarwork and overall sound of the whole
CD is picture perfect! Face the truth is Scandi Melodic Rock at it's very best,
as it takes a little YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TALK OF THE TOWN and a lot of EUROPE
(the guitarsolo of The final countdown) to a certain LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM kinda
Melodic Rocksound.
The
band ECHOSMITH from Los Angeles, California scored several hits and had a very
sucessfull debut album titled Talking dreams back in 2013. They were signed to
WARNER BROS. RECORDS and became quite big around that period, but somehow it
took longer to release a follow-up. The band was originally formed in 2009 by 3
brothers and their singing sister (Sydney Grace Ann Quiseng – lead vocals,
rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards, Graham Jeffery David Sierota - drums,
percussion, Noah Jeffery David Joseph Sierota - bass, backing vocals,
synthesizer, programming and Jamie Jeffery David Harry Sierota – lead guitar,
keyboards, synthesizer, programming, lead and backing vocals). However, during
2016 Jamie left the band and so ECHOSMITH became a threesome. The youngsters
have worked hard to make this 2020 release a strong record that should find
it's way to the radio stations. 12 songs are included and despite it is very
commercial sounding and perhaps nothing new is presented here musically
speaking, ECHOSMITH are clearly making high quality radio-ready Melodic modern
Pop/Rock. Highlights on this new album are Lonely generation, Stuck, Lost
somebody and I don't wanna lose my love, all featuring catchy hooks, memorable
choruses, lush vocals and a pure 1980s synth dominated sound. It's like we are
heading back to the early to mid 1980s again when female fronted poprock acts
like BLONDIE, MISSING PERSONS, ROXETTE, THE MOTELS, BERLIN, QUARTERFLASH, ' TIL
TUESDAY, yet with a slight modern approach of course (TAYLOR SWIFT will be
jealous here!), but the choruses are coming out of this book for sure. On the
other hand a comparison to THE CORRS might also be necessary to mention. Concluded,
a very nice return from ECHOSMITH and hopefully it will give them the success
they deserve. More info at: https://echosmith.com/
Based
in New Orleans, singer/songwriter JASON RICCI is originally from Maine. He
already released 11 albums in the past and his latest is My chops are rolling,
on which Ricci sings and plays his harmonica. Joining him on the recording is
the BAD KIND band, which includes John Lisi (guitar, dobro & vocals), Andy
Kurz (bass & backup vocals), John Perkins (drums & backup vocals) and
his wife Kaitlin Dibble (vocals & backup vocals) She also sings a tune here, which is the BARBARA LYNN cover
If you should lose me and done exceptionally well, because Kaitlin has a great
voice. There are in total 2 covers and 9 originals on the album, which are
mainly written by Ricci himself or joined by his bandmembers. The music on My
chops are rolling is a mixture of Blues, Rock and SInger/Songwriter music, very
American orientated and done quite well actually. Jason has got quite a raw and
interesting voice, but is in the music world best known for his harmonica
playing, which brought him to perform with such legends like JOHNNY WINTER,
WALTER TROUT, ANA POPOVIC, etc. However, on this new CD he once again shows
that he is also able to do some great portion of real Bluesrock himself as
well. Check it out at: https://www.mooncat.org/
In
the past we did a story on the Japanese band NIGHT HAWKS, but long before that
there already was a band called THE NIGHTHAWKS and they have just released
their 29th album with All you gotta do. Their debut dates back to 1974, so that
is 46 years ago (!) and all this time they never changed their sound, which is
a mixture of Chicago and Delta Blues, Rootsy Rock and Roll and a Harmonica.
This results in a very fine album that is a great listen and on All you gotta
do we can hear in total 4 originals and 8 covers, of which the highlights are
When I go away (LARRY GRAHAM), Baby, I want to be loved (WILLIE DIXON) and
Let's burn down the cornfield (original by RANDY NEWMAN). From the 4 originals, the uptempo almost
southern rock and roller Another day should be mentioned, although the vocals
here are not as raw as we want it to be, The bandmembers all sang, so I am not
sure who sings the more rawer vocals, but all together it makes a listen quite
diverse, although musically speaking it is as already mentioned combining
classic Delta and Chicago Blues with a rootsy Americana touch. More info can be
found at: http://www.thenighthawks.com/
BLUE
& LONESOME DUO consists of LIL RONNIE & GORDON HARROWER and they
released a simple back-to-basic stampin' feet slow Blues record where Lil
Ronnie sings and plays harp along with providing foot drums (kick drum and
Hi-Hat) and Gordon is on guitar and vocals. The result is a nice mixture of 9
covers and 5 originals, where sometimes the comparison to SEASICK STEVENS is
possible, although it is better perhaps to MUDDY WATERS or somewhere along
those classic Blues lines. From the covers they did, you can also see where
their main influences come from, because indeed MUDDY WATERS is covered and so
is JAMES BROWN, JIMMY ROGERS, EDDIE TAYLOR and several others. If you're in the
mood for some real Blues, then be sure to check out BLUE & LONESOME. More
info at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/bluelonesomeduo
The
Italian vocalist/guitarist CHRISTIAN DRAGHI is a very talented musician, who
played in the band DOCTOR CYCLOPS before he went solo. They released 3 albums
with classic 70s inspired heavy rock in the style of LED ZEPPELIN, CREAM and
BLACK SABBATH. A few years ago he went through a deep personal crisis and felt
the need to record a solo-debut album, which is now released as Black roses
& hats. The album is clearly in the 1970s kinda direction, yet more focused
on catchy pop melodies as we know it from that area. It still rocks a bit, has
a Hammond Organ and features fantastic vocalwork from Christian. Sometimes it
