HOT NEW REVIEWS
UPDATED October 18, 2016
Eins, Zwei Orchestra 'Hope, sign, community' (DGR Music)
Hope, sign, community is the new album of the Dutch band
Eins, Zwei Orchestra. They released their debut in 2011 and this new album is
their 3rd full-length record so far. Musically they are compared
with My Bloody Valentine and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but there’s much
more to explore here. They are influenced by a lot of different genres while
listening to the album and actually they have a professional international sound
and could easily become a huge band! Indie (melodic) rock is the name of the
game here, but we can also trace influences of 80s altrock/new wave sometimes,
shoegaze, dreampop and even a touch of dark folk. Some of the material is very
radio-ready, with definite massive hits in the making and overall this is a
really great record actually! I hear some similarities to the UK band Blossoms,
but the strong female vocals make it also remember of a sound somewhere between
Gold, Shocking Blue, Tennis and Beach House. However, the band also has male
vocals to offer, so we have a share in vocal duties by guitarist Stefan van
Maurik and synthesizerplayer Lydia van Maurik. It’s a concept album about the
Chinese student protest from 1989 when a student stood before a tank, so it is
mostly about this so-called Tankman! The beginning of the album is definitely
the best, with some great uptempo indie melodic rock that features very strong
female vocals, a big drum sound and lush catchy melodies, especially during AK47,
Samantha Smith and Hold your ground. Other interesting tunes are Superstar
(catchy midtempo tune) and Come on (dreampop at its finest, lovely melodies
even a bit like Haim, but more dreamy a la Webb Sisters, First Aid Kit,
beautiful!!!). The second part is a little less good, with some commercial
poppy tunes like Alright now (calmer ballad ish, nice harmonyvcocals, quite a
lot hit potential!) and Turn around (poppy tune, very commercial sound) and the
weaker songs Ordinary man and the final 2 tracks (not mentioned on the cd
cover, but numbers 11 and 12). The highlight however during the 2nd
part of the album is the calmer After the bombs where Lydia sings lead in a
song that is a dark acoustic folk tune like Lisa Hannigan and Melissa Nadler. I
am not familiar with their earlier releases, but check out more at: http://www.einszweiorchestra.com and https://einszweiorchestra.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Mother Of Pearl ‘Our love/These walls vinyl single’ (Independent/USA
Import)
Out of Seattle comes the band Mother Of Pearl, who were kind
enough to sent me their debut vinyl single, which consists of 2 songs, Our love
and These walls. The band mixes rock, pop, blues, soul, jazz and aor influences
and come up with a great relaxing smooth sound. Their line-up features Christa
Wells (Vocals), Alex Mortland (Guitar), Kent Halvorsen (Keys), Jeremy Lightfoot
(Bass) and Woogie D (Drums). The strong female vocals make them an interesting
band and after 2 years of working, they released this single in late 2015 and
are now preparing a full-length release. Without a doubt, this is something to
look forward to, because it all sounds really excellent. They worked with Seattle
recording legends such as Barrett Jones (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Sir Mix-A-Lot,
etc) and Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, etc) on this lovely
sounding debut single. The only pity is that there are only 2 songs included,
because you definitely want to hear more and more. Our love is a very relaxing
smooth slightly jazzy westcoast/aor influenced song that sounds like Toto with
soulful female vocals. The other song These walls is actually a melodic
rockballad and a really good one! This is a very promising start and I can’t
wait to hear and review their full-length record. Definitely a band to watch
out for in the future, so go check them out at: http://www.motherofpearlband.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Sirens Sky 'Heal you/Forever' (Independent)
Heal you is the new mini-CD of the Dutch band Sirens Sky,
which is actually a studio project created and maintained by Herbert Kaptein, a
Dutch songwriter and guitarist who has previously played in several alternative
rock bands based in the Rotterdam area. He does everything on his own, but for
the vocals he is working with two American vocalists, Lydia Salnikova and Mella
Barnes. On his previous album Forever, which was a full-length record, he
collaborated with Jessica Rasche as singer besides Lydia. Lydia is definitely
the finest singer of them all, because she is a truly gifted sensational
sounding female singer who was active in the band Bering Straight, a
Grammy-nominated band with releases on major labels in the USA, and also has a
successful solo career going on. The Forever CD by Sirens Sky is a very nice
AOR/Poprock sounding album that consists of mostly calmer tunes and is not so
much rocking and despite the fact that the drums/production sounds a bit thin,
overall the music is of an exceptionally high level!! Especially the songs with
Lydia on vocals are a pleasure to listen to, because she has got the voice of
an angel, just listen to songs like Forever (great
semi AOR/Melodic Rockballad), Cosmic (calmer ballad), Let Go (lovely AOR ish
ballad a la Jaime Kyle/Robin beck) and Until You Feel (great semi rockballad)
and you can hear how incredible she is. Singer Jessica sounds a bit rawer, with
as highlights the midtempo rocker Blinded (a la Alanis Morissette) and Dance
(great uptempo classic AOR rocker with strong lead and harmonyvocals). On this
full-length record Forever you can definitely hear the potential and on the new
mini-album Heal you Sirens Sky has improved and sounds even more professional.
Opener Heal You is a very nice relaxing semi-ballad, calmer melodic
rock ish, with a laid-back lush sound, while No More Running and Release (Remix Aug 2016) are even a bit Heart
ish, with the latter featuring very impressive vocals and harmonyvocals!!!!
These kind of songs are AORish somehow, with no real electric guitar, but more
laid-back relaxing guitarwork, although it gets rockier halfway, sorta midtempo
AOR/Melodic Rock with during the song Release a beautiful classic rock
guitarsolo. Soulmates and Here and Now are a little less impressive, but overall
this is a really interesting record for the fans of lightweight female fronted
aor/poprock. Stevie Nicks and Faith Hill are mentioned comparisons on the
internet, but Heart and especially the legendary Californian band Challenge (if
anyone remembers them?) are much better similarities for me personally.
Vocalist Lydia Salnikova is definitely somehow you need to check out and
hopefully we will soon be able to review some of her other (solo) work. Check out
Sirens Sky at spotify and http://sirenssky.wix.com/sirens-sky
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Cos 'Cos' (Cosmark Music/USA Import)
Not much info on this band from New York, but Cos is an 80s
inspired act that combines aor/poprock with prog/symfo and a little hi-tech
pop, sounding a bit like Time Gallery, a Swedish band from 25 years ago.
However, there’s a lot of fun and surprises while listening to their same
titled debut album. Opener The Summer Never Ends is an 80s semi progressive
melodic rocker, Rush ish with a Police kinda sounding guitar approach and in
the end actually even reminding of Asia! Next track Negative Energy is
reminding me of Saga, but is also sounding like 80s Rush and overall may be classified
as a great symphpnic rocker. One of the most interesting tunes follows, namely
Passion from a Distance, a fantastic relaxing westcoast/AOR tune that sounds a
bit like Toto/Franke and the Knockouts, so a very smooth song with that perfect
early 80s American radio sound (remember Big Ric, The Automatix, Alliance…),
with a killer Toto/AOR type of chorus, really picture perfect! This song shows
that Cos has got very good vocals, a nice laid-back sound that will wet the
appetite of both AOR/Westcoast and prog.Sympho fans (read: Toto meets Rush and
dare I say Le Roux!!!). The song Your Eyes has a similar approach and is also a
great tune! We enter a slightly different route with Mountain of Rope that is
light funky pop/rock, even a bit Gino Vanelli 80s style. Small Sacrifice is one
of the few weaker songs, despite being a more straight-forward rocker. When
Lovers Part is a nice semi aor ballad ala John Wetton, Love Is the Hunter is
more proggy, Twisting the Knife is a great AOR ish ballad in a GTR style, while
The Kiss is the only instrumental track and is basically pure Rush. Closing
track Say Goodbye sets things into an 80s melodic rock/AOR style that comes
across like White Sister meets No Eqxqze/Helloise. The drums sound a bit thin,
but further more all sounds quite good and I can definitely recommend
especially the fans of slightly progressive 80s AOR (GTR meets Toto) to check
out Cos at: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Cos2
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Elysian Gates 'Crossroads' (Independent)
Elysian Gates from Luxembourg was formed in 2010 and through
the years they switched vocalists several times, but with the arrival of Noémie
Leer (Rude Revelation) in 2015, the band started working on their debut Crossroads,
which is now released. It is released independently, but the sound is huge and
could have been a major label release. The included music is not really
original, because this kind of modern day female fronted symphonic melodic
metal has been done many times before, but Elysian Gates are doing it at a very
high level and Noémie is a wonderful singer! Eyes of Eden, Lunatica, Leaves'
Eyes, Delain, Nightwish, Within Temptation and all those other bands in this
genre come to mind while listening to Crossroads, but the performance is very
impressive and takes you on a great journey from start to finish. Highlights
are Crossroads (uptempo melodic heavy
rocker, catchy, very much like Delain), Far from home (midtempo bombastic piece
a la Epica, 10 minutes with calmer ballad part halfway), Mary Ann (beautiful
melodic rockballad) and Broken inside (uptempo, with awesome guitarsolo versus
keyboardsolo, power metal ish almost). Do not miss this release if you’re a fan
of this genre. More at: www.elysiangates.com
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Cairo 'Say' (Heavy Right Foot Records/Nineteen 73 Promotion/UK Import)
Touchstone founder, singer/songwriter and keyboardplayer, Rob
Cottingham is the leader of the new UK band Cairo, which should not be confused
with the legendary fantastic progrockband from the past that had the same name.
Anyway, this Cairo also features in the line-up Rachel Hill – Vocals, James
Hards - Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Paul Stocker - Bass & Acoustic
Guitars and Graham Brown - Drums & Percussion. So, Rob share the vocal
duties with the female singer in the band. Musically speaking the band’s debut
album Say is a very impressive concept album that is quite complex progressive
rock orientated, clearly influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd, Genesis, Steven
Wilson, Porcupine Tree,
Anathema… I have to say that I prefer Rachel on vocals,
because she has a really great pleasant voice, but thankfully Rob can also sing
very well. As it is a concept record, there are many instrumental passages, for
example the first 3 songs are short instrumental/semi-instrumental intro’s that
lead to the first real track Wiped out, a
complex progrocker in the style of Esquire. It shows a professional band
making high quality music and especially the song Say is a fine melodic
progrocker with a sorta 80s touch and somehow even revealing a funky/groovy
hi-tech 80s Yes approach, although vocally a bit more like It Bites. Not that
strange making such a comparison, because John Mitchell of It Bites, Arena,
Frost, Kino fame was in charge of the production of Say. In the end, people who
are familiar with those bands and also Touchstone will now have to hurry in
order to get a copy of this first Cairo asap, because for them this is the
perfect record. Other highlights are the calmer Katrina (female vocals),
Searching (male vocals, lovely tune, sorta 80s melancholica, reminds me of
Cutting Crew somehow, gets more semi-epic later on in the song, sounds very
melodic!) and Dancing The Gossamer Thread (great uptempo tune, male vocals,
close to It Bites, Kino and such). This is one of those albums you want to play
over and over again to discover something new everytime, so a real big
recommendation to especially the melodic progrockfans out there. More info at: www.cairorocks.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Elizabeth Butler 'Love & Loss & Stuff like that/ Lullaby' (Independent/USA Import)
Although singer/songwriter Elizabeth Butler has been active
in the music business for almost her whole life, it took some time to release
something on her own. She is currently based in the Houston area, but is
actually originally from Savannah, Georgia, but has lived in Texas for over
twenty years. She began playing the guitar at eleven years old, formed her own
label Running Home Records in 1999, has been part of Running Home, a
country/pop duo featuring Suzanne Comeaux Bucher and is now spreading her wings
with her first solo-record Love and loss and stuff like that. On a side note,
she also is very athletic, completing four marathons and three triathlons, but
let’s get back to the music, because she sounds damn good on this album.
There’s a mix of great calmer Americana, country and poprock melodies to be
heard here. Sometimes a bit folksy, then rocking slightly and at other times
poppy, so a real melting pot for everyone to enjoy. She has a great voice and
comparisons to Faith Hill, Lenita Erickson, Stevie Nicks, Joan Osborne, Jewel,
Carole King, Mary Chapin Carpenter and such can be drawn. Troy Warren, Jr., a
multi-instrumentalist, helped her out on basically all levels, so he should
also be credited in the contribution for this great album that I can highly
recommend to everyone who likes a good deal of singer/songwriter with a pop
melody and a light rocking touch here and there. Quality stuff for sure, which
you need to check out at: www.ebutlermusic.com
(Points: 8.3 out of
10)
C.T.P. 'Now and then' (Fastball Music/Germany Import)
Christian Tolle is the man behind this project C.T.P., so
actually this stands for Christian Tolle Project and with the help of a very
impressive guest list of musicians, this is a professional high quality
release! Christian is a wonderful guitarist and his music is AOR/Melodic Rock
based and this might well be his finest effort so far. It is actually a best of
release, but he re-recorded them and added a bunch of new tracks, while the
vocalists we can hear include John Parr, Philip Bardowell, Rick Riso, David
Reece, Michael Voss, John Cuijpers and as musicians there are appearances by
drummer Raymond Herveille, bassists Chuck Wright and Lauren Scheff and
guitarists Steve Lukather, Michael Landau, Tim Pierce and Doug Aldrich (!!!),
so it is hard to go wrong here! An exciting strong new album that starts with
Dumped, which is awesome faster uptempo melodic heavy rock in a classic style
early 90s like Casanova/Mad Max/Sargant Fury/Pretty Maids with strong vocals
from Michael Voss. The midtempo Vengeance ish melodic hardrocksong Magic
pudding follows, while John Parr is finally back to rock during The real thing,
a great classic 80s midtempo AOR/Melodic
Rock tune with a lovely guitarsolo. Up next is Taking A Risk, a nice midtempo
AOR song that would have sounded even better if Jeff Paris had sung it. Changed
features Philip Bardowell on vocals and this is definitely one of the real
highlights, an awesome uptempo AOR piece. The Price Of Love is uptempo bluesy
hardrock n roll based, while Hard To Find is midtempo melodic rock based and
John Parr shines again during Back To The Moon, a nice uptempo rocker, but not
a classic like he used to sang on. On And On is pretty good AOR, while One
Night Alone is another Philip Bardowell sung AOR tune. Enemy is a nice melodic
heavy rocker, uptempo and a little Dio ish. The only instrumental song is 87
99, a Toto ish aor/melodic rock fusion and closing track of this very nice new
album of Christian. OK, not really new, as it is a best of, but nevertheless
all newly recorded with some great AOR vocalists and musicians and makign up
for some great listening pleasure. The guitarwork is phenomenal in the
Lukather/Huff school, so make sure to check it out at: http://www.christiantolle.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Plexiphones 'Electric' (Big Sky Song Records/Fastball Music/Germany
Import)
Electric is the 2nd album of the German band
Plexiphones, a 6-piece act with a sound that is clearly going into the 80s
Brittish side of rock/wave (think U2, The Alarm, Killing Joke, Big Country,
Simple Minds…). The album was produced in London by Soundengineer Tom E
Morrison (Bonnie Tyler, Andrew Roachford, Underworld, Bliss) and
ex-Wallenstein-, Sun- und Dead Guitars Bassist Kurt Schmidt. Mastered by Thomas
Kessler (Dissidenten) and Andy Jackson (Pink Floyd, David Gilmour), Electric
sounds likewise huge and massive. Also the included songs are very good
actually, sorta melodic poprock ish with an electronic/80s new wave approach.
