STRUTTER_ZINE MAGAZINE -- 2000
SIAM-SIAM (INDEPENDENT)
This Californian band has a long history behind them which goes back to the late 70s when SIAM was formed. After many struggles and line-up switches, the band now has a steady line-up and they released their first CD. The band features female lead vocalist Bonnie Bishop and musically SIAM is a big surprise, because they play late 70s/early 80s oriented Pomprock influenced AOR Rock. I hear some clear similarities to bands like STORM (1979-1983), 1994, GROUNDSTAR and also some JEFFERSON STARSHIP. The keyboards and synthesisers make the AOR of SIAM sound very pompous. There are 10 songs on their CD and it all starts with "Loss of control", a nice late 70s melodic rocker a la 1994/JET which also has a cool spacy keyboard/synthsolo which gives this song a Pompous touch. Next track "Take my hand" is a bit weaker groovy MHR song a la STORM (the band that put out albums in 1979 and 1983). "Wolves of the dawn" follows in a slow tempo and has a very good melodic chorus. Next up is the good semi ballad "Look back", which reminds me of the old HEART. Following track "Eagles" has some great keys/synths at the start which is totally mid 80s AOR. The song itself is a good AOR rocker with a very pompous sound and actually reminding me of the old Pomprockband GROUNDSTAR. "Rock me Siam" is a nice late 70s rocker a la 1994. Then we get to hear "The legend", in which Pomp meets Melodic Rock (a la STORM, GROUNDSTAR). Safe the best for last, because the best songs can be found towards the end of the CD. I am talking about "Rock solid" and "Friends". "Rock solid" is a great early 80s heavy female AOR rocker which is in the TORONTO style. And "Friends" is a terrific semi AOR ballad which sounds very huge and brings back memories of the TANE CAIN classic from 1982. Just listen to the wonderful vocals of Bonnie and the great keyboards of Greg Lavars. The closing track of the CD is "Nightstalker" which is a bit weaker groovy MHR. Concluded this SIAM is quite an interesting female fronted band that combines the 70s Pomprock with 80s AOR/Melodic Rock. If you like any of the mentioned bands, you should check out this great new band at: https://www.angelfire.com/ca/BonnieBishop/siam2.html
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