reminds me a bit of a softer URIAH HEEP, a touch of ALICE COOPER in his late
1970s period, some GENTLE GIANT when going for a more song orientated approach
and a lot of SAILOR and SAD CAFE, so it has a strong 1970s British slightly
quirky but super melodic laid-back pop/rock approach. Songs like Black roses
& hats, Freaking out, When the silence screams, A friend in a bar and Shadow
of a rose (with slight southern rock influence and very good harmonyvocals) are
the kinda songs you would hear on British/American radio back in the 1970s. It
rocks enough for the rockers among us, while the radio listeners can enjoy
hooks and choruses in each and every song. Most of the songs are more or less
semi melodic rock ballad orientated, so I think the Melodic Rockfans among us
will definitely enjoy this album! The result is a very good album that doesn't
sound anything like you hear nowadays and that is interesting for sure. There
are some clear singer/songwriter acoustic tingled songs on the album, but
overall the feeling I got was an uplifting light 70s pop/rock semi ballad
orientated sound which a lot of people will enjoy. Don't miss this underrated
album from a very good singer/songwriter out of Italia called CHRISTIAN DRAGHI
at: https://christiandraghi.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
The
biggest surprise of THE RAGTIME RUMOURS is the fact they are coming out of The
Netherlands, which you cannot hear when listening to their album Rag'n'roll,
which is released on the prestigious label RUF RECORDS. They were formed in
2013 and worked very hard through the years, which eventually resulted in their
album Rag'n'roll. The band consists of Tom Janssen: vocals, acoustic guitar,
slide, banjo, Thimo Gijezen: electric guitar, gyspsy guitar, upright bass,
accordion, piano, vocals, Niki van der Schuren: upright bass, baritone sax,
flute, vocals and Sjaak Korsten: drums, washboard, vocals. The album is filled
with high class Bluegrass at it's very best! It's like you're listening to an
American band, but they really are coming out of Holland. A song like Stop that
train is one of those songs that live on stage will get everybody dancing and
singing along, with as final result that the train doesn't stop at all! I'll
bet this band would be the highlight of the PIJNACKERPLEIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
which takes place every year in Rotterdam, if they are of course would be
playing it! Anyway, check them out a.s.a.p. if you're into Bluegrass at: https://theragtimerumours.com/
Out
of a small town in Australia comes singer/songwriter SPIKE FLYNN, who is a real
storyteller on his latest album Just this side of here. His music is infuenced
by artists like GUY CLARK and TOWNES VAN ZANDT, and he sings about everyday
life things he experiences and makes it nice stories to enjoy while listening
to his songs. For example Incident in the stony desert is one of those
songtitles that you probably have never seen before and the 10 minutes counting
Hey girl is almost a complete book instead of a regular song. Although opener
Like a breeze is a rather standard tune, from following track Minstrel man on
you will get to hear SPIKE FLYNN's own storytelling identity, with his unique
voice that will probably also please fans of TOM WAITS or JOHNNY CASH.
Storytelling singer/songwriter with a bluesy and country touch here and there
is basically what you get here and what's most important SPIKE FLYNN has an own
kinda sound that leaves room for a lot of interesting stories to tell. More
info at: https://spikeflynn1.bandcamp.com/album/just-this-side-of-here
Red
crow is the 3rd album of the Texas based RANDY LEWIS BROWN and I have to say
that his voice is without any doubts just perfect and very soulful, although
the music is basically typical Texan orientated, mixing Country and American
singer/songwriter with a certain pop approach. The result is a pleasure to
listen to, with a combination of uptempo country ish tunes like She's the only
woman and beautiful calmer singer/songwriter pop tunes like Trouble with me and
October again, where his voice sounds absolutely fantastic! Do not miss this
sensational album if you call yourself a fan of typical Texas singer/songwriter
music. More info at: https://brownrandy.com/
Out
of Texas comes singer/songwriter BIANCA DELEON, who released this 5th CD Dangerous
endeavour in 2018. She got help from multi-instrumentalist JOHN IMMON and a
bunch of violin players on the 11 included tracks. The music is typical
Americana with a folky, country and rootsy touch, sounding very melodic,
especially when you hear the catchy uptempo light rockin' opener Thorns of a
different rose, which has a memorable chorus you will be singing along quite
quickly. The rest of the CD also has a lot of room for calmer singer/songwriter
pieces and I actually was hoping for some more uptempo tunes like the first
track. Neverthless, a nice album that is probably best recommended to he
country pop/rockfans. Check out more info on Bianca at: www.biancamusic.com
Out
of the UK comes the next 80s influenced Hair Metal band in the shape of SAINTS
OF SIN. Their same titled debut album was released independently and sounds
quite massive actually for an independent album. There are here and there some
modern elements to be heard and even a few progmetal riffs, but overall they
have a clear 80s Melodic Hard/Glamrock approach in their choruses department.
The guitarsolos, hooks and looks make them almost a true 80s Hair Metal band in
the style of classic SKID ROW, WARRANT, WINGER, EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE,
EUROPE, WILD BOYZ, TALISMAN and such. The band was formed back in 2013 and are
now making their official debut with this strong and impressive 11 tracks
counting album. The band's current line up consists of Rui Brito - Lead Vocals,
Marcus Sparxx Jenkins - Guitar, Backing Vocals, Ashley Jenkins - Bass, Backing
Vocals and Josh Rose - Drums, Backing Vocals, although on their CD we can also
hear guitarist Sophie Burrell, who is not part of the band anymore I believe.