The only remark I could make is that it all sounds very repetitive and montone
after a while, but nevertheless we can hear some great tunes here and there,
such as 40 Days (interesting high quality uptempo melodic rock ish with
westcoast/aor touch, like a poppier Work Of Art 80s, somehow poppy and also
reminding of The Outfield/Cutting Crew and such), Take Me, Break Me (Inxs/The
Fixx ish uptempo electro melodic rock), Slow Down (laid-back ish ballad),
Electric (great midtempo melodic rock ish), To Be Wanted (nice uptempo rocker,
very 80s Billy Idol ish) and We Are Repeating (uptempo pure British early 80s
new wave/synths a la Simple Minds). The vocals of singer Wolfgang Kemmerling
are very strong and as already mentioned the production is huge, so if you’re
interested how this all actually sounds like, then go to: http://www.plexiphones.com/impressum
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Eilera 'Face Your Demons' (Echozone/FastBall Music/Germany Import)
Face your demons is the 4th album of Finnish
singer/songwriter Eilera. Helped by Tero Kinnunen (Nightwish) and Mika Jussila
of the Finnvox Studios (Nightwish, Avantasia, Amorphis), this is actually a
typical Finnish sounding female fronted rock product like a Tori Amos meets
Finnish theatrical rock. It is not metal ish and even rock is sometimes not
exactly the case, as the result is a safe sounding melodic folkish soft-rock
album with average vocals and a mixture of Evanescence, Within Temptation and
Loreena McKennitt might be the description in the press release, it really is
far from that if we are honest. Only for the absolute die-hard fans this might
be of interest, but the alternative celtic/folk pop/rock on this album is not
making a real impact I’m afraid. Still interested, then go to: http://www.eilera.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Cunning Mantrap 'Hazmat' (FastBall Music/Germany Import)
This is a band from Cologne, Germany releasing a very
aggressive sounding album titled Hazmat that starts with a sorta Hardcore ish
Thrash Metal tune called Red, but on the other hand a song like Play the
prophet taps out of an almost Grungy Nirvana kinda direction. It is a very
diverse album, because if we listen to Uncanny valley we can hear suddenly a
nice groovy melodic heavy rocksound with much better vocals and not such a
depressing or aggressive way of singing. Somehow Alice In Chains also comes to
mind here and there and Metallica influences are borrowed all the time, but
this is one of those release you need to hear for yourself, as there is
potential, yet it sounds a bit messy now most of the time. More at: www.cunningmantrap.com
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Piledriver 'Brothers in boogie' (Rockwall Records/FastBall Music/Germany
Import)
The German band Piledriver was founded back in 1995 by
Michael Sommerhoff ("Rick Parfitt") and Peter Wagner ("Francis
Rossi"). Being fans of the original Status Quo line-up (also referred to
as the "Frantic Four"), they weren´t very fond of the releases after
the final "Frantic Four"-album Never too late in 1981. The Thirsty
work-CD from 1994 was the "momentum" for their decision to kick off a
"tribute-band" which wasn´t bound just to reproduce popular tracks of
other people but to develop self written material in the very much appreciated
"FF-style", the sound the original SQ once stood for and that secured
them their place in rock history. This is the original quote on the band’s
website and for easy reference I publish it in the review. Although Status Quo
is indeed a close comparison here, the 4th album Brothers in boogie
can also be seen as Rock and Roll boogie with a slightly more typical (German)
Hardrock approach a la Accept, Krokus, ZZ Top, Running Wild, Motorhead… Good fun
quality rock and roll in the classic rock style of the 1970s, maybe not
sensational and all in the same uptempo boogie woogie style, nice to check out
for yourself at: www.piledriver.de
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
The Atlantics 'The Atlantics' (Something Hit Communications/USA Import)
The Boston based powerpopband The Atlantics was formed in the
mid 1970s and lasted until 1983, but now more than 30 years after their split
one can hear all of their material on CDs that cover most of the band’s
material. One of their first performances was playing support to The Ramones,
whom had just started to make a name and in the summer of 1977 the band
recorded a fantastic independent 45” single on Jukebox Records, When You're Young/Where
Would I Be Without Your Love was the name and the songs are a classic pieces of
late 1970s Powerpop in the The Jam style, with the flipside When you’re young
being a prime example of classic late 70s powerpop/punkpop/poprock a la The
Boys’ First time, The Undertones’ Teenage kicks, Cheap Trick’s Surrender and
Rick Springfield’s Jessie’s girl. Despite a thousand copies were pressed, the
single was never actually released. Eventually they were signed to ABC Records,
which was later carried by MCA Records, and their debut full-length record Big
city rock was officially released in 1979, but it never took off completely due
to the switch of label and MCA not willing to promote it. Meanwhile they scored
support acts for bands like Prince, Foreigner and Alice Cooper, so they enjoyed
local Boston success through the years, but by 1983 they called it quits. Now
many years later those CDs reflect that The Atlantics were a great band that
could have easily become bigger. 2 original members (Bruce Wilkinson and Paul
Caruso) sadly died during the 2000s, but the surviving members (Fred Pineau,
Tom Hauck and Bobby Marron) put together the CD The Atlantics, which consists
of untouched, archival studio recordings from 1979-1982, with no contemporary
overdubs. The sound is pretty good actually, with a total of 13 tracks
included. The group lasted only 7 years in total and this CD cover almost half
ot their carreer, starting with Wrong Number, which is Powerpop bliss of the
early 80s kind. Next track Back in the World is probably the best song The
Atlantics ever recorded, because this is awesome catchy AORish uptempo classic
early 80s hookdriven rock that even reminds me of a legendary AOR band like
Aerial or Hyts, if anyone remember those bands! Hooks all over the place with
that typical early 80s rock beat, AOR and Powerpop combined at a perfect radio
ready level. What follows is a bunch of quirky powerpoprock tunes in the The
Tubes style (Lonelyhearts, Perfect Stranger, Believe in Love, Rock and Roll
Parts I and II and I Need a Girl), while the great midtempo poprocker Can't
Wait Forever is a mix between The Cars and Cheap Trick. Pop Shivers and Secret
Meeting are more quirky poprock ish tunes that remind a bit of The Police.
Weekend is a rather catchy tune again that combines the best of the AOR and
Powerpop worlds, in classic early 80s style. Tired Girl is midtempo AOR/Poprock
ish a la Eddie Schwartz and Rick Springfield, while closing track New Identity
is a cool catchy uptempo classic powerpop tune like The Knack meets Shoes. The
other CDs that were kindly sent to me by original guitarist/vocalist Tom Hauck
is a CD of a live concert the Atlantics did back in the day, but the sound
quality is a little less good sadly, although it clearly captures the vibe of a
strong live act. Some of the original The Atlantics members went on forming
Ball And Pivot and from them a CD is available, namely Heart in the sky, which
consists of recordings from 1985-1988. The band looks like a 80s Hairspray band
(Duran Duran), but musically is more moving into a sorta Canadian synth driven
wave/poprock direction, yet with an indie touch and vocals reminding me of
Morrissey (The Smiths) meets Billy Idol. Quite interesting actually, with as
highlights Baby Doll (cool uptempo 80s poprock, synth driven a la Dragon
(Hunter), The Arrows, starts calm, but gets uptempo after a while a la Inxs),
Christine (midtempo, pretty good a la Billy Idol), Blue Angel (classic uptempo
aor/poprock with vocals a la Inxs/Billy Idol) and We Love the Dead (a little less
synth orientated, even a bit 80s altrock orientated a la REM!). Tom also sent
me 2 CDs of his recent band/project Telamor, Valentine to the future and 3,
both released on Olex Music. The included music is slightly different,
alternative pop/rock with a glimpse of powerpop. The finest moments however can
be found on the The Atlantics CD, which is available through http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/atlanticsmusic
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Pat Kreisl 'Tell me tell me' (Park Records/USA Import)
New Jersey based musician Patrick Kreisl started back in the
80s playing in several bands, including Crybaby, an act which supported bands
like Gary Richrath (REO Speedwagon), the Canadian Lipstick, The Hooters and Warrant.
His band Keystone had an album that was mixed by Robert Berry and now he is
releasing a solo-album titled Tell me tell me, which consists of 80s type of
AOR/Melodic Rock. Vocally it is not that strong and the production could have
been better, because the drums sound very thin, but overall it is a nice little
record that features as highlights Tell me tell me (cool 80s uptempo
AOR/Melodic Rock a la Rick Matthews (very much)), Redneck lover (80s midtempo
Hair Metal), Do it tonight (nice semi-ballad) and Never walk away (good classic
80s AOR/MelodicRock).Pat did everything on his own, so that is very much
respected and die-hard AOR/Melodic Rockfans (think Phil Vincent), they can try
and check out for more info at: http://www.patkreisl.com
(Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Sixtynine 'You are me' (Rock Company)
Out of Koper, Slovenia comes the band Sixtynine, whom were
formed back in 2012 and are now releasing their debut record You are me.
Without a doubt we are listening to a high quality band here that takes a bit
of melodic hardrock and semi-progmetal and mixes it into an own sorta sound.
Opener Don't Give Up is a lovely melodic rockballad of a very high level with
great vocals and a very fine guitarsolo, all perfect sounding, remind me of
Gotthard and Shakra. Other highlights are Believe (good uptempo melodic
hardrock a la Victory and Casanova), Morning (great semi melodic rocker), Come
To Me (lovely semi melodic rocker, even a bit light progmetal with great high
pitched vocals, even a bit like Crimson Glory, with a rather cool keyboard!),
December Love (great midtempo melodic metal tune, high pitched vocals again),
while the slightly rougher mhr tunes Good Trade and Sunlight Hour are a little
bit sleazy Guns N Roses meets The Cult. The band’s singer Tomaž Klepač has a
wonderful voice, the CD has a big major label ish sound and the songs are
mostly good clean high quality melodic hardrock, so definitely a recommended
band to check out at: http://www.sixtynine.si
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Jerry Scafone 'It's my life' (Centerline Publishing/USA Import)
Only 2 songs are on the CD by this Ohio based
singer/songwriter, who has been in the music business for many ages now. The
songs It's My Life and Don't Worry Darlin'
are definitely must-hear tunes if you care for the
crooner/soft-traditional country ballad style a la Jim Reeves and Neil Diamond.
Not bad at all, but perhaps a little bit dated to some of us. Check it out for
yourself at: www.jerryscafone.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Giordano Boncompagni 'New shred generation' (Sliptrick Records)
New Shred Generation (N.S.G.) is an Instrumental solo Project
of Giordano Boncompagni, an Italian guitarist who already released a couple of
albums before this one. The most interesting fact is that it features besides
Giordano on all guitars also the legendary Tony MacAlpine Keyboards, Franck
Hermanny Bass and Aquiles Priester Drums. The result is a high quality
shredding hardrock/metal record in the old school style. Not really original,
but for fans of the classic shredding guitarsound that dominated a part of the
1980s (Shrapnel Records) this is definitely a recommendation worth to check out
at: http://www.giordanoboncompagni.com
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
GC Project 'Face the odds' (Sliptrick Records)
Italian drummer Giacomo Calabria (ex-Barock Project) is the
man behind this project titled GC Project. Musically it is a mixture of all
kinds of genres, with also various singers, which makes it quite a diverse
record that is safe in the hands of fans of for example Ayreon. The vocals are
not always that strong, but instrumental it is of a very high level. There
quite a number of instrumental songs and passages, it sometimes feels like an
epic concept record, with as highlights the melodic hardrock pieces Hold On,
The Spring And The Storm, Pt. 1The Road To Awareness, Darkest Enemy (best song,
slightly progmetal ish a la Dream Theater) 18 Circles Of Life (great) and
Friend Of Glory. Remarkable song is the instrumental jazz/fusion based prog
piece Town Fair (with it’s use of the Hammond, Drums and Bass reminding of
ELP), while Southern Comfort is progmetal with female vocals. Overall a very
diverse record that is definitely recommended to check out at: https://itunes.apple.com/fm/artist/gc-project/id1060580853
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Easter Before Christmas 'Game' (Sliptrick Records)
Not much info on the Italian band Easter Before Christmas,
but their album Game is defininitely a massive sounding American orientated
record. The band consists of Leonardo Antonio Di Pinto :: Vocals; Mauro Toti ::
Bass; Simone Bucci :: Guitar; Leonardo Dragovic' :: Drums and Riccardo Cecci ::
keyboard/Synth. Shinedown meets Three Days Grace would be a good description,
but there are also clear Industrial influences to be heard, although the
overall sound is actually quite melodic, with as most interesting songs I'm
Trying (great big midtempo modern melodic rocker in the typical current
American radio sound of Three Days Grace), My Way and Everybody (both
industrrial orientated, almost Rammstein ish) and the awesome Ballet with
Bullet that feels a lot like Shinedown. The huge sound makes it wonder if this
really isn’t a major label from an American band, but Easter Before Christmas
is definitely Italian, whom you can check out at: www.easterbeforechristmas.com
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Lauren Anderson 'Lauren Anderson' (Independent/USA Import)
When it comes down to female singers, Adele meets Amy
Whinehouse is what people want to hear and Lauren Anderson from Kansas City
fits right into this category, because she has a raw bluesy tone in her voice
and the music is as well sorta bluesy and soulful, making it feel quite
pleasant for the ears and radio-ready for sure. Sadly only 2 songs are
included, so we keep the review a bit short, but both the the lovely midtempo
What good is a bad boy and Box wine blues are great tunes that will also wet
the appetite of fans of Janis Joplin, Joss Stone, Norah Jones Sass Jordan and
Joanne Shaw Taylor. Hopefully soon a review of a full-length record, meanwhile
more at: http://www.laurenandersonmusic.com
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Edge Of Reality 'Edge Of Reality' (Independent/USA Import)
Edge Of Reality is a band from Nashville formed a few years
ago and features the likes of Joey Frevola – Guitars, Jesse Peck - Guitars and
Keys and Branndon Center – Drums. They sound quite original actually, progmetal
ish but then with a wicked twist. They are influenced by acts like Haken, Devin
Townsend, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Periphery, The Dear Hunter, Joe
Hisaishi, The Contortionist, Ayreon, Between the Buried and Me, David Maxim
Micic, The Enid, Between the Buried and Me, Haken, Devin Townsend, Animals as
Leaders, Periphery, Snarky Puppy, Leprous, Thank You Scientist, Rush, Neal
Morse Epica… and the result of their album is quite original and combining
jazz, prog, metal, fusion with theatrical aspects, ending up sounding quite out
of the ordinary, which on the other hand is very interesting for the
open-minded musicfans out there. Quite a lot of guest musicians are appearing,
including different lead singers. Sometimes it gets quite experimental and
outta-control, such as during Grababyte and Cupcake, but also a little less complucated
during a great modern day melodic heavy rocker such as Wasteland or Teeth of
the Universe (a high quality almost pure melodic Progmetal ish tune, awesome
song by the way!). The band is also keen on multi-layered Queenish
harmonyvocals and a song like Forks & Spoons II combines that with
Thresholdish progmetal, so a rather interesting mixture. The female vocals of
the epic Into the Shadows show another friendly side, because this progmetal
melodic masterpiece takes up to 20 minutes in playing time end evolves from a
calmer Megan Rasmussen sung tune to a bombastic song with classic music
influences a la Carmina Orff’s O Fortuna, making you think of Epica somehow. In
the end, a very interesting band to check out at: http://www.edgeofreality.net because in
the future they might become bigger if all is streamlined a little bit more, as
I think that some of you might find it all sounding a bit too wicked, but
that’s the beauty of this band!
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Brian Skiff ‘On the edge’
(Independent/Hemifran)
Multi-instrumentalist Brian Skiff grew up in the golden ages
of music during the 1970s with bands like Moody Blues, Emerson Lake and Palmer,
Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Chick Corea, Jimi Hendrix, etc. and after picking up
the guitar he eventually ended up in a Punkband called Outside Agitators, who
were influenced by bands like Black Flag, Sex Pistols, Bad Brains, Minor Threat,
etc. etc. The band didn’t breakthrough, but on the other hand did a reunion in
2002. Brian himself started doing solo work and sent me a recent CD he
recorded. He played all the instruments by himself, except for the drums on a
couple of tracks, which were done by his brother Rick. The included songs are
very diverse and display the influences of his musical past. There’s some great
calmer melodic atmopsheric progrock, instrumental passages, singer/songwriter
pieces and alternative pop/rock, so not a boring record at all. Brian’s vocals
are not that strong, but overall he sounds like a rather good musician. Check
him out at: http://www.brianskiff.com
(Points: 7.3 out of 10)
Ylja 'Ylja' (Broken
Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German Import)
Musically speaking Iceland is known
for its rather unique sound, which is dark, modest, laid-back, atmospheric and
kinda relaxed in a way that you should open up yourself to listen to and
explore and discover the natural feeling you get when hearing for example acts
like Sigur Ros, Bjork and Of Monsters And Men, Asgeir, etc. The music is
perfect as background music to a nature/wildlife documentary. On the other hand
it’s also very melodic thanks to the beautiful harmonyvocals and fits somewhere
between Celtic/Irish old Folk and Scandinavian Indie/Dreampop. In the case of
the female fronted band Ylja it is somehow reminding of a calmer mixture of The
Staves, Twarres, The Corrs and especially First Aid Kit, with however a touch
of the Icelandic spirit and Enya/Clannad kinda influences are also notable. The
result is a very strong album with many beautiful songs, such as Dúmdara Lara
and Sköpun Mannsins, but you will like any song here because it all is
perfectly done. Formed in 2008 by guitarists/singers Gígja Skjaldardóttir and
Bjartey Sveinsdóttir in Reykjavík, this album shows that we are dealing with a
professional sounding act that might easily breakthrough to a major audience.