Anyway, if you like classic late 80s American orientated catchy Melodic
Hardrock/Hair Metal, then this album is definitely highly recommended, because
songs like The big bad wolf, Alive, Cryin' eyes and We're on fire (H.E.A.T.
ish) will make the fans of mentioned bands dance all night and sing-a-long loud
and proud! There is also a classic Power Ballad included, which is the massive
sounding Forever. This song features excellent vocals of Rui, a superstrong
chorus and killer guitarsolos and all together, Forever could have been an
enormous US Hit if it was released in 1988 as it is almost as good as those
legendary songs by FIREHOUSE, DOKKEN, WHITE LION, NELSON, DAMN YANKEES, etc. etc.!
The end of time is the 2nd Power Ballad, this time a more AOR kinda ballad with
JOURNEYesque influences, although SLYBOYZ and FIREHOUSE are also clear
similarities. Not a weak song is included on this surprisingly great debut album
of SAINTS AND SIN, so i can highly recommend it! A must-have if you like SKID
ROW, EUROPE, WARRANT and such! More info at: https://www.saintsofsin.band/
TAMIKREST
'TAMOTAIT' (GLITTERBEAT/XANGO MUSIC)
The
Algerian band TAMIKREST was formed in 2006 by a group of musicians who belong
to the Tuareg people. Infuenced by another Algerian band TINARIWEN, the
youngsters of TAMIKREST were keen to also create a musicstyle which combined
traditional African music with Western Classic Rock. I have only recently
discovered them and I must say that this sounds quite sensational. The mixture
of 2 very diverse continental music styles is quite rare and is so far not that
well-known among most people. The new album Tamotait is already their 6th album
and I feel they really deliver something challenging that should appeal to a
lot of people. The band's main songwriter and leader of the band is OUSMANE AG
MOSSA, who also plays guitar. In interviews this kind of music is called Desert
Rock, Tariq Rock or the Blues of the desert and perhaps that might be a good
description. Each and every of the 9 included tracks on this new album is of
course clearly based around the traditional Middle-Eastern and African World
Music sounds, but they are as mentioned always combined with Classic Rock
guitar riffs and melodies as well. This makes it such a fascinating adventure
to experience and it gives you finally something completely different than the
usual classic rock. I am safe to say here that fans of all kinds of music
genres will find something of interesting here.
Out
of the Ukraine comes a great new female fronted Melodic Rock/AOR band called
LIZ GUN, whom are playing in the style of classic 80s ff AOR acts like LAOS,
VIXEN, WITNESS, 80s HEART, HEAT, DANTE FOX, HEADMASTER, COASTLINE, ROMEO'S
DAUGHTER and such. Their debut album is titled Welcome to the show, was released
independently in late 2019 and it is definitely a big recommendation to fans of
mentioned acts. The band has a great singer called OLGA LIZGUNOVA and a
brilliant guitarist SERGEY DYACHOK, while the line-up is completed by DMITRY
SERGEEV (bass) and ALEX LEVER (drums). There is a nice variation in the offered
11 songs, with as finest tracks the uptempo melodic rocker Welcome to the show,
the midtempo AOR Time is comin' (pure DANTE FOX) and the album's highlight,
which is the superb semi AOR ballad In flames, which sounds like the perfect
cross between ALYSON AVENUE, DANTE FOX and WITNESS. This song In flames could
easily become a huge hit, because it is very catchy and is an absolute winner
for the fans of the mentioned bands. Do not miss this band if you're into
classic 80s female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock. More info at: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/lizgun
MAGIC
SWORD 'ENDLESS' (JOYFUL NOISE/KONKURRENT)
A
few months ago I witnessed a surprisingly excellent concert in the local rock
venue of Bibelot in the city of Dordrecht. It was the band MAGIC SWORD from the
USA, whom were probably one of the very first Synthwave acts I ever saw and
their show and sound simply blew me away. I was not familiar with them before
the concert, so I guess you can say they got themselves a new Dutch fan
afterwards. The music of MAGIC SWORD is more or less sort of 80s Horror/Sci-Fi
Motion Picture Soundtrack music based, kinda like the background music you
could hear in movies such as BLADE RUNNER, STRANGER THINGS, THE TERMINATOR,
ALIEN, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, etc. It is sounding spooky and dark here and
there, but also very intriguing and hypnotic, and mostly based around 80s type
of Synths/Keys. Sometimes the sound is also dangerously close to TANGERINE
DREAM or THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, but then instrumental only, as there are no
vocals to be heard. The band hails from Boise, Idaho and are a bit of a mystery
when it comes down to the real involved musicians. They were formed in 2013 and
have already released a couple of records throughout the past 7 years, of which
Endless is their latest release. The line-up consists of The Keeper (red,
keyboard, audio-visual), The Seer (blue, guitar), and The Weaver (yellow, drums)
and on stage it feels like youre' watching a Star Wars episode with BLADE
RUNNER kinda instrumental Synthwave music. It is visually very impressive and
as already mentioned, also the music itself is quite sensational and really takes
you on a journey to a galaxy far far away. 11 songs are included on this new
album and I am safe to say that if you're a fan of any of the mentioned
movies/acts, then this album will be one of your favorite ones of 2020! The
band reaches it's absolute finest moment on wonderful songs like Empress,
Prophecy and the superb A new quest. The 1980s did not produce such perfection
full-length records like MAGIC SWORD has done now, so I guess you can say that
this new MAGIC SWORD album gives you that wonderful feeling of the retro 80s
sci-fi/horror movies without sounding dated at all, because Synthwave has never
sounded fresher than here on this album. Do not miss this wonderful album that
might appeal to a wide diversity of music fans (synth, prog, sympho, aor,
krautrock, metal, lounge, soundtrack movies, etc.). More info can be found at: https://www.magicswordmusic.com/
PROWESS
'BLACKTOP THERAPY' (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT)
We're
heading to North Carolina, USA where we can find a sensational new Classic
Rockband called PROWESS. They were formed back in 2016, released a couple of
EP's in the past few years and are now bringing us their first official
full-length debut album titled Blacktop therapy. The band consists of Dalton
Bowes - Vocals, Curly Staples - Guitar, Scott Roby - Guitar, Brandon Chinn -
Drums and Kenny Mange - Bass, and they play a mean raw classic classic
hardrocksound like we have seen it from a lot of other new retro-rockbands the
past few years. PROWESS are doing it at a very high level from start to finish,
musically and songwise speaking, with quite a big sound/production for an
independent release. For example the song Lookin' for a bullet is basically
high class top-notch uptempo classic rock like a perfect cross between THIN
LIZZY and L.A. GUNS, so a sleazy late 80s touch in the gang vocal department,
but with a loud and proud guitarsound which is straight out of the classic
1970s hardrock book. Basically, all 9 included songs are following this
direction, of which some are instant crowd-pleasers like Every right (with a
lovely guitarsolo), the catchy uptempo hardrocking Bring your love (best song,
with an AC/DC/THE CULT ish beat and a damn catchy chorus like BRITNY FOX) and
the bluesy southern fried Tombstone blue (this song is less sleazy and more
akin to a band like RIVAL SONS, with once again sensational guitarsolos).