More info at: https://ylja.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Viken ‘Reduced to ash’
(Hammarr Records)
Out of Indiana, USA comes the band
Viken and their album Reduced to ash sounds as if it was released in 1985,
which means proto-metal and for some a must-hear, but I am afraid it all sounds
too dated and standard to get noticed nowadays. Perhaps in 1985 one could get
away with such a release, but nowadays only fans of underground 80s sounding
metal in the style of let’s say Elixir, Tyson Dog, Tyrant… will be interested.
Check it out at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/viken
(Points: 6.5 out of 10)
Bovonic Empire ‘Buffalo
crows’ (Independent)
It’s a pity that the legendary lead
singer Paul Mario Day (More, Wildfire, Sweet, Iron Maiden) didn’t sang on all
tunes of the new album of the Australian band Bovonic Empire, because now we
can only hear him on 3 tracks. The reason I mention this is that he is a better
singer than Bovonic Empire’s own singer, Richard Crowfoot, who is also the
guitarplayer in the band. Not saying he is bad, but he sounds a little raw like
UDO or the guy from Running Wild, with even here and there a death metal growl,
so after a while you get tired of that. And then you hear Paul sing on those
songs, wow, what a fantastic melodic heavy rocksound we have when listening to
The tempest for example. The other 6 songs are somewhat rougher bluesy southern
rock and roll tracks that are nice to hear, but are not as strong as those Paul
Mario Day sung tracks. So this album has more or less two faces, a melodic side
a la Praying Mantis and a rawer side a la Running Wild. Check out this Aussie
band for yourself at: https://buffalocrows.bandcamp.com/album/bovonic-empire
(Points: 7.5 out of 10)
Favni ‘Wind swept’
(Silberblick Music)
The German band Favni was formerly
known as Fauns, but a slight change of name brings new life in this band, with
Wind swept being their latest release. It’s a double-CD, although CD 2 consists
of mostly live material and a few unreleased studio tracks. The band offers a
sorta fantastic atmospheric hypnotizing progressive ambient rockstyle a la
Porcupine Tree when listening to the opening song of the album, Yearning For
You. This song features mostly clean male vocals and sounds very laid-back,
really grabbing you with also impressive instrumental passages and overall a
melodic approach. Next track Fare-thee-well introduce us female vocals in a
sorta Enya folk direction, while the song itself sounds like a lighter
mediaeval folk version of Epica, but also similarities to bands like
Renaissance, Reincarnatus, Steeley Span and Fairport Comnvention are possible
here. And so the rest of the album continues in this style, but somehow I had
hoped for more material in the style of the rather sensational opener. Now the
band has more or less two sides, but check it out for yourself at: https://favni.bandcamp.com/releases
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Manny Charlton ‘Solo’
(Atom Records)
One of the founding members of the
legendary Scottish band Nazareth left them in the 1990s to start a solo career
and he has already released quite a few albums since then. His latest one is
Solo and despite he is a very good guitarist, who was part of Nazareth for 22
years, this solo-album is not really groundbreaking I’m afraid. The good thing
is that it is a very diverse record, but the vocals of Manny are very average
and he should let other people sing, which also happens on 5 songs thankfully
and those are the interesting songs. There’s some similarities to Santana and
Nazareth and overall it feels like a 70s rock album. If anyone out there
recalls Rick Ray, this is the closest comparison I can come up with, which
isn’t bad at all, but also very standard and hardly sensational. The first
couple of songs are very average 70s rocktunes, but the instrumental A Bride
For Jesus and She Dances in Cordoba (with Randy Lopez) sound quite good
actually. I think Manny is able to release a much stronger album, but he first
needs to hire one lead singer for all songs and also a better sound/production
could help. Nevertheless, check out more at: www.mannycharltonband.com
(Points: 6.4 out of 10)
Ric Tangle and The Squares/Rick Poss ‘Various albums’ (Independent/USA
Import)
It was actually hard to find some info on a very rare obscure
early 1980s outfit called Ric Tangle and the Squares, of whom I heard this
fabulous powerpop tune Me, too on a 1982 compilation record. Eventually it
turned out that Austin, Texas based Rick Poss is the man behind this band and
he meanwhile has built up a career in the music business as a solo
singer/songwriter with folk and blues kinda music. However 35 years ago it was
Ric Triangle and the Squares, with whom he released a lovely 4-tracks counting
EP vinyl single and he was also kind enough to sent me some unreleased material
of this great act. Typically in that early 1980s American radiorock/AOR/Poprock
style, especially the song All thru the night and the aforementioned Me, too
are examples of a long lost sound. Remember Steel Breeze with their song You
don’t want me anymore or The Cars and Rick Springfield, well, in that direction
you need to look for musically speaking. Now many years later Rick Poss is the
name of this gifted musician and he sent me 2 solo releases, a sorta Bob
Dylanesque Folk singer/songwriter record titled From Greenville to Clarksville
and a great blues record titled The Dying Man… and other Blues. It is clear that
Rick is very good in the bluesrock thing. He opened shows for Mance Lipscomb,
Buddy Miller, Bo Diddley, Lucinda Williams, Son Volt, Waylon Jennings, Billy
Bragg, Robert Cray, and Ben Harper among others, but somehow I do hope he ever
records a cool early 80s Poprock sounding record. Check out all info at: http://rickposs.com
(Points: -)
Simon Hudson Band 'Earthman' (Independent/Hemifran)
The Australian band The Simon Hudson Band is formed around
Simon Hudson himself on electric & acoustic guitar and vocals, while the
line-up is completed by Oscar Poncell (electric guitar), Andrew Arnold (Rhodes,
Hammond, BVs), Tom Krieg (upright and electric bass) and Geoffrey Worsnop
(drums). They have already released 5 albums, of which Earthman is the latest
one. Simon has a great voice, sounding picture perfect crystal clear and the
included music is jazzy pop with a sorta latin/americana vibe, like a mix
between Steely Dan, Billy Joel and Rufus Wainwright. Especially the songs Do Me
A Favour (very much STEELY DAN! Lovely 1970s westcoast-aor/yachtpop), New
Religion (westcoast-jazz), Shot In The Dark and Song About Us (beautiful calmer
balladish a la Rufus Wainwright), I Know You'll Be Alright (calmer
semi-popballad, radio ready) and Rolling (Billy Joel meets Rufus Wainwright,
uptempo Americana folkpop tune, catchy vibe) are a joy to listen to. A little
less interesting are the funky tunes Never Knew Why, Something Real and Mobile
Phone Love. Interesting release with a lot of diversity combined with more
traditional sounds, so likewise it is recommended to fans of the mentioned
acts. More at: http://simonhudson.com.au
and https://simonhudson.bandcamp.com/album/album-earthman
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Rivers Of England 'Astrophysios saved my life' (Independent/Hemifran)
From the West of England comes the band Rivers Of England, a
folk/progrockband formed around Rob Spalding on vocals, guitar/keyboard; Brian
Madigan on drums and percussion; Jacob Tyghe on bass; Katie Stone-Lonergan on
voilin and keyboards, with as guest members Neil Gay on guitar (The Cedar,
Protest Crayon, Jilk etc.) and Innes Sibun on guitar (Robert Plant).The new
album they released is a diverse record that touches melodic light prog, funky
pop (opening cut In universe in universe), a little folk and some
singer/songwriter. Rob’s vocals are very impressive, reminding a lot of Sting
and Peter Gabriel. Also musically speaking during lovely melodic light
singer/songwriter pop/rock songs such as You Me and The Sea, Underneath The
Moon and especially Norfolk you can hear these similarities. Definitely a very
impressive album that is recommended to fans of well-thought singer/songwriter
pop with a lot of melodies and influences from the 70s light progsound. More
info at: www.riversofengland.com
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Sonny Axell 'Kickback: Funky contemporary jazz' (Independent/Hemifran)
The French singer/songwriter Sonny Axell released his debut
in 2010, appeared in a Woody Allen movie and is now back with a new album
Kickback that clearly shows we are dealing with a talent. His music is jazzy
westcoast with r&b and smooth 70s pop influences, although at times this is
picture perfect North Sea Jazz material. He’s a great singer and together with
his good looks he should easily be able to reach a wide audience. Highlights on
the album are the jazzy westcoast Empty faces (a beautful calmer piece, like
Gino Vanelli, although vocally a bit more laid-back and smooth), Kick back and
Little boy dreams (both Stevie Woner ish Jazzy R&B with a Westcoast flavor
and a funky rhythm. High quality for sure and therefore recommended to check
out at: http://sonnyaxell.com/
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Don Conoscenti 'Anastasia' (Howling Records/Hemifran)
Out of Chicago comes
multi-instrumentalist/producer/singer-songwriter Don Conoscenti, who is 60 years
of age and now releasing his 9th album Anastasia. He started releasing records
from 1992 onwards, but the past 7 years no new album was released, so you might
as well as see this new record as a long awaited return from this talented
musician. He has a very relaxing singer/songwriter old school style that sounds
very melodic, just listen to the first couple of songs (Anastasia and Drink
Another Round), while the absolute highlights are Big Big Deal (pretty good
uptempo southern rocking like Eagles meets Neil Young) and Love Is A Curious
Thing (great Venice ish westcoast/aor). And so the album shows its diversity
later on with some country-rock and 70s pop influences, but always at a high
level, so without a doubt we have here a quality record. Check it out for
yourself at: http://www.donconoscenti.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Carrington MacDuffie 'Crush on you' (Pointy Head Records/Hemifran)
Out of Manhattan comes singer/songwriter Carrington
MacDuffie, an award-winning voice actor, a spoken word performer, and a widely
published poet, while she also has a music career going on and Crush on you is
her latest effort. 5 tracks are included and the EP was produced in Austin,
Texas, by Rob Halverson, who has produced and performed with an impressive
roster of legendary Austin performers. He plays synthesizers, bass, piano,
vibes, percussion, guitars on this record and is joined by
drummer/percussionist Dony Wynn (Robert Palmer, Dr. John, Patti LaBelle, Brooks
and Dunn, and Robert Plant), Paul Klemperer (baritone sax) and Carrington
herself sings of course, but also plays acoustic and electric ukuleles and
piano. She is compared to Americana folk singer/songwriters, such as Neko Case,
Patty Griffin, and Lucinda Williams, but the music on Crush on you also has a
sorta indie/altrock approach sometimes, which can best be heard during Precious
Kisses. The best song is the titletrack Crush On You, a rather catchy tune.
Folk, singer/songwriter, indie and altrock go hand in hand quite smoothly on
this release. More at: http://carringtonmacduffie.com/
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Shake Russell 'Little bright band of light' (Howlin' Dog Records/Hemifran)
Together with Texan Michael Hearne, singer/songwriter Shake
Russell delivers a piece of classic country/folk music in a calm traditional
old school American style, definitely good quality fun, but it gets more
interesting when the two singer/songwriters join forces (see review of their
album Only as strong as your dreams). Nevertheless, recommended to fans of
let’s say John Denver! More at: http://www.shakerussell.com/
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Michael Hearne 'Red river dreams' (Howlin' Dog Records/Hemifran)
Together with Texan Shake Russell, singer/songwriter Michael
Hearne delivers a piece of classic country/folk music in a calm traditional old
school American style, definitely good quality fun, but it gets more
interesting when the two singer/songwriters join forces (see review of their
album Only as strong as your dreams). Nevertheless, recommended to fans of
let’s say John Denver! More at: www.michaelhearne.com
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Michael Hearne and Shake Russell 'Only as strong as your dreams' (Howlin'
Dog Records/Hemifran)
Besides a solo-career, both Texan singer/songwriters Michael
Hearne and Shake Russell also join forces to record material together. The
result is Only as strong as your dreams, which likewise contains also classic
country traditional old school style like we can hear on the musicians’ solo
records, but as a duo it gets a vibe, such as the more uptempo rockabilly ish I
got news for you and and even a bit southern rocking during I heart Texas. Not
saying this is a classic, but for fans of rockabilly country/old-school style,
with a touch of Irish Folk (Irish Prayer), this is one to check out at: www.michaelhearne.com and http://www.shakerussell.com/
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Cornerstone 'Reflections' (Atom Records)
Well, well, well… female fronted the classic 80s AOR way is
what to expect on this release! Cornerstone from Austria just released their 3rd
album titled Reflections and musically speaking it is in the same style as
their earlier releases, which we also reviewed in the past. The band has a new
singer (Alina Peter) and somehow this album feels like their strongest release
so far. It could be due to the fact that the album was produced by Harem Scarem
mainman Harry Hess (Simple Plan, Billy Talent, Muse...). Although the vocals
are not superstrong and sound a bit blend here and there, actually reminding of
80s female singers such as Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Fiona Flanagan,
Rindy Ross, Chrissie Hynde… The music is as mentioned 80s AOR, sometimes quite
cliché tingled, but done well and a few times quite sensational actually. The
album starts very energetic with 3 uptempo 80s AOR driven rockers (Nothing to
Lose, Last Night and Heart on Fire, which has those typical 80s dut-dut keys
and harmonyvocals), but the best songs are definitely Northern Light (superb!)
and Brother (reminding me of Kate’s Desire and Dante Fox). There are some cool
sax solo’s to be heard and overall it sounds very impressive actually, although
I have to admit that the second part of the CD is less interesting, with as
weak moments the final 3 songs. Still, for a fan of 80s female fronted AOR/Melodic
Rock, this is a must-have for sure! More info at: www.cornerstone.co.at/
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
The Weekenders 'Bright silence of night' (Independent)
The Weekenders come out of Salt Lake City and they deliver a
sensational 2nd album titled Bright silence of night. Without a
doubt, we have here quite superb Led Zeppelin ish groovy classic hardrock in
the best 1970s style there is available. Of course this is a style that is
adopted by many new bands out there, but The Weekenders do it really well, just
listen to fantastic songs like best The Grifter, Cherokee Rose and Monkey See.
The band was formed back in 2010 and consists of Rob Reinfurt - Guitar &
Vox, Mike Torgerson – Bass, Shaun Thomas- Drums and Mike Sasich – Guitar. Rob
has a fantastic voice and the groovy guitar sound of him and Mike give the band
a big rock anthem approach, although they slow things down here and there as
well, such as during the great semi-ballads Blue Hill Bay and Every Night as a
Slave. One of the absolute highlights is the awesome rocker Army of one. If you
want to hear a band that is musically speaking moving somewhere between The
White Stripes, Rival Sons, Led Zeppelin and Kingdom Come, including those big
classic guitar rock riffs and still sounding very melodic, well then look no
further than this high quality new release of The Weekenders at: www.theweekendersmusic.com
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Witch Tripper 'Witch Tripper' (Independent)
Out of Nottingham, UK area comes Witch Tripper, a stoner
rockband that is influenced by Clutch, Orange Goblin, Kyuss, Monster Truck,
Extreme, Sleep, Cream, Black Sabbath and many more. The band was formed only 2
years ago and the sound on their same titled debut album is reminding of the
mentioned acts, although slightly more aggressive as well (Black Veil
Brides/Hardcore Superstar direction). Production is of a very high level and
what we get to hear is definitely quality stuff. The best songs are the uptempo
pieces like You Get What You Pay For, Chills To The Bone and Black Lips, but to
get a real good idea of this band it’s best to check out this band for yourself
at: https://witchtripperuk.bandcamp.com/album/witch-tripper
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Apocalyptic Lovers 'Redemption volume 1' (Independent)
Out of Youngstown, Ohio, USA comes the sensational Hair Metal
band Apocalyptic Lovers. They are sounding like it was still 1986, but then in
a good way, so at a very high level in the classic style of bands like Dokken,
Stryper and Firehouse. They actually have a long history before this release,
because back in the early 1990s they were called Love And War, with an EP
release back in 1994, when the style had completely died and Strutter’zine
started, but somehow back then I must have missed this release. The band
members each went their own way after Love And War, but now reunited under
Apocalyptic Lovers. Now 22 years later there is Redemption volume 1, which was
recorded at Mindrocket Studio in Pennsylvania and then mixed over 12 days in
Nashville by legendary producer, Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Metallica, Skid Row,
Dokken, Motley Crue, Poison, Alice Cooper, Extreme, etc.) at his Wireworld
Studio. The current line-up consists of George Allan – Bass, Dave Hope – Drums,
Robert Kane – vocals, Sean Magee – Guitars and Mike Nagy, and if you’re a fan
of 80s Hair Metal then grab a copy of this release a.s.a.p. Basically this is
high quality 80s US Melodic Hardrock a la Dokken/Stryper, in the classic Hair
Metal days style of the mid 1980s, straight-ahead, catchy and singable, with a
big crunchy guitarsound and shredding guitar solo’s, in a so-called “coolness
sound at it’s best” during great uptempo songs like Better Days, Killing for a
Living (great vocals, pure Loud and Clear style), Left in the Cold and Dying
Day. There’s also some early 90s Firehouse to be heard during the great
midtempo tunes Who the Hell Are You? an The Groove. What more to say… as this
is Hair Metal Heaven, must-check for fans of the afforementioned bands! More
at: www.apocalypticlovers.com
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Blue Sky Theory 'Cassandra' (Rockdome Records)
Blue Sky Theory is a band from
Bremen, Germany founded in 2014 and now releasing their debut album Cassandra.