Without a doubt, this is a sensational band with a lot of potential and after
listening to their album, also quite diverse, because they sound raw, dirty
mean and combine elements from 70s classic rock, 80s sleazy hardrock and the
revival retro-bluesy rocksound of the 1960s like we have also seen it from
bands like RIVAL SONS, WOLFMOTHER or DE WOLFF. If you're starting to become
interested, you should definitely visit their website at: http://www.prowess.rocks/
In
a world gone crazy at the moment when writing the review of this release due to
the Corona virus outbreak, it is always a pleasure to listen to new music. LUCID
DREAM is coming out of Genoa (area), Italy and The great dance of the spirit is
their 4th album so far. Before this new record, they released in 2011 Visions
From Cosmos, in 2013 The Eleventh Illusion and in 2017 Otherworldly. The band's
line-up consists of Simone Terigi – Guitars, Roberto Tiranti (LABYRINTH) –
Bass/Vocals, Karl Faraci – Vocals, Paolo “Paolo” Tixi – Drums and Luca Scherani
– Keyboards. Their sound is a mixture of classic melodic hardrock, progrock
(also due to the fact that most members played in progbands in the past) and a
touch of typical Italo Power Metal. The result is a very nice album that is
quite diverse actually and offers the best moments during the wonderful and
catchy uptempo melodic hardrocker Desert glass, the fantastic LABYRINTH/VISION
DIVINE sounding melodic ProgPower Metal tune A dress of lights, the melodic
semi-rockballad Golden silence and the powerful progmetal song The war of the
cosmos, with it's excellent instrumental parts. Overall, it is quite a typical
Italian sound which we can hear, more or less like a great mixture between
bands like CRYING STEEL, ELEKTRADRIVE, HEAVEN'S TOUCH, LABYRINTH, VISION DIVINE
and any UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY RECORDS release, with as mentioned a prog touch as
well. If this makes you feel interested, then check them out a.s.a.p. at: http://www.luciddream.it
PENDRAGON
'LOVE OVER FEAR' (PENDRAGON/TOFF RECORDS/THE MERCH DESK/UK IMPORT)
It
must have been the early 2000s when I went to one of my first PENDRAGON
concerts and from then on I was hooked and saw them quite a few times, along
with a lot of other Neo-Progrockbands (PALLAS, JADIS, IQ, ENCHANT, ARENA,
PALLAS, FOR ABSENT FRIENDS, etc.). Their 2001 album Not of this world is of
course one of their finest moments in their 40+ year history of existence, but
actually they have always delivered quality records, ever since their debut Fly
high fall far from 1984. I have lost count somewhere along the way, but they
released a lot of albums after that1984 debut album. Sometimes they signed to a
label (EMI, METAL MIND, SNAPPER MUSIC), but most of their albums, including
this new CD Love over fear, they are released on their own label TOFF RECORDS.
The band's current line-up consists of Jan-Vincent Velazco - drums, Nick
Barrett - guitars, vocals, Clive Nolan - keyboards and Peter Gee - bass. Nick
and Peter have been with the band since the formation in 1978 since they are
the original founding members, keyboard wizzard Clive (also a member of ARENA
and SHADOWLAND) joined in 1986 and Jan-Vincent in 2015. Together they created a
wonderful new album, which is the follow-up to 2014's Men Who Climb Mountains.
Musically not much has changed all those years, but that isn't necessary when
you deliver such high quality material and that is basically what we can hear
on Love over fear once again. Of course MARILLION and GENESIS paved the way
decades ago for all those Neo-Progbands, but meanwhile PENDRAGON created their
own sound as well throughout the years. Everytime when a new album is released,
it is an enjoyable adventure to listen to, because you hear so many great new
songs, which is thankfully also the case here. Everything, Truth and lies and
Eternal light are the kind of wet-dream songs for every fan of melodic
neo-progrock, while the fans of the more edgy prog (THRESHOLD style) will like
for example Who really are we? and if you're into a more Celtic/Medieaval happy
folksy ride, then 360 degrees will be your favorite song. No matter which song
of the 10 included you put on, it is all high quality music we get to hear.
Last year IQ delivered a wonderful progrockalbum and now PENDRAGON strikes back
with yet another classic progrockalbum that should be in the hands of every
single fan of this amazing unbeatable genre! More info at: http://www.pendragon.mu/
It's
really amazing that so many Dutch female fronted bands release sensational
international sounding records, but on the other hand, still a lot of them are
still undiscovered. SCARLET STORIES are coming out of the city of Tilburg, were
formed back in 2010 and Necrologies is their debut album. Although at first
sight most people will rank them next to bands like AFTER FOREVER, WITHIN
TEMPTATION, EPICA and such, I can guarantee you that SCARLET STORIES play their
own kind of symphonic melodic epic progrock/metal. They add a lot of epic prog
elements in their sound and the material on this album is of an incredible high
level, musically and also vocally, because singer/songwriter LISETTE VAN DEN
BERG has a beautiful voice. The other members of the band are Bram te Kamp on (acoustic)
guitar, Tim
Kuper on drums, Carmen Raats on guitar, Maarten Grimm on bass and Sophie
Ansems on violin and backing vocals. They were able to complete a 17,000 EURO
crowdfunding action which gave them the opportunity to record this album, which
by the way features beautiful artwork. Combined with a set of sensational
songs, this is one of those must-have releases you need to have in your
collection. KINGFISHER SKY is perhaps a similar sounding band, but I think it's
best to avoid any comparisons, because SCARLET STORIES are doing their own
thing. JOOST VAN DEN BROEK (AFTER FOREVER, STAR ONE, AYREON) took care of the
production and he did a great job, making this album sound like a major label
release. Highlights among the 12 included tracks can be found especially during
the beginning with such wonderful tunes like The tell-tale heart and Vingt
mille Lieues sous lies mers. However, this is one of those albums you can put
on from the beginning and never have the intention to push the skip button,
because Necrologies is top-notch powerful epic prog/melodic rock/metal at it's
finest from start to finish! Check them out a.s.a.p. at: www.scarletstories.com
At
first sight I was fooled, because I honestly thought that the Irish band M-OPUS
recorded their album in 1978, but they are really a new Irish band with a
concept rockalbum that follows the sound of prog/rock/hardrock from back then.
In fact, they pretend to be a band with a fictional long history, although they
were actually formed in 2014 by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist/producer/main
songwriter JONATHAN CASEY, vocalist/drummer MARK GRIST and guitarist COLIN
SULLIVAN. There are quite a lot of guest musicians and singers as well and I
have to say, it is done very well, although here and there you can definitely
hear that it is a newly recorded album and not a recording from 1978. The thing
that annoys me a bit are the countless 'speaking' parts between the 28 included
tracks, because it is the music that counts for us. Now it sounds like a sort
of movie soundtrack, with actual speaking scenes all throughout the album. On
the other hand, that is more or less the idea of a concept record of course,
but it definitely distracts you from the great music that is created by M-OPUS.
If we have a look at the real music that is included here, we can hear some
wonderful pieces of music that is sometimes even very late 1970s progrock,
almost KANSAS/STYXish American Pomprock orientated, such as during the
wonderful songs Accidents will happen and the bombastic A perfect day for
flight. The very melodic and calmer Mr McKee is quite a catchy tune actually
and features one of the female singers, while Find my way back home is another
accesible melodic song that is almost AOR based. Waiting to be is then again
completely different, with an almost U2ish modern midtempo pop/rocksound. YES
and 70s GENESIS are also influences on this 2nd album of M-OPUS, which can be
heard during a more complex progtune like Krown on the coastline and there are
more of such proggy and also rocking tracks in pure 1970s style to be heard.
The album actually consists of 2 full length CDs, with 28 songs in total that
have a playing length of more than 2 hours! There is a lot to enjoy here, quite
diverse and if you like for example PENDRAGON, GENTLE GIANT or the earlier
mentioned YES and KANSAS, then this band will be very interesting to check out,
although there is even a lot more to discover here. Never giving up on your
love for example is an almost RICK SPRINGFIELD sounding uptempo poprocker, while
the agressive Hide and seek touches a punky aproach (with a slight MUSE touch)
and the modern but melodic Troubled minds almost sounds like something
STEREOPHONICS could have done. In the end, M-OPUS is delivering some great and
very diverse music that should appeal to a lot of people out there for sure.
It's not that 70s orientated as one might expect, because actually it is closer
to something SPOCK'S BEARD might have create nowadays, offering a variety of
music styles not heard much on 1 album. I am safe to say that anyone can check
out this album, and for more info go to: https://www.m-opus.com/
GRAND SLAM
'HIT THE GROUND' (MARSHALL RECORDS/UK IMPORT)
After
THIN LIZZY broke up in 1983, bandleader PHIL LYNOTT started a new band called
GRAND SLAM, along with guitarist LAURENCE ARCHER, keyboardist Mark Stanway,
guitarist Doish Nagle and drummer Robbie Brennan. They were never able to
record an official album, so all that was left were demos and live recordings
(including a BBC broadcasted concert), which were pressed on CDs back in the
2000s by several labels. However, at the end of the 2010s original guitarist
LAURENCE ARCHER reformed GRAND SLAM more or less with all new bandmembers (Mike
Dyer - vocals, Dave Boyce - bass and Benjy Reid - drums). The result is the
official debut album Hit the ground, which is of course basically a pure THIN
LIZZY orientated album, with new originals and re-recorded versions of
old/unreleased PHIL LYNOTT/GRAND SLAM written tunes. In total 13 tracks are
included on this sensational album, which is definitely a must-have for any
THIN LIZZY fan. Last year BLACK STAR RIDERS delivered one of the best THIN
LIZZY soundalike albums in ages, but if you liked that one, you should also
check out GRAND SLAM a.s.a.p. Vocally speaking, Mike is sounding more like GARY
MOORE somehow, although a PHIL LYNOTT kinda vibe in his voice is also notable.