Although not bad at all, as they have a big modern
rock/metal sound, which sounds melodic and catchy and combines big
harmonyvocals with strong choruses, the vocals are not really strong I’m
afraid. The modern day rock/metal sounds at best during Build It Up Tear It Down and It All Ends The
Same, while the aggressive parts of The Covenant and Ignorance Is Bliss are
making it less interesting I’m afraid. The best song is definitely the semi
melodic rockbalkad This Day, but overall I think this band has to drop their
screaming and aggressive parts and take more time to release a stronger album,
because there are definitely interesting moments to be found on their debut
record. More info at: http://www.bst-music.com
(Points: 7.6 out of 10)
The Pinx 'Freedom' (Independent)
Out of Georgia, Atlanta comes the band The Pinx and they have
got a real classic rocksound that owes a lot to the early 1970s. Late
psychedelic 60s rock and 70s hardrock are combined all the time on their latest
album release Freedom. MC5 and Cheap Trick are mentioned as similar acts, but
there’s more to be heard here and despite this is classic 70s rock, it sounds
modern retro ish and even has a lot of hit potential somehow. Without a doubt,
this is high quality stuff of a band that was formed back in 2007 and already
released a couple of records. However, Freedom might well be their finest
moment so far, containing all-American Classic Rock with good clean vocals.
Highlights are Rock All Night
(very 70s Kiss ish), Baby Don't (more psychedelic stoner rock ish a la The
Black Keys), Blue Dream (semi psych-pop ballad, somehow feels like a classic
rock ish song), Sun House (very strong uptempo hardrock in 1970s style, Uriah
Heep ish), Other Side (great uptempo classic late 70s melodic hardrock) and
Boss Man (classic 70s melodic hardrock a la Van Halen). A band to check out
a.s.a.p. at: http://thepinx.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Jonas Lindberg and The Other Side 'Pathfinder' (Mode Music)
Jonas Lindberg (bass, keyboards, additional guitars &
vocals) is the leader of The Other Side, a progressive rock project from
Stockholm, Sweden which was started in 2012 and has so far released 2 albums.
Pathfinder is their 3rd album and what we get to hear is high
quality relaxing AOR/Pomprock a la Promotion (remember that Swedish band?),
Styx and also Symphonic Progressive Rock a la Mystery (Canada). This is of an
exceptional high level and fans of mentioned bands can easily check out
Pathfinder that not only is instrumental of a superb high level, but also
songwise and vocally reaching the level of mentioned acts. Songs like Square
One, Pathfinder and Leaving The World Behind (with great female backing vocals)
are really beautiful and a pelasure to listen to. Jonas and his bandmates
(Calle Stĺlenbring (guitars), Michael Ottosson (keyboards), Nicklas Thelin
(guitars), Jenny Sandgren (vocals) and Maria Olsson (percussion)) deliver a
strong album that is highly recommended to fans of Mystery (Canada), Enchant
and such melodic progressive rock. Check it out for yourself at: http://lindbergmusic.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Planistry 'Threeless' (Independent)
Formed in 2014, Planistry is a Finnish band, with a debut
album out entitled Threeless. Basically they are a melodic hardrockband, with a
70s/80s approach. The start is very promising with Bring me trust, a great
uptempo piece with shredding guitarsolos and catchy melodies, in a late
70s/early 80s style and reminding a bit of 70s Scorpions. However, as the CD
continues, it all gets weaker and weaker, with a song like Join the show as
absolute weakest song on offer. A pity, because it all started quite inspiring,
but somehow the rest of the album didn’t make any impact. Perhaps the band
needs more time to record a full-length record. Nevertheless, check them out
at: http://www.soundcloud.com/planistry
(Points: 6.5 out of 10)
Divine Intervention 'Traveler' (Independent)
Divine Intervention comes out of San Pedro, California, was
formed in the summer of 2015 by Tomislav Pintaric-Vocals, Sean Wagoner-Lead
Guitar, Will Setka-Rhythm Guitar, Gavin Kellems-Bass and Marco Benedetti-Drums,
and already comes up with a full-length debut CD titled Traveler within 1 year
after formation. The band is playing aggressive Metal, with a sorta 1980s
Metallica approach, but a bit more melodic metal orientated and actually it
doesn’t sound bad at all! You have fast uptempo pieces like Misdirect and most
of the songs feature twin guitars and also a clear NWOBHM style can be identified
(Architect), reminding of Angel Witch. The vocals are sometimes a bit too much
sounding like James Hetfield, but Tomislav can not help it either he sounds
like him. A song like Martial Law is very aggressive, but on the other hand Of
The Martyr starts really beautiful and is a calmer epic tune with a change to a
rockier sound halfway, sounding a bit like Lords Of The Trident. More info on
this band can be found at: www.divineinterventionband.com
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Pariah 'Mirage' (Independent)
Out of Switzerland comes the stoner rockband Pariah, formed
in 2011 and now releasing their debut album Mirage. The band has a huge
international sound and their heavy groovy stoner 70s hardrock approach will
impress a lot of people worldwide. The foursome consists of Ruedi Eugster
(Vocals & Guitar), Christian Eugster (Bass & Backing Vocals), Stefano
Cappilli (Guitar) and Alessandro Cappilli (Drums) and especially songs like Sun
and Among Us are very strong tunes that showcase the enormous talent and
potency of Pariah. Do not confuse this Swiss Pariah with the countless similar
named bands from the past by the way, so go check them out at: www.pariah.ch
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Chile Colorado 'Chile Colorado' (Independent)
Out of California comes Chile Colorado, a three-piece power
band with a self-titled album. The band is formed around
singer/songwriter/guitarist Ron Wright, of whom we reviewed more albums in the
past. He is now assisted by Paul Goss on bass and John Ferraro on Drums for
this release. Their music is late 1970s orientated hardrock, which doesn’t
sound too bad, although perhaps a little dated. It actually sounds like a
record from 1978, including the dust and weaker vocals. A song like Gun Smoke
is a nice classic rock tune, while In America is pure early 80s hardrock and
the album’s best song Cloud Jumper has a bigger sound somehow, being a great
jam/session like song with excellent guitarwork and a sorta slow 70s classic
hardrock approach, so definitely an impressive tune! However, overall it all
sounds a bit average, which is a pity, because the guitarwork is superb, but
vocally and also the sound quality is below par I am afraid. Now it feels like
a weak independent record from 35 years ago, which I know some of you will even
be interested in hearing, so check for yourself at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chilecolorado1
(Points: 6.3 out of 10)
Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown 'The wayside' (Republic Records/UMG
Recordings/Petting Zoo)
Out of Texas comes guitarist/singer Tyler Bryant, who makes a
huge impact with this 6 songs counting new EP titled The wayside. Together with
his band the Shakedown (Caleb Crosby on drums, Noah Denney on bass, and Graham
Whitford, the son of Aerosmith's Brad Whitford, on second guitar), he brings us
a lovely sound that should easily gain him a lot of attention, as it does sound
quite sensational. They have already released a couple of albums, but now they
are signed to the major label Republic Records (Universal Music Group) and
thanks to being a support-act for acts like Aerosmith, B.B. King, and Eric
Clapton, they have built up quite a reputation so far. Not a huge surprise,
because the material on this new EP is of an exceptional high level. Criminal
Imagination and Loaded Dice & Buried Money open up this EP and are both big
fat heavy groovy stoner rock tunes, with the latter revealing some southern
rock influences. On the other hand they slow things down during the calmer
Devil's Keep and The Wayside, both being awesome relaxing tunes that smell like
a wonderful mixture of Americana and Singer/Songwriter, with a southern flavor.
Mojo Workin rocks again, sounding like The White Stripes with a distorted heavy
bluesrock approach and also a comparison to Lenny Kravitz is possible here, but
let’s not forget to mention Joe Bonamassa as well here. The only track that
does sound a little odd here is Stitch It Up, which is a sorta 1980s slow tempo
tune with a hair metal chorus, a cool tune nevertheless… Great vocals, a big
fat sound and cool guitarwork are making all 6 songs a pleasure to listen to
and Tyler Bryant might easily become the next big rockstar! More info at: http://www.tylerbryantandtheshakedown.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Jeremy & Lynne & The Typical Johnsons 'The sailor and the siren'
(Independent/USA Import)
3 years ago the long-time friends Jeremy and Lynne from Ohio
began practicing and writing music, with as result a 2015 debut album Drawing
blood. Now another year later a new EP is released. The Sailor & The Siren
is described as a Folk/ Americana / Punk hybrid in the DIY tradition, but I would
rather say that this is a great typical Americana rock product in the John
Cougar style, especially during songs like The Lo-Fi Type, Hidt (How I Died
Today), The Sailor & the Siren and Good Ones. Uptempo Americana rootsy rock
and roll that also brings memories of bands like Wilco, War On Drugs and such,
so good quality stuff. Ohio Gone brings a slightly calmer acoustic tingled Neil
Young to mind, while Inside My Head is ballad ish. The vocals are overall very
good and if you are into any of the mentioned acts and/ortraditional American
rootsy rocks, then you definitely need to look up this album. More at:
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Love 2be 'Can you hear me' (Independent)
Love 2be is a new band project of Austrian native and Black
Sand founding member Walter Weber. It’s only one song that you can hear at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_tGPVyaaS0
and basically it is a nice rather standard calmer melodic rockballad, acoustic
tingled with average vocals, but let’s wait for a full-length album before
making a judgement about Love 2be.
(Points: 7.0 out of 10)
Gudrid Hansdottir ‘Painted fire’(Broken Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German
Import)
Gudrid
Hansdóttir is the name of a sensational musician from Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
Her sound is a mixture between pop/folk and electronic music and her main
instruments are vocals, guitar and flute. She has already released 4 solo
albums and is also known as the other half of the Faroese Electro Duo called
Byrtha. Painted fire is her new record and without a doubt, this might well be
the finest release ever to come out of the Faroe Islands. After the release of
her third album Beyond the Grey in June 2011, she moved to Reykjavík, Iceland,
where she met Janus Rasmussen (Bloodgroup, Kiasmos) and together they created
the duo Byrtha, which became very on the Faroe Islands due to the fact that the
music was more or less in the tradition of the Island’s music with also Faroe
Islands lyrics. Guđriđ also continues her solo-career, having built quite a
name on the Islands and after hearing Painted fire I am quite convinced that
she will one day breakthrough outside the Faroe Islands and Iceland. She is
inspired by Kate Bush and you can clearly hear that, but also similarities to
Bat for Lashes and Beach House are possible to draw. The album has a huge major
label kinda sound and it could have easily been an American release. It has a
band feeling, melodic pop/rock ish with an alternative touch, strong on the
melodies and choruses with beautiful fantastic vocals. Highlights are Nothing
About You, Pegasus (cool 70s style keyboardsolo), Endaloysi (Amanda Bergmann
style), the relaxing typical Icelandic laid back Morgun (also reminding of
Enya) and the calmer Living with You Is a Lot Like Dying and To Divine where
you can hear the amazing vocal sound of Gudrid. Definitely a big
recommendation! More info at: https://soundcloud.com/gudridhansdottir
(Points: 8.7 out of 10)
The Anatomy Of Frank ‘North America' (Broken Silence/Beste
Unterhaltung/German Import)
The Anatomy of Frank are
coming out of Charlottesville, Virginia and are blending post-rock with
poprock, with this wonderful new album North America as result. It is the
intention of the band to create an album for every continent and they start
with their own continent. 9 songs are included and the strong vocals are
sounding quite perfect on the somewhat laid-back direction of the band that
reminds a bit of Band Of Horses Bears Den, Calexico, War On Drugs and such.
Here and there a bit rockier and in the end definitely a band that could become
huge among the young crowd, who are very much into this indie-post/pop-rock
kinda sound. The album starts with Minnesota (Part I), For Scott And Jeremy,
which is great indie folk with a poprock chorus a la Mumford And Sons, very
strong and radio-ready, quite melodic tune that also sounds very much like Bears
Den). The record continues with A Bridge Over Lake Champlain (starts calm,
semi-rocker, rocks a lot towards the end, alt indie poprock), Leavenworth, WA
(very impressive awesome song that clocks 9 minutes and is even a bit proggy
post-rock ish actually), Canton, OH (starts once again calm and gets postrock
towards the end), Danville's Best And Brightest (best song, lovely almost pure
progrock the 70s way, with a very happy melodic chorus, quite memorable tune),
Occupy Anchorage (lovely melodic ballad, almost classic Alan Parsons
Project/Camel ish symphonic ish), My Thick Skin (yet another great proggy
post-rock tune), Vancouver, For Child Astronauts (happy tune like The
Kinks/Happy Mondays) and the album closes with Photographs Of Inuvik In January
(relaxing almost westcoast 70s ish tune, also catchy chorus and showing that
this is a very original band with a lovely sound). A sensational release that
is highly recommended to check out at: www.theanatomyoffrank.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Árstíđir 'Hvel' (Broken Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German Import)
Árstíđir
(English: Seasons) is a band from Iceland, formed in 2008 and currently
consisting of Karl James Pestka (violin), Gunnar Már Jakobsson (baritone guitar),
Daniel Auđunsson (guitar) and Ragnar Ólafsson (piano), with a cellist as 5th
member during concerts. Their 3rd studio-album Hvel, which means
Spheres, it was crowdfunded and released in March 2015. Without a doubt, this
is a sensational record and the music is of an incredible high level. The band
sings partly in the Icelandic language, but also English lyrics are used
sometimes, so it is sorta two worlds, but the music itself always sounds really
impressive, no matter in which language they are singing. The band’s music has
the typical minimalist elements of the Scandinavian/Northern European
traditional music, but also clearly focusing on superb strong melodies, thanks
to the fact all members sing really terrific lead- and harmonyvocals together a
la CSNY and Simon & Garfunkel. The music is a mix of indie-folk,
singer/songwriter, light progressive rock and classical music and the result is
absolutely beautiful! Songs like Things You Said, Someone Who Cares and
Shine are amazing songs and there’s not a single weak moment to be found here.
Recently they even recorded a song with one of the greatest Dutch female
singers, Anneke van Giersbergen (ex-The Gathering), so it would not surprise me
if this band will become much bigger in the future. Find out more at: http://www.arstidir.com
(Points: 8.8 out of 10)
Var ‘Var’ (Broken Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German Import)
Var is the name of this band, they hail from Iceland and were formed in 2013 by lead singer and composer Júlíus, who was actually starting it as a project in his home, where he recorded the material together with Myrra Rós. However, through the years it became more or less a full band, with as other members Egill Björgvinsson, Arnór Jónasson and Andri Freyr Ţorgeirsson. The same titled album is a strong high quality calm atmospheric Enya/Clannad ish record, yet with an Icelandic sound. The overall sound is very very laid-back, just listen to 2 and 3, but especially 5 is dangerously close to Enya, so I think fans of mentioned acts will more or less understand what Var sounds like. Hear for yourself at: http://variceland.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Gurdan Thomas ‘It’s not the end of the world’ (Broken Silence/Beste
Unterhaltung/German Import)
Described
as a mix of unconformist chaotic folk and baroque pop, the CD of the German act
Gurdan Thomas sounds quite original. Founded by Ian Chapman, It’s not the end
of the world takes pieces of French chanson, Latin guitars, Alternative Folk,
Pop, world music, country, quirky singing and anything else that is not
standard, with as result a very out-of-the-box thinking record that will be
embraced by the press. If you mix David Byrne and Rufus Wainwright with Caro
Emerald, then you might end up with Gurdan Thomas perhaps. However, it’s best
to check out the album for yourself and hear something very original. Songs
like My Head Is Stuck In This Honeypot and Swimming Against The Tide are good
examples and also lyrically you will experience some very weird stories. A
little more commercial and radio-ready is the catchy Mockumentary Man, but in
the end this is one of those albums you need to hear a few times before making
up a good judgement, because everytime you discover something new and therefore
we can easily recommend it. Check out more info at: http://www.gurdanthomas.com
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Myrna Ros ‘One amongst others‘ (Broken Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German
Import)
There is not so much info available on this Icelandic musician, but One amongst others is another typical laid-back atmospheric Northern European sounding record. Quite calm, dark and with an Icelandic feeling it brings to mind Bjork and also Enya, but with vocals that remind me a bit of Sinead O’Connor. 7 songs are included and without a doubt this is a quality record and it’s best to hear it for yourself at: https://myrraros.bandcamp.com/album/one-amongst-others
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Kati Salo ‘Kati Salo‘ (Broken Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German Import)
Out
of Finland comes Kati Salto, who delivers a good quality calmer
folkpop/singer-songwriter record that reminds one of Ane Brun here and there.
She wrote all the songs by herself and actually the music is quite different
than the standard singer/songwriter folk-pop, so it might not appeal to
everyone’s taste. Songs like The Street Sounds Different Now, The House and
Dear Roe-Deer are a few examples where you can hear Kati’s way to create an own
identity. To some it might sound a little bit too experimental songwise and
vocally, it is for the open-minded folkpop fans definitely interesting to check
out at: https://www.facebook.com/katisalomusic
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Oh Lonesome Me ‘Things that could destroy me (in the end)’ (Broken
Silence/Beste Unterhaltung/German Import)
Named
after an old Johnny Cash song, the Berlin, Germany based female duo of Anne
Stabe and Carina Schwertner deliver a superb piece of vocal/harmonyvocal driven
melodic singer/songwriter that is not far removed from Webb Sisters, First Aid
Kit, The Staves, The Pierces… Both the lead- and harmonyvocals are sounding
like they are coming from heaven, just beautiful and picture perfect for this
kind of melodic folk-pop driven music. 11 songs are included and right from the
start with the song A Year No Longer you are completely hooked and I am safe to
say that this might well be the finest female fronted record of the past few
years! A very relaxing sounding record that grabs you and never gets boring, so
go ahead and check out this sensational release asap, because basically every
song is a highlight! Fans of Webb Sisters will absolutely love this! More info
at: http://www.oh-lonesome-me.de
(Points: 8.7 out of 10)
Ochre Room ‘Box, bar and diamond’ (Broken Silence/Beste
Unterhaltung/German Import)
Box,
Bar & Diamond is the 2nd album of the Finnish band Ochre Room,
whom were formed back in 2010. The band plays Americana/indie/folkrock and
consist of Lauri Myllymäki: vocals/guitar, Minttu Tervaharju, vocals, Tomi
Moisio: bass, Antti Leikkanen: drums, Ari Savolainen: guitar and Tanja
Peltonummi: trumpet. As a band they are influenced by Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks,
Neil Young and such, which you can also hear clearly on the album. 10 songs are
included and the music is most of the time quite calm, with as highlights Other
Side Of The Town, Blue Devil and No Trail (melancholic singer/songwriter ish
with a violin, quite a dark song), but also the duet Spark (duet with high
pitched female vocals, beautiful acoustic calm singer/songwriter), the happy
uptempo Americana folk tune Garbage Trucks Are On The Move and the slightly
rockier Meeting & Passing need to be mentioned. The final 2 tracks
(Curtain and Box, Bar & Diamond) are acoustic based revealing those
Bob Dylan influences. Concluded, a very nice album by this Finnish band and for
more info go to: www.ochreroom.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
The Flyin' A's 'You drive me crazy' (Flying-A Records/Hemifran)
The
Flyin’ A’s is a duo from Texas, consisting of Hilary Claire Adamson and Stuart
Adamson, husband and wife and together they recorded a strong Americana
pop/rock album titled You drive me crazy. It might not be a groundbreaking
album, but it has elements of country, singer/songwriter and popmusic as well,
although overall it does sound a little safe here and there. The performance
however is of a high level, so it is enjoyable and that’s what counts. Hilary
has got the best voice, which especially sounds at best during uptempo pieces
like Little Miss Tumbleweed and Wild Texas wind. On the other hand, Stuart has
a country kinda voice, which can be heard at best during It Ain't Funny and
Blistered. As a duet they sound really great, just listen to the southern ish
ballad I won’t stop loving you. Clearly influenced by the likes of Bonnie
Raitt, Johnny Cash and Miranda Lambert, this Texas based duo is offering some
great fun happy music that will put a smile on your face for sure. More info
at: http://www.theflyinas.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Kaurna Cronin 'Southern loss' (Independent/Hemifran)
22-year
old Australian singer/songwriter Kaurna Cronin comes out of Adelaide, was named
after the original residents in that area (Kaurna) and now releases his 2nd
album Southern loss. The music is calm singer/songwriter orientated and despite
it might not all sound really original, it is of a high level and reminds me a
bit of Josh Rouse, Damien Rice, Tom McRae and such, although his influences
come from Paul Simon and Bob Dylan. It’s not all-acoustic based, because Kaurna
was helped by musicians like Tom Kneebone (guitar), Kiah Gossner (bass), David
Resce (drums), Aaron Nash (organ and piano) en Julian Ferraretto (violin),
while female backing harmonyvocals are sung by Delia Obst, Laura Knowling and
Tara McHenry. The result is a good strong album, with as highlights the uptempo
pieces Don’t Grow Up Too Fast, Forgetting The Blue, Lavender Bay and Always
Never Alone, but also during calmer moments (Never Got You Off My Mind and
Black Cotton), Kaurna sounds quite impressive. Musically speaking there’s even
similarities to Tom Petty, although vocally perhaps John Cale or Paul Simon
might be good comparisons and with Mark Knopfler ish guitarwork we can even
hear some Dire Straits ish moments, but the Bob Dylanesque harmonica takes us
right back into singer/songwriter territory. Definitely another recommended
singer/songwriter to check out! More at: www.kaurnacronin.com
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Jaime Michaels 'Once upon a different time' (Independent/Hemifran)
Once
upon a different time is already the 10th album of the American
singer/songwriter Jaime Michaels, who released his debut 20 years ago. It’s the
first time I get to hear his music and I must say that it sounds pretty good.
His songs really tells us stories and are basically a must-hear for the
singer/songwriter fans, because it takes us back right to the 1970s when Jim
Groce and James Taylor were receiving a lot of attention and Jaime Michaels is
actually doing the same thing. His journey on this CD also reveals other music
styles (blues, soul…) as well, which has its highlights in uptempo tracks like
Once Upon a Different Time and No Paddle Wheel. The overall feeling is pure
1970s calmer singer/songwriter, so any fan of that genre need to check out www.jaimemichaels.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Viken ‘Reduced to ash’ (Hammarr Records)
Out
of Indiana, USA comes the band Viken and their album Reduced to ash sounds as
if it was released in 1985, which means proto-metal and for some a must-hear,
but I am afraid it all sounds too dated and standard to get noticed nowadays.
Perhaps in 1985 one could get away with such a release, but nowadays only fans
of underground 80s sounding metal in the style of let’s say Elixir, Tyson Dog,
Tyrant… will be interested. Check it out at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/viken
(Points: 6.5 out of 10)
Fogwax ‘Swimming with sharks’ (Season Of Mist)
Fogwax
is a band formed by David and Julien, whom both were in the French
fusion/crooner rock band Last Barons before starting Fogwax. Not so much info
available, but their debut album is titled Swimming with sharks and without a
doubt it sounds like a high quality release. 9 songs are included, starting
with Man of the year, a rather experimental start, but things get much better
during the following track Face the sun, which is 1990s grunge rock a la Pearl
Jam, slow and heavy on the grooves. Then we get to hear 2 great uptempo modern
melodic heavy rockers (Ocelot and Ice Cold Men), while the short calm
instrumental Blood eagle is a nice break between the heavy rockers. Fight!
Women! Continues the uptempo melodic heavy rocksound, another very strong song
in the style of Alter Bridge and Shinedown. While listening to this album you
would really think this is a major American label release, because it sounds
very impressive and international, and more importantly, it is quite
sensational what we get to hear! Spider will have his revenge against the town
continues the uptempo rocksound, but following track Big black nowhere is an 8
minutes counting epic tune that introduces some heavy progrock elements besides
being a lovely slow stoner rock ish tune with fantastic vocals by singer Julien
Soler and great guitarsolo’s, so definitely the best song on the whole record.
Closing track Despotic anxiety starts calm, with even a sax, developing into a
somehwat grungy tune like a stripped Pearl Jam again. Concluded, this is a
highly recommended band with a bright future, because they have an
international sound that will appeal to all rockfans out there. More info at: https://fogwax.bandcamp.com/album/swimming-with-sharks
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
The Refusers ‘Wake up America’ (Independent)
Out
of Seattle comes The Refusers, a band with a somewhat traditional classic
rocksound, especially when you listen to the first song Born to rock, which
could have been recorded by countless bands in the past. The 1970s is a clear
period when this kind of music was made by many bands, so The Refusers’s record
Wake up America might as well have been released in 1975. Definitely not a bad
thing at all, since this kind of retro classic rock is quite popular nowadays
and thankfully they are doing it very well, because the 15 songs on the album
sound rather good, both instrumental and vocally. Just listen to the titletrack
Wake up America for instance and you get to hear a very nice tune that mixes
elements of Neil Young, Alice Cooper, Grand Funk Railroad, The Who, REO
Speedwagon and CCR into an own sorta typical 70s American Classic Rocksound.
And the CD continues in this kinda direction and towards the end of the album,
it was a pleasure to listen to The Refusers’s 70s classic rock. I also hear
some similarities to so-called goof-rock bands like The Tubes and Good Rats,
because there is also a humoristic and political reference as well, such as
during the songs You Won't Read It In The NY Times, U R What U Eat and
Professor Friedman's Magic Money Contraption, while REM meets Cheap Trick can
be heard during Who is the world for. If you’re starting to become interested,
then go to: https://therefusers.com
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Traktor ‘Artefuckt’ (BMS Company)
Not
so much info on this Czech band Traktor, although I do remember a band with the
same name from the past, but they could have been from Poland or Hungary for
that matter. Anyway, they have released a professional sounding album, although
the included music is rather standard and reminds me a lot of the Finnish bands
Terrasbettoni and Lordi. The vocals are weak and the melodic metal goes in one
ear and out the other, only saved by a massive sound/production. Therefore it
still gets a decent rating, but I am afraid this will never make a big impact
outside the Czech Republic. More at: http://www.bmscompany.net/katalog/rock/traktor-artefuckt-(id-MM1602-2).html
(Points: 7.5 out of 10)
Sendelica ‘The cromlech chronicles’ (Independent)
Out
of Wales comes Sendelica, an instrumental band consisting of Pete Bingham (guitars
and electronics), Glenda Pescado (Bass Guitar), Lee Relfe (saxophones), Meurig
Griffiths (drums), Richard Armstrong-Cripps (aka Lord Sealand ) (Theremin and
Keyboards) and Gavin Lloyd Wilson (Bass Guitar). They have already released a
lot of albums since their formation more than 10 years ago and then I mean more
than a dozen records! The latest album is titled The cromlech chronicles, a
lovely instrumental record which consists of 1 very long song that has a
playing length of 23 minutes, the beautiful relaxing The Cromlech Suite, Parts
I to IV, and 3 shorter songs, including the uptempo Satoti, Part 1. The
instrumental music feels like the classic 1970s, a hybrid of jazz, prog/sympho
and fusion rock, although it is more based on beautiful melodies through
sax/guitar/keys solo’s than endless complex freaking instrumental
improvisations one normally hears in the jazz/prog world. Let’s mention Camel,
Alan Parsons Project here as good comparisons and I must say it sounds very
sensational and makes you feel very relaxed while listening. It seems that the
band is live a joy to watch and I must admit that after listening to this new
record I am very keen on checking out this band. More info at: https://sendelica.bandcamp.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Yigga Digga ‘Faded glory’ (Independent)
Out
of Pennsylvania comes Yigga Digga, a band formed in the early 2000s, but Faded
glory is their 2nd full-length so far. Their music is heavy and
modern sounding, kinda typical American. The opening titletrack starts very
aggressive, but already on the next track Best Slave to the Life things go more
melodic and rock in the direction of especially Alter Bridge and Shinedown.
Nothing new on the horizon, but nevertheless it all sounds pretty decent and
typical modern American heavy rock orientated. Other highlights are the ballad
Memory and the rocker Wendigo, while the Cutter is also aggressive but features
female guest singer Dorothy Macaluso, which makes this song a great mixture
between Halestorm and Arch Enemy. As mentioned, the album has more or less two
faces, which is sometimes aggressive (read: Gang vocals) and brings forward
similarities to Metallica and Trivium, but typical American melodic heavy rock
is around the corner always, which puts them in the Shinedown/Creed/Alter
Bridge field. Quality stuff and sounding like a major label release, so it is
recommended to fans of mentioned bands. More at: www.yiggadigga.com
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Madman’s Dream ‘Where it ends’ (Independent)
Madman’s
Dream is a band from Germany, formed in 2006 around Achim Biszwurm (vocals),
Kai Trautwein (guitar), Steffen Volk (guitar),
Florian Menzel (bass) and Michael Vierkorn (drums). Not sure if Where it
ends is their debut, but the album contains 7 songs in total and starts with
Atmosphere, which is quality melodic modern hardrock with a light prog touch
and a 1990s approach, sounding quite dark actually. After this somewhat
experimental depressing tune, we get to hear the best song on the album, namely
Drifting Away, a catchy uptempo melodic progmetal tune with high pitched
vocals. The band’s diversity continues with Goddess Of Night slow, a bluesy
melodic heavy rocker that also sounds a bit like Axxis and Angel Heart
(Germany). Some more 90s melodic metal can be heard during the next few songs,
while another highlight is the titletrack Where it ends, which is a beautiful
melodic calm ballad. The only real disappointing track is closing song An Hour
In The Tower (Live), which is very weak 80s teutonic metal. The production is
of a very high level, the guitarwork is superb, but the vocals are not clear
without the typical German accent and as you can see not all songs are
convincing, but overall Madman’s Dream delivers quality and a future
full-length CD might bring us even more pleasure. Meanwhile check them out at: www.madmansdream.de
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Derin Dow Band ‘Illuminate’ (Crapshoot Music/USA Import)
The Derin Dow Band releases perhaps the finest AOR album in ages,
because what we get to hear on their new album Illuminate is of an incredible
high level! Frontiers might have the money and people to fabricate so-called
fake classics in the AOR genre, but this Illuminate album is showing how real
late 70s/early 80s AOR sounded like. This is smooth AOR/Westcoast-Rock the way
it sounded around 1981 in the USA; the days when Toto, Styx, Journey, Kansas,
Foreigner, Ambrosia and such ruled the radio airwaves. Derin is the
guitarist-vocalist-songwriter and leader of the band. Originally from Indiana,
he started rocking in the early 80s and made the move to California in 1989.
He’s a gifted singer with the voice of an AOR god, reminding me of Tommy Shaw a
lot. If you start listening to this album, you get goosebumps all over the
place. This is the way AOR should sound like: laid-back and still rocking
enough, filled with beautiful hooks and melodies. Instrumentally speaking, the
music is also challenging due to a somewhat funky rhythm section a la Toto.
Besides a cover of Chicago's classic "25 or 6 to 4", we get to hear 9
original tracks that were written and self-produced by Derin. Besides Derin on
vocals, guitar, and bass, other featured musicians include former Ambrosia
keyboardist David Cutler Lewis, lead guitarist Rick Sailon (Stan Bush, Acoustic
Saints) and drummers Billy DiBlasi and Kevin Millar. It all starts with "A
New Day", a lovely, calmer semi-AOR ballad with a light 70s prog touch as
well; picture perfect sounding with beautiful melodies and reminding me of
Kansas/Styx/Enchant a lot, with pure Tommy Shaw-ish vocals. (This also reminds
me of Joe Lamont of Shelter and Jon Fiore of Preview). Absolutely fantastic
vocal work (I cannot say this enough!!!), along with beautiful melodic guitar
work, all sounding super sensational!! What a fabulous start of a new album
release!!! This is what made AOR so interesting back in the day, and makes you
keep digging to discover the real gems like Derin Dow’s Illuminate. "Close
At Hand" follows as the 2nd song and is a great Toto-ish semi AOR/Rock
tune with a jazzy westcoast flavor. Once again, it has a beautiful AOR chorus,
which is pure TOTO! "Fly" is up next and this is a damn good uptempo
melodic rocker a la Foreigner. The following track "I'm Gone" is
basically an early 80s classic uptempo AOR/Radio rocker in the Preview/Shelter
style. This is an excellent tune and a sure AOR classic in the near future. The
first slightly weaker song is the Pomp-orientated "Waterfall" that
nevertheless reminds a bit of Starcastle and Roadmaster. Then we get to hear
the cool cover of Chicago’s classic "25 or 6 to 4" (in a heavier
vibe) and a short instrumental entitled "Marina". The last 3 songs
are "Ladysong" (which is amazing… sounding like a classic Styx/Tommy
Shaw tune from 1977, a semi AOR/Pomprockballad), "Jesus" (with a
fantastic late 1970s Westcoast/AOR vibe a la Ambrosia/Alliance) and
"Lonely Feeling" (a SUPERB, relaxing semi-AOR ballad which sounds
dangerously close to that 1983 Shelter classic!!!). What more is there to say
about this release? This album sounds like an AOR classic from 1983, so get
yourself a copy asap if anything listed is among your favorite music. A total
must-have for all AOR/Westcoast fans of the old school style! Melodies all over
the place and the vocals are bringing tears to your eyes… DO NOT MISS THIS
RELEASE! Available at CD Baby at www.cdbaby.com/cd/derindowband.