Especially in the beginning, it's all about PHIL LYNOTT and THIN LIZZY
musically speaking, but as the album progresses, so does the sound and in the
end, GRAND SLAM creates it's own kinda face. Opener Gone are the days is
basically pure THIN LIZZY like a cross between Lizzy tunes Do anything you want
to do and The boys are back in town, while 19 (originally released as a PHIL
LYNOTT solo tune) is dangerously close to Lizzy's Cold sweat. This makes GRAND
SLAM really one of the best THIN LIZZY soundalike bands, but titletrack Hit the
ground is the first song that is a bit less THIN LIZZY orientated, because this
is basically Melodic Hardrock and quite sensational actually, reminding a bit
of Laurence's previous band STAMPEDE. Military man is known as the GARY
MOORE/PHIL LYNOTT tune, but now done in a more THIN LIZZY kinda style. Crazy is
another straight-ahead hardrocking tune in classic THIN LIZZY style, while
Dedication is a song we know from being an unreleased THIN LIZZY song (although
actually an unreleased GRAND SLAM song), now perfectly re-recorded.
THE
GLORIOUS SONS 'A WAR ON EVERYTHING' (BLACK BOX RECORDINGS/CANADA IMPORT)
Out
of Kingston, Ontario, Canada comes THE GLORIOUS SONS, a band which is very
popular in their homecountry of Canada, but sadly in the rest of the world they
are not that well-known, which is a pity, because they are a great diverse
rockband. The band's line-up consists of Brett Emmons (vocals, guitar,
harmonica, keys), Jay Emmons (guitar, vocals), Chris Koster (guitar, vocals), Adam
Paquette (drums, vocals) and Chris Huot (bass). A war on everything is their
3rd album, featuring 14 songs in total and opener Panic attack is a pure
anthemic rocker that will be a real crowd-pleaser, while following track A war
on everything is more laid-back melodic rock ish and basically is a very strong
memorable tune. They remind me a lot of the THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM, which can be
heard very clearly on the catchy excellent radio-airplay ready uptempo melodic
rocker Spirit to break. As the CD continues, it is clear that THE GLORIOUS
SONGS is yet another Canadian band with a high quality sound that should get a
lot more attention, as they are able to write instant hits that combine a
classic rocksound with catchy radio-ready melodies. A song like Closer to the
sky should be all over the radio, as it combines the modern pop/rocksound with
melodies a la MANIC STREET PREACHERS' Motorcycle emptiness. Thankfully, the
band also adds a lot of rawer rock elements here and there, such as during the
THE BLACK KEYS meets ROLLING STONES kinda heavy retro bluesrock sounding Wild
eyes and One more summer. Uptempo rocker Kick them wicked things is a real
kick-ass straight-forward raw rocker that would make THE ROLLING STONES quite
jealous I think! And the mixture of rawer and more melodic polished tunes is
making this such a great album, because following track I'm on your side is a
lovely melodic rocker that almost touches classic KEANE. And how about the TOM
PETTYish Lean on me love! Concluded, there is a lot to enjoy here and they are
doing it quite perfectly from start to finish, so we can easily recommend THE
GLORIOUS SONS to any classic rockfan or modern rockfan or basically anyone who
likes quality music with strong melodies! More info at: https://www.theglorioussons.com/
At
the end of 2019 a sensational melodic progressive metal album was released by
the French band ALTESIA. This is a new band from the city of Bordeaux formed
around Clément Darrieu - All vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, Alexis
"Idler" Casanova - Lead and rhythm guitar, Antoine Pirog - Bass, Yann
Ménage - Drums and Henri Bordillon - Keyboards. They have created quite a
masterpiece here with their debut album Paragon circus, which is killer melodic
progressive rock/metal in the style of such great bands likle THRESHOLD,
PAGAN'S MIND, VANDENPLAS, HAKEN, SUBSIGNAL, etc. etc. After the short intro
Pandora, we get to hear 5 superb lengthy songs that contain all the elements to
make this an absolute must-have for fans of Melodic Progmetal. The band is able
to combine complex instrumental passages with very melodic catchy choruses,
such as during the epic Reminiscence. When listening to already that short
opener and a song like Amidst the smoke it is clear that this band is focusing
a lot on beautiful lead- and harmonyvocals and soaring guitarwork, so
everything sounds very clean and melodic, but for the real proggies out there,
they also leave room for some DREAM THEATER ish complexity during the
instrumental parts of the songs. ALTESIA took me by surprise with this
wonderful debut album that should be in the hands of every fan of Melodic
Progmetal. Check them out a.s.a.p. at: https://altesia.bandcamp.com/releases
Saint cloud is the 5th
album of the Indie music project WAXAHATCHEE, which was formed in 2010 by
American singer/songwriter KATIE CRUTCHFIELD, who was previously a member of
P.S. ELIOT. Named after the Waxahatchee Creek, in Alabama, where Crutchfield
grew up, this was originally an acoustic solo project, but now results more and
more into a band affair. Katie is in a relationship with singer/songwriter
KEVIN MORBY, who is quite known, but WAXAHATCHEE is not that familiar yet. The
new album is quite good and is a mixture of Indie and Americana, with a touch
of pop/rock, sounding a bit like a softer and more alternative version
of ALANIS MORISSETTE and BETH HART, especially vocally speaking. The
calmer pop/rock on the album is at its best during the songs Lilacs
(melodic, catchy, radio hit potential), The eye, War and Arkadelphia (a little
bluesy/americana ish). Somehow I also sometimes must think of LAURIE ANDERSON,
if anyone can remember her! Anyway, nice little pop/rock album, best
recommended to fans of ALANIS MORISSETTE! More info at: https://waxahatchee.bandcamp.com
LOCATE
S,1 'PERSONALIA' (MERGE RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
(Points:
8.2 out of 10)
CABLE
TIES ‘FAR ENOUGH’ (MERGE RECORDS/KONKURRENT)
https://cableties.bandcamp.com/album/far-enough
(Points:
8.5 out of 10)
The Norwegian band MINDTECH was formed back in 2007
and Omnipresence is their 2nd album so far. The line-up of the band
consists of vocalist Mathias Moland Indergård, guitarists Marius Belseth and
Thor Axel Eriksen, bassist Ola A Øverli and drummer Ole Devold. The included
music on their new album is basically pure modern Melodic Progressive Metal
like we have seen it from a lot of other bands the past 2 decades. PYRAMAZE, PAGAN’S
MIND, CIRCUS MAXIMUS, SEVENTH WONDER and countless more are good comparisons.