More info at: http://www.derindow.com
(Points: 9.0 out of 10)
Tragic Earth ‘Hatred and tolerance’ (Independent)
Tragic
Earth is a 4-piece Hardrockband from Melbourne, Australia and Hatred and tolerance
is their latest album release. The record has a massive sound and it could have
been a major label release. The included music is basically modern sounding
melodic heavy rock/metal with a slight touch of late 80s/early 90s melodic
hardrock. The vocals are quite strong, instrumental Tragic Earth offers enough
quality and most of the included songs are very good, although there are also
some weaker moments. The best songs are Bittersweet Reality (uptempo late
80s/early 90s melodic hardrock), Bury Me (Alter Bridge similarities, but with a
more late 80s approach, even a touch of hair metal) and Pretty Vacant (midtempo
melodic rock, catchy and polished tune! Best song, with also a great
guitarsolo, everything sounds perfect here!!!). Somehow they even remind me a
bit of Kingdom Come and Axxis, but there are also a few weaker tunes such as
The Taste of Wasted (Rage Against The Machine style) and The Curse of the
Nocturnal Eternity (very average). Things completely slow-down during Overflow,
a very nice acoustic ballad. All together a nice record from this Aussie band!
More at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tragicearth7
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Gun Machine ‘Balls to the wall’ (Santo Grial)
Out
of the northern part of Spain (Asturias), the band Gun Machine was formed in
mid-2013 and they quickly started to write and record material, which now
results in their debut full-length release Balls to the wall. 9 songs are
included and without a doubt what we get to hear is of a very high level. Even
the vocals sound very impressive for a Spanish band. Songs like Bad Memories,
Addiction and Forever Free are very strong classic uptempo melodic
hardrocksongs that remind me of Sargant Fury, so it is late 80s/early 90s
influenced, yet with an updated sound. It sounds great in all aspects and if
you’re familiar with Sargant Fury and Heaven’s Edge, then you will love Gun
Machine for sure. It’s a pity that there are just 9 songs present on the album,
because you want to hear more and more, but besides the mentioned highlights,
other notable songs are The Black Hat (a sorta groovy tune like Talisman /
Soto), I Pray For You (great semi melodic rocker, Firehouse/Dokken ish) and
Zulina (great uptempo meliodic heavy rocker). The band sometimes remind me of
Tarantula, although Gun Machine is definitely better. The second part of the CD
is slightly weaker, but overall, this band is recommended to the fans of pure
melodic hardrock in the style of Sargant Fury, Talisman, Firehouse, Heaven’s
Edge…. Check out more at: https://gunmachineband.wordpress.com/
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
145 ‘Rhythm'n Booze Vinyl + various CDs’
(Beautiful Sounds/Northside Records/USA Import)
The band 1.4.5. was formed in Syracuse, New York back in 1980, led by
once and future The Flashcubes guitarist Paul Armstrong. They were active for
the greater part of the 1980s and throughout the 1990s, although eventually
they changed their name to The Richards. Although they had a different singer
in the beginning, Norm Mattice became their lead singer. Unfortunately Norm
recently died, but Paul is still very active and he was kind enough to send me
most of his releases he did with 145, The Flashcubes and The Richards. This
gave me a good idea of the sounds of his bands and probably outside Syracuse
they are not that well-known, but when listening you can hear some great music
that could have easily become bigger. Starting with a CD of The Flashcubes, a
typical late 1970s powerpopband who came from Syracuse, although Paul himself
was actually originally born in Nuneaton, England. Anyway, this band made a big
impact on the locals with their powerful catchy pop/rock that had the typical
The Beatles ish radio-ready sound everyone can fall in love with. If you
remember for example The Romantics, The Boys, The Undertones, Nelson’s Life,
Rick Springfield, Big Star, Badfinger, the Dwight Twilley Band, the Raspberries
the Rubinoos, The Jam (A LOT!) or whatever in the powerpoppunkstyle of the late
70s/early 80s, then you will absolutely love this band. A CD of their music is
available, which is called Sportin' wood - play the songs of Roy Wood. Back in
the late 1970s the band released a couple of Eps and singles and despite they were
close in releasing a full-length, they never managed to do that and so this is
the first full-length record. It consists of material that could have easily
been recorded in the good old late 70s, featuring catchy beautiful memorable
melodies backed by a powerful uptempo poprocksound. Just listen to songs like
Green glass windows, Givin’ your heart away and I can hear the grass grow,
catchy and melodic in the old school style of the mentioned bands. Paul himself
by the way was fired once from The Flashcubes in the late 70s, which eventually
led him to form 145, but he rejoined them in the later 1990s and now is part of
their current line-up. With 1.4.5. he first released a rare single, but in 1988
a full-length LP was released entitled Rhythm’n booze, a superb pure 80s
sounding record that combined elements of classic rock, powerpop and
AOR/Radiorock. Songs like Right now, Girl in the window, Dancin’ spree and
Famous local hero contain enough catchy hooks and melodic choruses to entertain
the AOR/Radiorockfans among us. In fact, they remind a little of the
long-but-not-forgotten band Preview! There’s also some vintage classic rock and
roll to be heard, Powerpop a la The Outfield and 2 covers (Slade’s Do we still
do it and The Beatles’ Hippy hippy shake). All together a very sensational
record that definitely deserves much more attention! Meanwhile, now 28 years
later also a CD with all kinds of rare unreleased songs as well as a couple of
new tracks is made available to the public. The CD 3 Chords and a cloud of dust
was released in 2012, but still sounds very fresh today. Although it is nowhere
near as good as the classic 145 record from 1988, it is nevertheless showing a
strong band. Finally, there is also a 1995 record available from the follow-up
band to 1.4.5., namely the album Over the top by The Richards. A lot of fun and
strong powerful melodic pop/rock can be heard on this album. Dangerously close
to bands like The Joneses, The Knack (circa Serious fun), Rick Springfield, the
Outfield and such, this album is another recommended one to check out.
Concluded, the 1988 record from 1.4.5. is sounding like a classic and I would
definitely recommend everyone to check it out a.s.a.p. Thank you to Paul for
sharing his great musical past with me and for more information you should go
to: https://www.facebook.com/The-Flashcubes
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Blue Canoe ‘Blue Canoe Vinyl’ (Liquid
Records/USA Import)
An undiscovered gem is what this Blue Canoe is all about. Recorded in
April,1985 at Axe Tracks studios in Reno, Nevada, the album was officially
released on September the 26th,1986. The band from Minneapolis, Minnesota
consisted of Arnie Rode on Lead Vocals, Guitars, Carey Lifson on Keyboards,
Guitars, Back-up Vocals, Randy Davis on Bass, Back-Up Vocals, Greek-born Vlasis
on Guitars, Drums, Back-Up Vocals and Rich Merriman – Drums.
Multi-instrumentalist Vlasis was kind enough to send me this wonderful same
titled debut album of Blue Canoe. The included music, especially side-B with
such fantastic songs like Rain and River Of Love, it is feauiring high quality
melodic progressive rock with an AOR/Symphonic feeling, kinda like Starcastle
(very much), Journey, Styx, Mystery (Canada) and such, but also sometimes with
a slight memory of Blue Oyster Cult, Ashbury and Wishbone Ash. The vocals are
very laid-back and relaxed, so not screaming or reaching high notes, just
plain, but really good and remarkable for its time is the somewhat 1970s
sounding keyboardwork, almost giving it a Pomprock feeling a la Touch when we
hear those beautiful melodies. It is quite a rare album that really needs to be
re-released. I have not been able to hear the follow-up record from the 1990s
yet, but this 1986 release of Blue Canoe is one of those records you play over
and over again to keep on hearing wonderful melodies. Vlasis himself went on
doing both solo-work and playing with the band Brule. However, this record from
1986 on which he plays is one of those albums you once might call a classic….
Highly recommended o any fan of 1970 AOR/Pomprock! More info at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bluecanoe, https://www.facebook.com/BLUECANOEMUSIC and http://vlasismusic.com
(Points:
8.8 out of 10)
New York Flyers 'New York Flyers' (Independent/USA Import)
Syracuse,
New York during the 1970s/1980s was a very good time to discover new bands in
the aor/melodic rock direction, because back then many bands played the popular
style and quite a few sensational ones emerge from that area. Not so strange if
you consider the fact that singers and musicians like Benny Mardones, Alec
Star, Joey Belladona, Joe Bonamassa, Ronnie James Dio, Lou Reed, Garland
Jeffreys, Lou Gramm, Buck Dharma, Todd Hobin and many more were at one point in
their careers active in this part of the New York state. Rochester, New York is
another place that unveiled many great musicians, but the band New York Flyers
came out of Syracuse, New York and they were a very active band in that city.
Most of their material is classic uptempo melodic rock orientated like only the
Americans did in the late 1970s and early 80s, with as best songs (on the CD
that was sent to me by their bandleader Chris Tso) Talk to me Marie, Don’t turn
away, the fabulous The record song (Prism style somehow, lovely AOR tune, super
catchy, starts calm, but gets uptempo with dut-dut keys), Strangers (Aviator/Agent
style superb uptempo catchy AOR as hell, also Prism circa Beat street), The
girl can’t stop it (classic classic classic AOR sound!) and Crack the whip!
(Night Ranger circa early 1982). Now this should be re-released on vinyl,
because it captures that classic early 80s Northern American AOR sound like we
know from bands such as Cheater, Prism, Mayday, Charlie, Todd Hobin, Champion,
Agent, Aviator, etc. etc. Uptempo, big sound, rich keys, soaring guitarsolos,
perfect vocals/harmonyvocals, catchy hooks and memorable choruses, it’s all
there in the pure rock and roll American sound from the early 1980s and this CD
could well be one of those classics!!!!!!!!!!!! More info on this band that
reunites every now and then to perform in the Syracuse area, it can be found
at: http://www.reverbnation.com/newyorkflyers
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Neon Alley 'Neon Alley' (DMW Music/USA Import)
Recently
I discovered on a Boston compilation record a great 80s AOR band called Capital
Gain, with their song Book of rules. Afterwards I got in touch with one of
their members, David Vaccaro, who after all these years had a new band called
Neon Alley, with whom he just released a self-titled debut CD, so quite a timing
actually! However, it is even more a coincidence if you consider the fact that
I was already in contact with David many years ago when he was active in the
band/project V-Project. On their 2 releases (Lost demos and New machine) there
were collaborations and vocals by Robin McAuley (Grand Prix, McAuley Schenker
Group, Survivor, Raiding The Rock Vault), James Christian (House of Lords),
Christopher Post (Dillinger) and Dennis Gresham. Now it’s 2016 and via Captial
Gain’s rare song Book of rules I am in touch again with David and welcome his
new adventure Neon Alley. The band features besides David on Lead vocals,
guitars, keyboards, also Mike McDonald – Bass, Vocals and Scott Marion – Drums
& percussion. The music is 1980s orientated AOR/Melodic Rock, with 8 songs
in total included on the CD. The sound/production quality is impressive and
this could well have been one of those 80s hair metal products. That's How It
Is, Piece of the Pie and 'Til I'm Done are nice uptempo melodic rockers, but
the absolute highlight is All I Want, which is classic 80s midtempo AOR in the
Night Ranger/David Victor style, sounding big on the harmonyvocals, a tight
rhythm section and great vocalwork, so this is classic style AOR/feel good music the way we want to hear it.
Hopefully more songs in this style in the future, because this is picture
perfect AOR! The other songs are the Elvis cover Jailhouse Rock, I Only Want to
Be with You (a nice semi ballad/rocker), Let Your Lovin' Come Down (ZZ TOP
meets Travelling’ Wilburys sorta Status Quo ish boogie flavored rocker) and Got
to Rock (Van Halen boogie rocker, like Hot for teacher). Pretty good album,
although not all the songs are really convincing, because I could live without
the boogie flavored tracks. Nevertheless, 80s melodic hardrock/US hair
metalfans will like this a lot! More at: https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/neonalley
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Adrenalize 'Adrenalize' (Independent/Germany Import)
Formed
10 years ago, the German band Adrenalize was keen on making 80s melodic
hardrock, influenced by the likes of Pink Cream 69, Queen, Guns n‘ Roses,
Poison, Queensryche, Bonfire, Gotthard und Bon Jovi… Now a decade later
their debut CD is released, so it took them some time to release an official
record. The band is formed around Andreas Ellner (lead vocals, guitars, piano
on Sirens Cry), Michael Horn (guitars), Christoph Schmidt (bass) and Markus
Schrufer (drums) and the result of their debut album is more or less nice
standard melodic hardrock in the style of Bonfire, Victory and such. Only 9
songs are included, including an intro, so it is a rather short and sweet
affair, but what we get to hear is good clean quality songs. Not really
sensational and due to the thick German accent in the vocal department (think
Frontline), sometimes sounding a bit awkward and also the simple uptempo
1-chord driven tunes are forgettable, but still there are some good moments to
be heard. The melodic hardrock of songs like Rock `n Roll and Ship of fools
(catchy faster uptempo a la Mad Max), With you (a pretty good semi melodic
rockballd a la Frontline) and Keep holding on (a pretty damn good uptempo
catchy melodic rocker) are making it nevertheless a nice album to listen to
from start to finish. Closing track Bitter pill however is the weakest song on
the whole album, so it is recommended to Adrenalize to work on their sound in
the future, because they are showing here and there it is possible to create
some great music. Meanwhile check them out at: http://www.adrenalize.de/history
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Dust 'Soulburst' (Attitude Recordings)
And
we are once again heading over to Sweden where we find yet another impressive
band that could easily become huge. They are called Dust and their new album is
titled Soulburst. Now this is Classic Hardrock the way it needs to sound, with
lead vocals that come across like a mix between Ronnie James Dio meets David
Coverdale meets Paul Rodgers. Roger Solander is the name of this fantastic
singer and he sounds like a true Rock God! Together with guitarist Johan
Niskanen, drummer Örjan Dr Rock Englin and bassist Bernt Ek he recorded a
really great album that sounds picture perfect if you want to hear 70s classic
hardrock as in a mix between Dio (Sun rising), Free (King is Coming) and
Whitesnake (Come On and Bad boy). Their previous album dates back to 2014, but
Soulburst definitely should become their big breakthrough, because it sounds
super professional and picture perfect at all aspects. Waiting for you and
Blind are for example basically pure Whitesnake classic bluesy type of ballads,
but then done in a way David Coverdale himself is not able to do anymore.
Sensational stuff and despite it might not all sound original, because after
all you can hear the similarities allover the place, the final result is a very
impressive record and a must-have for fans of aforementioned bands! More at: http://www.dustband.se
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Kitt Chapman 'This must be life' (Independent/USA Import)
Californian
singer/songwriter Kitt Chapman has done quite a lot in the acting, singing,
theatrical, film and television world, but music is her greatest love of all.
She writes songs almost non-stop, both instrumental and with lyrics, and This
must be life is a full-length CD she released. The music is calmer folk
orientated and she has one of those voices you need to get used to, although
without a doubt, this is quality stuff for sure. The material is mostly quite
calm and after a while it might get repetitive to some, but Kitt is doing a
great job here in presenting a healthy mixture of singer/songwriter and folk
music (a la Joni Mitchell). However, the instrumental After shows her best side,
because this is a really beautiful piece of work. Check out all on Kitt at: http://www.kittchapman.me
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Merlot Embargo 'Don't look back' (Independent/USA Import)
Don’t
look back is an album of L.A. based Merlot Embargo, a duo formed less than 2
years ago. In December 2014 songwriter/producer pair (and husband/wife) Scarlet
and Geoff had an automobile accident that completely changed their lives in
their way of thinking, because they survived and started this duo together,
which now results in a fantastic debut album. Along with bassist Jeremy Burgan
and drummer Lonn Hayes and video game composers David and Ben Stanton they
delivered an album filled with music that takes elements from westcoast/aor,
Americana, poprock, singer/songwriter and some country/blues as well. Scarlet’s
vocals are quite fantastic and the material is quite sensational actually. The
sound/production is huge and there is a lot of potential to be heard here,
especially during the lovely first 3 songs, which are Head Above the Water
(midtempo soulful westcoast/pop/aor, fantastic soulful vocalwork in the
Adele/Amy style), We All Fall Down (catchy midtempo melodic poprock/aor) and
How to Survive an Apocalypse (excellent midtempo southern flavored bluesy
melodic rocker a la Alannah Myles/Sass Jordan and such). Freaks on a Train
follows and is a nice radiofriendly Americana Westcoast tune, while Storms is a
calmer ballad ish tune, almost a country crossover ballad. All Who Are Lost
takes on a different path, as this is a sorta Caro Emerald ish semi ballad with
even a lot of Rufus and Martha Wainwright similarities. The CD closes with 3
calmer singer/songwriter pieces (In the End, These Are the Best Days of Our
Lives and Billy the Kid) that are sounding like a mix between Brandi Carlile,
John Mayer and Sara Bareilles. There’s a lot of soul here, with still enough
moments that make it rock or slow things down, so something for everyone! Check
it out for yourself at: http://www.merlotembargo.com
(Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Arda & The Stolen Moon 'Minutes into years' (Jasmin Road/Cyprus
Import)
The
Stolen Moon is the name of the band that accompanies singer-songwriter Arda G.
on her album Minutes into years. She is currently raising money to release it
on vinyl, which is of course very cool and interesting, since only vinyl is the
real deal in music, but she did already sent me in advance a copy of her album
on CD. The included music is poprock orientated, sounding sometimes quite
catchy melodic poprock ish, but also here and there alternative, also due to
the somewhat original vocals. The best songs are the uptempo 1 (Pretenders
style), 2 (nice melodic midtempo tune a la Alanis Morrisette), 6 and 9 (most
rockiest tunes, midtempo melodic poprockers, quite catchy, once again a la
Alanis Morrisette) and 10 (haunting midtempo altrock with a nice guitarsolo).
There’s a good diversity going on here, because there are also quite a few
calmer tunes. Definitely one to check out and soon available on vinyl, can’t
wait to play it in that format! Meanwhile check out more at: http://www.ardaandthestolenmoon.com
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Rachael Sage 'Choreographic' (Mpress Records/DGR Music)
The American singer/songwriter Rachael Sage has already
released 12 studio-albums, which is quite an achievement, because she is still
quite young of age, but she started releasing records when she was in her
teens, so now 20 years later she has built up quite an impressive catalogue of
songs. Choreographic is the latest release and once again a pretty good album
featuring 14 tracks in total. The vocals remind me of The
Cardigans/Cranberries, while the music is more singer/songwriter meets folk pop
based and also here and there I hear comparisons to Suzanne Vega and even
Bjork, yet with sometimes a more commercial approach, as the music goes most of
the time in a lightweight poprock direction, with a typical modern day female
fronted singer/songwriter approach (Heaven and Loreena) and especially the second
half of the record offers some laid-back jazzy piano pop a la Norah Jones.
Highlights on the album are Try try try (almost early classic 80s poprock tune
with a sorta Pat Benatar riff, vocally like The Pretenders, a very impressive
cool tune, but one of the few rockers), Home (very nice ballad ish), I don't
believe it (uptempo original pop/rock song a la The Cardigans), French doors
(great jazzy more polished melodic singer/songwriter semi pop ballad), Clear
today (sorta lightweight pop/rock a la Suzanne Vega), Learn to let you go
(calmer semi balllad, more polished radio orientated, could be a hit), Five
alarms (calmer sorta celtic semi-ballad, somehow Irish sounding like Enya meets
Bjork) and closing track So far away (calmer singer/songwriter, beautiful tune
with a lovely melody!). Another nice new record of this talented
singer/songwriter from the New York area. More info at: http://rachaelsage.com/
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
I Heart Sharks 'Hideaway' (ADP Records/DGR Music)
Out of Berlin, Germany comes I Heart Sharks, a band that
sounds like it is still 1981, but on the other hand nowadays this kinda
Indie-New Wave is also produced, so they fit right in the retro-genre. Think of
a combination of Depeche Mode and The Editors when looking for a description of
this band. The line-up consists of Pierre Bee - Synthesizer, Vocals, Simon
Wangemann - Guitar, Synthesizer, Vocals, Martin Wolf - Drums, Synthesizer and Craig
Miller - Bass Guitar, Vocals and their latest album Hideaway offers a bunch of
great synth orientated tunes, of which the highlights are the uptempo
danceable tunes Hideaway and Walls (a la White Lies), the
lovely midtempo Walk at night (very 80s new wave ish, also reminding of
newcomers Blossoms, now this song has got all it takes to become a huge summer
hit!) and the catchy uptempo poprockers Lost Forever and Used To Talk.
Recommended album to fans of The Editors, Blossoms, Depeche Mode, White Lies
and everything in between musically speaking! More at: http://www.iheartsharks.net/
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Eileen Carey 'Let it go' (RolleyCoasterMusic/USA Import)
Out of Altadena, California, USA comes singer/songwriter
Eileen Carey, who releases her debut CD with Let it go. The album is a typical
American country-poprock crossover album that touches the classic traditional
country and typical catchy radio-ready US Poprock, reminding a lot of classic
Juice Newton, Ellen Shipley and early Shania Twain. She is clearly also into
80s female fronted poprock, because 3 80s classics are covered on the album
(Don't get me wrong - The Pretenders, Only the lonely - The Motels and Walking
on sunshine - Katrina and The Waves), all done in a new country sorta direction
and sounding pretty good, especially Only the lonely, which is almost a pure
AOR tune a la Pat Benatar. Most of the songs are uptempo pieces and without a
doubt the strongest original tune is the catchy Let it go, but also the
midtempo AOR of opener Bring on the big will please the fans of 80s female
fronted poprock/aor. Although some might find it sound lightweight, the result
is quite good and recommended if you want to hear fun poprock to sing-a-long
to. The country twangle is almost put to the back during some tunes, so don't
expect a country affair here, because as already mentioned, it is basically
typical classic female fronted poprock like only the Americans can make 'em,
with a strong 80s approach, but I guess you already understood that! On the
other hand the country influences are almost always present, so you don't have
to mind that. Her great new midtempo AOR song In the air is also available now
as a single track. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.eileencarey.com
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Daring Greatly 'Cornerstones' (Independent/Canada Import)
Canada and rockmusic have always been of great interest for
me personally and Daring Greatly from Calgary is yet another fine new band to
check out as they offer high quality original rockmusic that combines
influences of alternative rock, bluesy rock, Americana and Classic Rock, but
also with clear Californian westcoast influences. The result Cornerstones is a
strong diverse album that could have easily been on a major label. Highlights
are the somewhat calmer tracks, such as Big things are comin', Reflections of
me, Find your serenity (Black Crowes meets Venice!) and the beautiful Venice
ish Save you from and Neverland. They remind a little of the early to mid 1990s
in-between styles period, meaning the more melodic alternative rock and the
pure grunge rock of the Seattle bands, but still with one big step in the
classic 70s westcoast/classic rock territory. Hard to compare Daring Greatly,
because they have somewhat an own identity, which is a good thing of course,
but the closest thing is definitely Live, because both the music and especially
the vocals of singer/bassist Dail Croome sound dangerously close to Ed
Kowalczyk, while the harmonyvocals of his brothers Liam Croome (keys) and
Patrick Croome (acoustic guitar) give it a real Californian touch (westcoast
ish a la Venice and CSN&Y). In fact, after a while the CD completely grabs
you in a classic westcoast kinda vibe, yet with a classic rock touch in the
form of lovely guitarsolo's, so it is best to compare Daring Greatly with the
bands from the 1970s like Venice, America, Poco, Little River Band and such,
yet they have a singer who sounds like Live meets Black Crowes and the
guitarolo's make it rockier. All together a highly recommended album you don't
want to miss, but don't let the Californian sound fool ya, because this band
hails from Canada and you can check them out at: http://www.daring-greatly.com/
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Stolen Rhodes 'Bend with the wind' (Teenage Head Music)
Here we have a sensational band from New Jersey called Stolen
Rhodes, whose main members are singer/multi-instrumentalist Matt Pillion and
bassist/guitarist Dan Haase. They grew up a stone’s throw away from Bruce
Springsteen’s adopted hometown of Asbury Park and while listening to Bend with
the wind, we can hear some clear influences of The Boss, yet Stolen Rhodes has
more to offer. Matt is a fantastic singer and the band's music is close to 70s
Classic Rock, with a strong Southern Rock kinda approach here and there. There
is a nice diversity in tempo, because you have uptempo rockers and smooth
almost westcoast ish tunes. Mix Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles and Bad
Company, then you might get this Stolen Rhodes. Highlights are the excellent
uptempo classic rocker Sunshine prophet, the semi-ballad Devil from above, the
lovely Mr. Big ish ballad Save me (could be a massive radio hit), the Westcoast
ish calm ballad Makin' money and the Bruce Springsteen cover Rosalita, which
sounds a bit like Thin Lizzy somehow. Without a doubt, a highly recommended
band you urgently need to check out if you long back to the classic 1970s
traditional American (Heartland) Classic Rocksound! More at: http://www.stolenrhodes.com/
(Points: 8.7 out of 10)
Radio Birds 'Contemporary American slang' (Teenage Head Music)
Contemporary American slang is the new album of the American
band Radio Birds. They hail from Atlanta and are making a sound that fits
somewhere between stoner rock, americana rock and swamp rock, all in classic
traditional American style. The vocals are somewhat raw sounding and not always
really appealing, but the music is quite nice to listen to. Some groovy rocking
material is included, but also more melodic radio-ready material like the
catchy uptempo Your favorite part that sounds like a cross between Thin Lizzy
ish 70s classic rock and modern day Mumford and Sons, a weird combination, but
somewhere you can hear it in the rocking sound of Radio Birds. Other highlights
are the uptempo classic rocker Dirty rags, the melodic rockballad Time ranger
(Aerosmith ish) and the groovy rocker Red wine, hard liquor. Not a bad record
at all, but still the band needs to decide wether they want to be a real
rockband or a more indie/americana ish band, because now they might fall in
between these genres. On the other hand, that makes them even more interesting
to check out at: www.radiobirds.net
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Forest Field 'Lonely desert' (Rock Company)
Already the 4th album of Forest Field, which is a project by
Dutch multi-instrumentalist Peter Cox. He does everything by himself except the
vocals, which are provided by Phil Vincent, who recorded them in the USA. The
result is more or less close to Phil Vincent's releases, so if you're familiar
with his music, then you will understand how this sounds like. This time it all
starts with a very strong song titled Valley of pain, an uptempo AOR/Melodic
Rock tune with a deadly catchy chorus. This is definitely one of the finest
songs of Forest Field so far. The rest of the album isn't that as strong as the
opening cut, but still a nice melodic heavy rock affair, with a few
instrumentals and a couple surprising calmer tunes, such as Doomed in the
desert and the epic lengthy closing track Fear that reveals progrock
influences. All together a nice new record by Forest Field. More info at: www.rockcompany.nl
(Points: 7.8 out of 10)
John Hickman 'Remnants' (Independent/USA Import)
Although the debut album Remnants by Hawaii based
singer/songwriter/keyboardplayer John Hickman starts a bit calm and sorta
quirky poprock based in late 1970s style with opener Hello hello, the following
track Escape rocks the way we want to hear it, because this is midtempo
pomprock/melodic rock based a la Styx. It all sounds very massive for an
independent release and when reading that John's influences come from Styx,
Rush, Beatles and David Bowie, it also becomes clear that we can hear all the
time this kind of classic 70s pop/rock. John has a great voice and indeed David
Bowie similarities are very clear sometimes, such as during Paris is burning.
The keyboard/piano work is close to John Lennon as well, so during the calmer
tunes David Bowie meets John Lennon meets John Miles is a nice description,
while the few rockier tunes give it a more pomp/symphonic rock approach.
Hopefully next record will go for a more rock orientated direction, because
John is definitely showing that he is able to produce some sensational rock ish
material like the already mentioned Escape, the big symphonic pomprocker
Cascade (80s Rush ish) and the AOR/Pomprock anthem Talk (massive synths and a
true early 80s Northern American sound a la Magnum, Russia, Arc Angel, etc.)
besides the singer/songwriter pop direction which now wins most of the time
(also sounding very good, especially during the What have you done? that sounds
like Rufus Wainwright meets Billy Joel). Anyway, it nevertheless all sounds
pretty good no matter which direction, so check out John at: http://www.johnhickmanmusic.com/
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Handful Of Rain 'Three days to come back' (Independent/Spain Import)
Handful Of Rain is a band from Cadiz, Spain and their debut
CD sounds like a high quality typical melodic hardrockalbum that will be loved
by the fans of Gotthard, Jaded Heart, 80s Bon Jovi, Firehouse, 80s Dokken,
Hardline and such. The guys have done a great job to create a bunch of mostly
catchy uptempo tunes in the style of mentioned bands, with as highlights Saints
and sinners, Burning hearts, Eagles and Without you. The vocals of lead singer
David Requejado have a slight accent, but he nevertheless sounds pretty good (a
la Michael Bormann) and especially the guitarwork is quite sensational (Niko
Delgado and Dave Lago). 5 songs are mixed by Wyn Davis (Dokken,Dio,John
Norum,Great White) in the All Access Studios in Redondo Beach-California (USA),
so it isn't a coincidence that this Spanish band has a strong professional
classic American Melodic Hardrocksound. Definitely recommended to the fans of
true Melodic Hardrock! More info at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/handfulofrain2
and https://www.facebook.com/handfulofrainrocks/
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Larry Dane 'Just let it ride' (Independent/USA Import)
Only one song on the CD of New Jersey musician Larry Dane,
but the particular song Just let it ride is a good typical 80s sorta rocker
that sounds like a cross between Benny Mardones and Robert Tepper. Hopefully
soon a full-length CD of Larry. More info at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/larrydane3
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Half Past Four 'Land of the blind' (Nineteen 73/UK Import)
Land of the blind is the 3rd album of the Canadian band Half
Past Four. What we get to hear is high quality progressive rock with strong
female vocals (Kyree Vibrant). At first sight they sound like a typical
relaxing progrockband when opener Mathematics kicks in, because this is quite a
melodic tune that even sounds a bit like Renaissance and Lana Lane. However,
next track Mood elevator is taking a different path and introduce some
experimental moves, while the Max Webster cover of Toronto tontos goes into
very weird and wicked experimental directions. Not bad at all, as this band
sounds quite original, although secretly I hope for some more tunes like the
first and closing track next time, as the somewhat theatrical quirky art-rock
of a song like One eyed man is a bit over-the-top. The mini-album closes with
the lovely melodic calmer progrock song Mirror eyes that also has some jazzy
improvsations and great keyboardwork as well as fantastic crystal clear vocals
of Kyree. Without a doubt, Half Past Four is an interesting band to check out
at: https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/halfpastfour3
and https://halfpastfour.bandcamp.com/
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Johnny Barnes 'Plan B from outer space/Known offenders' (Nightcrawler
Music/USA Import)
Out of the Boston area comes vocalist/guitarist Johnny
Barnes, a musician with a long music history that goes back to the 1970s. I
once saw a vinyl record of him in a local store here in Rotterdam, but I didn't
bought the record because I simply didn't know him. Little did I know that
about 10 years later I would get in touch with Johnny himself. He sent me 2 of
his CDs he released, both containing a collection of songs from his long
musical past. I re-discovered Johnny after buying a rare vinyl compilation
record from the late 1970s that featured Boston based acts and Johnny was one
of them. Anyway, Johnny Barnes sang and played guitar in all of the famous
nightclubs in Boston with many of rock and roll's legends, producing and
releasing a dozen records throughout the years. Local airplay and intense
record company interest led to a hit song in England and work with legendary
producer, Jimmy Miller (The Rolling Stones, Blind Faith with Eric Clapton,
Traffic with Steve Winwood). Although Johnny was a successful musician in the
80s, eventually he became a full time Police Officer since 1991 as well as an
FBI trained Hostage Negotiator, and a Detective. Now back to those 2 CDs he
sent me, because they contain a wide diversity of music styles, although it all
sounds like 1970s and 1980s recordings, but in a good way. This is high quality
music and with Johnny you can go anywhere, (short) uptempo early 80s poprockers
a la Eddie Money (I got plans for you, Can't stop and Young girls know),
uptempo melodic rockers (Hook, line and sinker, Roll me and Let's slip away) a
la Benny Mardones and Billy Squier, but also some more experimental spacy and
funky tunes in an almost 70s progrock direction (Starships in transit and
Didn't know before) and then again typical 70s Aerosmith bar-room boogie
rockers like Shot in the dark an Ruby, but also a lovely laid-back AOR ish
ballad like Days of sorrow can be heard and let's not forget the bluesy guitar
licks of Johnny. He also has a great typical New Jersey kinda voice (Tepper,
Jovi, Mardones, Springsteen...) and the music on these CDs show the enormous
diversity in styles he was able to do throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Known
offenders is the best out of the 2 releases. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jbarnes
and http://www.johnnybarnes.com
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Heartbanger 'Through the dark' (Rock CD/Spain Import)
Xavier Mendez comes out of Barcelona, Spain and he recently
started the project Heartbanger. Xavier played guitar and wrote all the songs
on the first album Through the dark, while guest musicians are from other
Spanish bands. For the vocals he hired several guest singers, including Tony
Mills (Shy/TNT) and Gabriele De Val (The Val), both sounding great of course.