Although everything seems to sound perfect here, I do have some issues with the
massive distorted (over-produced) guitarsound that seems to kill the vocals
completely, which is a pity, because when things are slowing down a bit, we get
to hear in a song like Brahman a rather catchy tune with a lovely almost AORish
chorus (WORK OF ART). Not saying it is all bad what we get to hear, because it
is definitely interesting to check out if you’re a fan of the melodic progmetal
like we know it nowadays, but I miss something here, because also there isn’t
too much going on instrumentally speaking. MINDTECH are not making the songs
sound more interesting than so to speak re-produce the well-known progmetal
style, with here and there a few nice melodies, but never a great guitar melody
or anything. Nevertheless, fans of mentioned bands still might want to check
out MINDTECH’s new album! More info at: https://www.mindtech.no/
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Formed
all the way back in 1994, the Manhattan, Kansas based band ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK
was lucky enough to sign with a major label during the 1990s and release 4
albums. After their 2002 release Open up and say awesome, it became quiet
around them, but after 18 years of silence, they return with The preserving
machine. This new vinyl record is a very American sounding record, because
there's a lot of Emo, GREEN DAY ish Punkpop and American Poprock mixed in their
fast Powerpopstyle, but also more aggressive songs can be found a couple of
times, so a melting pot of various styles. I am safe to say that their own
anthem of their own city Manhattan, Ks is the most catchy tune of the 11
included tracks, as this fast uptempo Powerpoptune sounds like the ultimate
cross between THE CLICK FIVE meets RICK SPRINGFIELD. In that same style, we can
find the other highlights, This unfrozen girl, We're sharing the same dream
tonight and Sequel (Electric kissing parties part 2 (all very catchy happy uptempo
powerpop tunes with strong choruses, kinda like an outta-control RICK
SPRINGFIELD when doing a gig with CHEAP TRICK and GREEN DAY). Other interesting
tracks are Sad soldier (one of the few midtempo tunes with a very catchy
infectious chorus) and My music industry (dirty mean sleazy underground
garage/punkrock, almost like HARDCORE SUPERSTAR), while closing track Fake ID
is almost a Power Ballad, but then of the kind GREEN DAY could make. Although
nothing new musically speaking is brought here and ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK is a pure
American sounding band in the best 90s style you can get (Emo/Punkpowerpop),
their comeback album The preserving machine is a recommended album, with nice
artwork and happy radiofriendly music. More info at: https://sonicritualrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/the-preserving-machine
SONIC
RITUAL RECORDS is a new US label with a focus on VINYL RECORDS and their first
release is the solo-album of the leader/singer of the South African band CIVIL
TWILIGHT. STEVEN DAYVID MCKELLAR moved to the USA in January 2019 and worked on
his album Ethio the full year and now releases it on VINYL. The album has a
rather short playing length, with 8 tracks included in total, but thankfully
multi-instrumentalist/producer/singer/songwriter STEVEN DAYVID MCKELLAR has a
great voice, which makes it a pleasure to listen to the record a few times, in
order to make a good review of it. The music is quite experimental and very
minimalistic in use of instruments, combining elements of Indie pop, Wave and
Chamber Pop into an exciting style. Opener Don't ask me why is a sorta cross
between JOHN GRANT meets RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, sounding very minimalistic and dark,
but still with a melancholic melody and strong clean vocalwork of Steven. Quite
experimental is the next song Keep it safe, with a hi-hat dub-step drumbeat
something that could be something NEIL FINN would have loved to do on his solo
records. Modern boy is the first real strong song that offers a great chorus and
is musically well-packed in a sober wave construction that reminds me overall a
lot of TAME IMPALE, so without a doubt the finest track on offer here. Closing
track on side-A is the RUFUS WAINWRIGHT meets HOZIER meets DOTAN slightly depressing
slow melancholic popsong Call it what you like. Side-B starts with another very
strong TAME IMPALE meets JOHN GRANT kinda chamber pop song called The promise.