The other singers are less interesting, which is a pity, because the music
itself is high quality AOR with massive keys upfront, catchy hooks and memorable
choruses. Not counting the intro, the CD contains 8 actual songs, of which the
highlights likewise are the ones with Tony and Gabriele on vocals. You came on
time for example is an excellent midtempo AOR/Melodic Rocker a la Witness and
Through the dark is a wonderful Shy ish uptempo 80s AOR rocker, but also the
beautiful instrumentals Always remembered and Night drive need to be mentioned.
The production could have been better and with only Tony and Gabriele as
singers, with the addition of some more songs, there is a bright future for
Heartbanger. The first result of Xavier's work is already interesting to check
out for the AOR/Melodic Rockfans among us at: www.facebook.com/Heartbangerspain/
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Blind Ego 'Liquid' (Gentle Art Of Music/Soulfood)
Blind Ego is the project of RPWL guitarist Kalle Wallner and
without a doubt this is a very interesting German project, because their 2
previous releases were already among the great progrock releases of the new
century and now with 3rd record Liquid they hit the bullseye once again,
because this is progrock/progmetal the way it needs to sound like. 9 tracks are
included in total and right from the start you know you are onto something really
good. Opener A place in the sun is a massive sounding melodic progressive metal
anthem that sets the record straight here that this new Blind Ego is one of
those prog must-haves! Next track Blackened is calmer, but even more
sensational, as this slightly laid-back melodic progressive rock track smells
like Threshold a lot, so we are in the upper level of prog now. The lead vocals
here are magnificent and the subtle guitarwork of Kalle just perfect. There are
3 different singers to be heard (from the bands Subsignal, ex-Seven Thorns and
Simeon Soul Charger), and they all sound superstrong, while the other musicians
are from bands like Panzerballett, ex-Dreamscape, Subsignal and Sylvan. What if
take things into a more uptempo melodic metal approach (with a tiny bit of
Queensryche here), while from the remaining 6 tracks the highlights are Never
escape the storm, Tears and laughter and Speak the truth (Enchant meets
Threshold ish semi-ballad, superb vocalwork!). However, the whole album is a
highlight and delight to listen to from start to finish, so all progheads needs
to get this new Blind Ego record a.s.a.p. More info at: www.blind-ego.com
(Points: 8.8 out of 10)
Oddland 'Origin' (Sensory Records/Laser's Edge/Bertus)
The Finnish band Oddland were formed in 2002, but it took
them 10 years before a debut album was released in the shape of The treachery
of senses. Now 4 years later the follow-up Origin is released, which marks a
switch in label, because they signed with Sensory Records/Laser's Edge, while
the previous album was released on Century Media. The album was mixed and
mastered by Daniel Bergstrand (Meshuggah, In Flames, Devin Townsend...) and
overall it is a very impressive record that contains darker melodic prog metal
with great low pitched vocals and a big massive sound that sounds like a cross
between Evergrey, Tool and Pain Of Salvation. This is definitely high quality
stuff, with as highlights Unknown and Faraway. Despite the dark metal sound,
the band is still quite melodic and memorable and fans of mentioned bands need
to listen to this great new record Origin. More at: www.oddlandband.com/
(Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Cathubodua 'Opus 1: Dawn' (Independent/Belgium Import)
The Belgian band Cathubodua makes their debut with the
mini-CD Opus 1: Dawn. 4 songs and an intro are included on this rather typical
female fronted gothic power metal release. Without a doubt, it's of a high
quality the material we get to hear, although not really original, since a song
like Scarecrow is dangerously close to Nightwish and AFter Forever. However,
the result is nevertheless very impressive and therefore recommended to fans of
this genre. More at: www.cathubodua.net
(Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Jessica's Theme Band 'Matter of time' (Independent/Greece Import)
The Greek band Jessica's Theme Band was formed all the way
back in 1991, but after 3 years the original members John Goudoulas - vocals, Jim
Karahontzitis - guitars, vocals and Nick Agathos - guitars, vocals decided to
quit the band and each went their own way. In 2013 they reformed and now after
all those years a first album is releasec titled Matter of time. The material
has a somewhat bluesy groovy classic rock sound, which doesn't sound bad at
all, but things get moving during Everything goes, a nice uptempo melodic
rocker, with great guitarsolo and a nice catchy chorus a la 90s Dakota. It
happened again is an excellent semi melodic rock/aor ballad, definitely the
best song here. Although the music is different from Dakota, the vocals are
very similar to Jerry Hlduzik. Final highlights among the 9 included songs are
Matter of time, which is a nice uptempo classic rocker and closing track Station
to station, which is a rather cool 70s funkly tune. Quite a diverse record
actually and despite it isn't a classic, fans of 70s classic rock will
definitely like this band, so go check them out at: http://www.jessicasthemeband.com/
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Jimmy Martin 'Berlin' (Fastball Music/Germany Import)
It's been 20 years or so since Jimmy Martin made his debut in
Strutter'zine with a pretty decent solo CD on the now defunct Long Island
Records. In the meantime he made several comebacks, but as far as I know he
never released a follow-up full-length CD with let's say 10-12 originals, as
also this new album Berlin consists of actually only 6 new original tracks, as
the rest is covers and remixes, including again the Rick Springfield cover Love
somebody. Anyway, Jimmy is doing 80s choruses in the style of Bon Jovi, so it
is catchy radio-ready safe melodic rock what we get to hear and with Live your
dream he has a hit guarantee if radio starts playing it. A song like Superhero
is over-the-top produced dance pop that could easily make it onto the
Eurovision song contest! Much better is the AOR ballad I wish you were here
tonight, but that is partly due to the fact this is a duet with the legendary
Robin Beck. Without a doubt, this is the absolute highlight of this rather
average release, because this is the way it all needs to sound like, with of
course the superb vocals of Robin! Break free is one of those songs that would
be massive if it was still 1986, so catchy big-bang melodic rock anthem style
that somehow reminds me of Treat. Anyway, if you're interested in more info on
Jimmy, then please go to: www.jimmymartin.de
(Points: 7.7 out of 10)
The Furious Seasons 'Look west' (Stonegarden Records/USA Import)
In the 1980s there was an underground kinda movement in the
LA music scene, the so-called jangle-pop/pop-art style that was mostly bombed
as indie music that didn't breakthrough to a wide audience before the 80s ended,
as it was REM who were one of the first acts in that genre to become a huge act
around 1990 when they released Losing my religion. Pop Art was also such an
act, but they never made it big, which is a shame, because they were quite an
interesting act. Many years later and many recordings have been released by
it's members, both with bands and solo and now there is a new album of The
Furious Seasons, which is an act that features former Pop Art leader David
Steinhart. He is a gifted singer/songwriter who makes beautiful poetry music
that is pure singer/songwriter based and together with Jeff Steinhart (bass)
and Paul Nelson (guitar/vocals) he already released 4 Furious Seasons albums
since 2008 and now there is the new album Look west. From start to finish this
is really wonderful calmer acoustic tingled melodic singer/songwriter popmusic.
This is one of those records that deserves it to be heard by many more people.
David has a fantastic voice and let's just hope this band will be discovered
soon, because the material is right up there with Jim Groce and James Taylor
musically speaking, which means high class singer/songwriter of the highest
level. Check it out for yourself at: http://thefuriousseasons.com
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Magic Car 'Meteorites' (Tiny Dog Records/Dolphin House)
Out of Nottingham comes the female/male duo Magic Car whom
deliver a very nice record titled Meteorites. Opener Frits beach grabs you
right away, thanks to the wonderful vocalwork of Hazel Atkinson. She doesn't
sing all the time, because bandleader Phil Smeeton sings lead on a lot of songs
as well. Secretly I prefer Hazel on lead vocals, which can be heard in full at
best during the beautiful Summer storm. She has got a sorta own identity and
everytime she sings you can't stop listening. The music itself is calmer
singer/songwriter based, with folk influences as well. Recommended record for
sure, especially thanks to the wonderful female vocals. More info at: http://tinydog.co.uk/magic_car.htm
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Redeem 'Awake' (Fastball Music/Germany Import)
Sometimes you know right away you're onto something good,
because when the song Insanity kicks in loud on the speakers, it is clear that
this Redeem is an interesting band. They hail from Switzerland are playing
straight-ahead catchy melodic rock with a modern approach. The vocals are quite
strong, like most Swiss bands, but it's especially the incredible catchy choruses
of songs like Insanity and Chanson d'amour Lovesong (WONDERFUL!) that make this
a highly recommended original melodic rockband. Without a doubt, the last
mentioned song could easily become a radio-baby if there's someone picking this
gem up for airplay. Besides those super catchy first couple of tracks, other
highlights on the band's third album Awake are the uptempo Awake and the
midtempo Borderline. The catchy melodic rock with it's lovely memorable
choruses and lovely soaring guitarsolos makes it almost sound like classic
Harem Scarem (just listen to Awake and you will completely understand what I
mean!). Definitely a band to check out a.s.a.p. at: www.redeem.ch
(Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Montage 'Metamorphosis' (Fastball Music/Germany Import)
Metamorphosis is the 2nd album of the Finnish band Montage.
They have a new lead singer on-board (Vessa Paavonen), although I can not
compare with the previous singer, because this is the first album I get to
hear. The vocals are not that strong, but overall the sound of Montage is
pretty decent melodic progressive rock that sounds like a rougher Pallas, with
the prog influences mostly hearable in the rhythm section, as the guitarwork
and songs itself are in a melodic rock setting. Not groundbreaking and
sometimes a bit average, Montage nevertheless delivers a quality recording, but
it's best to check for yourself at: www.montagefinland.com
(Points: 7.4 out of 10)
Battalion d'Amour 'Fenix' (Echozone/Sonic Records/Fastball Music/Germany
Import)
Fenix is the fifth album of the female fronted Polish band
Battalion d'Amour, a very melodic sounding band that draws inspiration from the
80s gothic rocksound (probably named after the Silly song, because they sound
quite close to that German band), but one can also trace clear melodic rock and
progrock influences in their sound. They were formed in 1989 and the lyrics are
in Polish, but somehow this has it's charm, especially when listening to the beautiful
opener Bez nas, which is basically a lovely melodic rocker. They remind me a
bit of Mari Hamada, the legendary Japanese female singer. The vocals sound very
good, the melodies are pretty good and instrumental/production wise this
Battalion d'Amour delivers quality stuff. Other highlights are Moje remedium
(feat. Thomasz Grochola), Dwie prawdy and Zaklety. More info on this band at: https://www.facebook.com/BataliondAmour
(Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Traumer 'Avalon' (Fastball Music/Germany Import)
Avalon is the 2nd album of the Brazlian neo-classical
symphonic Power Metal band Traumer and with the help of the legendary Mika
Jussila from Finnvox Studios they created a typical European melodic power
metal album that is far from original, but for fans of Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius
a recommended album, because Traumer fits nicely between those Finnish acts. On
the other hand, it's a very cliche tingled album that does not offer any
surprised I'm afraid and after a while the high pitched vocals are definitely
the weakest point in the band's sound, but also the songs are second rate
Strato/Sonata tunes, but if you're a die-hard fan of those bands you might want
to check it out for yourself at: www.traumer.com.br/band.html
(Points: 6.5 out of 10)
Pos.:2 ' Circuits' (Echozone/Fastball Music/Germany
Import)
Formed in 2013, the German duo Matthias Grod and Thorsten
Krüger recreates the classic 80s synthpopsound of bands like Pet Shot Boys,
Depeche Mode and Ultravox, with a sorta EBM sound that leans heavily on the
synths (sometimes slight Trance influences), yet with almost Goth like vocals
and a song like So lonely could easily have been a major club hit if it was
released back in 1983. Anyway, Pos.: 2 are doing things perfectly if you're
into this sound, because then you will absolutely love this album. The melodies
in each and every of the 13 included songs are mindblowing and Ultravox
comparisons are very clear in a fantastic song like Neoenlicht, but any of the
songs will delight the fans of the 80s UK Synthpopsound. More info at: http://www.pos2-music.de/
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Arctic Sunrise 'When traces end' (Echozone/ Fastball Music/Germany Import)
Arctic Sunrise are another winner for fans of classic 80s
Gothic Rock with Synthpop influences, because their album When traces end is
quite close to legendary acts like Visage, Ultravox, Depeche Mode, Heaven 17,
New Order, Joy Division ... Perhaps not original, the final result is very
stunning and a must-hear for fans of mentioned bands. Arctic Sunrise is a duo
from Mönchengladbach, Germany and formed around Torsten Verlinden - Vocals and Steve
Baltes - Synths. Both grew up in the 1980s and you can clearly hear that in
their sound. Sometimes quite experimental and complicated a la The Cure (Tell
the truth), at other times uptempo melodic rockin' (Silent tears) and then
again very calm and romantic sounding (Mine forever). They follow exactly the
80s sound of aforementioned bands and everytime you hear a different band's
influences (you can hear Ultravox in Changing for example), so if you're into
that style, then check out this band a.s.a.p. at http://www.reverbnation.com/arcticsunrise4
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Fenech Soler 'Kaleidoscope EP' (SO Recordings/DGR Music)
Fenech Soler is a British band formed in 2006 and they
already have released quite a few records, with their latest full-length album
Rituals on the major label Warner Bros. Anyway, the line-up reduced to the 2
brothers Ross and Ben Duffy, with the remarkable fact that original member Daniel
Fenech-Soler left the band, although the bandname was named after him. Anyway,
a new full-length release is on the way and this Kaleidoscope is a sneak
preview EP of things to come. The music is typical indie dance pop of the
current day, very polished and with big 80s synths that could easily become
massive. The band already has had a lot of attention from Dutch and English
radiostations in the past, giving them several hits so far and therefore the
new material will probably also find it's way to the audience. Sometimes a bit
too much synth disco pop driven as if it was still 1981, just listen to the
song On top. Anyway, it all sounds pretty cool actually and well, you will love
this if you're a fan of early 80s synth driven popmusic. More info at: http://www.fenechsoler.co.uk/
(Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Shotgun Bill 'The B-Sides Demo version' (Independent/USA Import)
Shotgun Bill is a band from New Jersey formed around Bill
Anania- Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Acoustic 6 & 12 string Guitar,
Electric Guitar, Electric and Acoustic Bass, Mandolin, Ebow guitar and
Percussion, Billy Anania- Drums, Percussion, Steve DeVito- Electric Guitar,
Slide Guitar, Dobro Guitar, Mandolin and Catherine Wacha- Cajon, percussion. They
sent me a nice album that contains traditional sounding singer/songwriter with
a country/folk uptempo approach. 10 songs are included and this is one of those
releases that captures the true American sound one might hear when going to a
local club somewhere in the midwest, so actually typical bar room live music.
Done very well and recommended to check out if you're into JJ Cale. More at: https://frankbill1.bandcamp.com/album/shotgun-bill-the-b-sides
(Points: 7.4 out of 10)
Michal Rutkowski 'Orient' (Independent/Poland Import)
Now here we have something very experimental and original sounding
from the Polish musician Michal Rutkowski. It's dark, atmospheric and
underground ish, impossible to compare to other acts, which likewise makes it
interesting. Let's keep it on gothic alternative sorta rock/industrial with an
almost ambient atmospheric approach and here and there even trip-hop-rave-dance
rhythms (The Prodigy). You have to hear it for yourself before making up a
judgement how this could sound like and also the background of the whole album
Orient is a story on it's own. Musically it is hard to describe, but for the
open-minded fans very interesting to check out at: http://www.rmichalrutkowski.com/
(Points: 7.1 out of 10)
Skyward 'Skyward' (Independent/USA Import)
Skyward is a sensational new band from Harrisburg, Virginia,
USA with a very impressive professional sounding self titled debut album. The
sound is huge, the material is lovely melodic modern rock with catchy hooks and
memorable choruses like a mix between Three Days Grace, Delain and Paramore,
with here and there some sliight Industrial Synth Pop influences (Animal). The
band has shared male/female vocals, because both Jonathan Huang and Anna
Breeding (who also plays synths) are doing the lead vocals. Both can sing very
well, but I personally prefer Anna, who has an incredible voice, although when
singing the harmonyvocals it sounds quite perfect. Many songs are radio-ready
and have huge hit potential, with opener Casualty being one of the strongest
songs on the album, but also Burn is a damn catchy tune. Skyward is definitely
a band to check out at: http://www.skywardband.com
and don't confuse them with the Finnish band from the past!
(Points: 8.3 out of 10)
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