It seems that Steven is at his best during those calmer songs, because also
following track Kids play is another beautiful calmer RUFUS WAINWRIGHT ish
romantic chamber pop song, with very little use of instruments and with a
strong focus on Steven's vocalwork, just like the rest of the album. Asleep at
the wheel is a little more uptempo, but once again brings RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
similarities to my mind. The album closes with Even the bird, a somewhat
experimental dark melancholic sounding tune that recalls NEIL FINN again. Concluded,
don't expect any happy or rocking tunes here, but instead one of those
minimalistic well-thought chamber popalbums that is best recommended to the
fans of all mentioned acts. Somewhere in between those acts you can put this
album of STEVEN DAYVID MCKELLAR. Check it out for yourself at: https://stevendayvidmckellar.com/
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Out of Canada comes DANA GAVANSKI, a
singer/songwriter who spents most of her time in London and Belgrad, and she
now has released her debut album Yesterday is gone. The included music is a mix
of dreampop, calmer relaxing pop/rock and singer/songwriter pop, kinda in the
style of CATE LE BON and WEYES BLOOD, although you can also hear influences
from JOAN BAEZ, MARIANNE FAITHFUL and JONI MITCHELL when she is singing in a
high-pitched octave. 10 songs are included and we can easily conclude that this
is a beautiful album from start to finish. If we have a look at the highlights,
I need to mention the haunting Catch, the catchy rockier tune Trouble, the
poppy melancholic romantic poprocker Yesterday is gone (sounds like THE
CARPENTERS meets THE CORRS, one of the few more commercial sounding tunes),
Everything That Bleeds (more rockier tune, bit alternative) and Other Than
(uptempo pop/rock). Dana’s vocals make this album very interesting and the
smooth laid-back lush pop/rock/dreampop will definitely appeal to fans of WEYES
BLOOD. More info at: http://danagavanski.com/
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
The German project FLAMING ROW has already released
a couple of concept records before The pure shine, but this is the first time I
get to hear and review their music. The pure shine is a concept album written
by lead singer MELANIE MAU and guitarist/bassist/producer MARTIN SCHNELLA, whom
are the main people behind FLAMING ROW. This new concept record is based on the
classic novel The Dark Tower by STEPHEN KING and is musically your typical
concept/Progrock opera style, so with a lot of diversity and long stories in
the lyrics that all together form 1 complete story. Like many other similar
concept records, also this one is featuring a lot of guest singers and
musicians, such as Glynn Morgan (THRESHOLD), Johan Hallgren (PAIN OF
SALVATION), Jimmy Keegan (ex-SPOCK’S BEARD), Dave Meros (SPOCK’S BEARD), Eric
& Nathan Brenton (NEAL MORSE), José Pepe Jimenez (CARLOS SANTANA) and many
more. The result of 6 years of hard work is in front of us, a full-length CD
divided in 6 songs. As mentioned, the music is clearly Progrock Opera based and
is therefore highly recommended to fans of NOSTRADAMEUS, MERLIN, AYREON, JACK
THE RIPPER and such, but also SPOCK’S BEARD/NEAL MORSE/TRANSATLANTIC fans will
definitely appreciate this high quality album. There is enough diversity to
keep it interesting, such as can be heard during an instrumental like
Relentless pursuit that features a Celtic/Irish kinda influence, although it
still rocks quite hard. The melodic choruses that pass by in most of the songs
are featuring some beautiful harmonyvocals and the absolute highlight is
without a doubt The final attempt, which has a terrific chorus. The packaging
is really excellent, there is a 2nd disc included, which is the instrumental
version of the whole album, and overall speaking, it is high quality music we
get to hear and I can therefore easily recommend it to fans of any of the
mentioned acts. Check it out for yourself at: https://www.facebook.com/flamingrow
Formed all the way back in 1979 by lead singer
RICHARD BLACK, the American band SHARK ISLAND were definitely one of the major
label signed bands that was destined for fame and fortune when they released
their album Law of the order on EPIC RECORDS in 1989. It was a time when bands
like GUNS’N’ROSES, THE CULT, WHITESNAKE, AEROSMITH, WARRANT, WINGER and
countless more hardrockbands ruled the rockworld. Sadly SHARK ISLAND only found
their way to a certain amount of people, so their 1989 release went into a cult
status in the following decade. The band reformed a few times, even released an
album on FRONTIERS RECORDS, and are now back with another great new album that
might as well be their finest since that classic 1989 album. The current
line-up of SHARK ISLAND features Richard on vocals, Chris Heilmann on bass,
Alex Kane and Damir Samic on guitars and Alen Frjlak on drums. The result is a
very strong classic Hardrock sounding release that will whet the appetite of
any fan of the classic days when the aforementioned bands were massive. Songs
like Make a move, Fire in the house, Crazy 8’s, Rocks on the rocks and Law of
the order are the kind of tough fist-in-the-air hardrockers we all love and I
have always found SHARK ISLAND the perfect cross between L.A. GUNS, THE CULT
and AEROSMITH. On this new album they also sound exactly like that combination,
so I can highly recommend it if you’re into that late 1980s raw sleazy
Hardrocksound with big sing-a-long choruses. More info at: https://www.sharkislandmusic.com/
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
In 2018 the guitarist/singer/songwriter VANJA SKY
released her debut album Bad penny and now there is the follow-up Woman named
trouble. She is coming out of Croatia and playing the heavy Bluesrock like we
also know it from a lot of other female gunslingers, such as SAMANTHA FISH, ANA
POPOVIC, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, etc. Together with bassist Artjom Feldtser,
drummer Hanser Schuler and producer Roger Inniss, she recorded a great new
album in Hamburg, Germany. 11 songs are included on the album, of which 3 are
covers, including an awesome version of RORY GALLAGHER’s Shadow play. From her
own originals, it is a pleasure to listen to songs like Rock ‘n’ Rolla train,
Hard times and Let’s get wild, all hard-hitting heavy rockers with a bluesy twist,
but overall speaking VANJA SKY is definitely going for a more Hardrock
orientated approach than her bluesy debut from 2 years ago. I am quite
surprised to see her develop so quickly to such a strong performer, both
vocally and as a guitarist. Definitely a must-have for fans of SAMANTHA FISH,
ANA POPOVIC, JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, etc Check her out at: https://vanjasky.rocks/
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
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