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Airtime
features the talents of Ric Emmett from Triumph and Michael Shotten from
Von Groove. I’m a fan of both bands and the musical ability of
both men cut through the songs on this album.
As
you would expect there are overtones of Triumph and Von Groove running
through the songs but a contemporary feel has been added to the mix.
Kicking
off with 'Edge of Your Mind',
this song is straight forward and frenetic, one of my faves on the
album, bringing to mind both Rush and Dream Theater. The guitar
playing is fluid and Michael Shotten has raised his game on the drum
stool.
'Midnight
Black & Blue' is a mid tempo rocker with a
thundering bass line underpinning the whole song, Nickelback eat your
heart out. Another fave and standout track. 'Liberty'
is a song that wouldn’t seem out of place on an early Triumph album
On
to 'Headstream', an
acoustic interlude, once again showing Ric Emmett to be an underrated
guitar player. This leads into 'River Runs
Deep', Emmett’s vocals sounding as good as ever
on a straight ahead rocker.
Next
up is 'Find Your Way', a
song that would fit on any Sting album. 'Addicted'
kicks in like Mr Big, driven along by some frenetic snare drumming from
Mr Shotten, another contemporary rocker to get your teeth into.
Then it’s into some Jazz Blues in the form of 'Code
9', with some tasty Triumph phrasings.
'Rise'
and 'Moving Day' continue
the diversity shown throughout the album, then we’re onto 'Transmutation',
an instrumental showing the musical ability of both men. Last
song on the album is 'Cryin’ Shame'
and feels like a continuation of the previous track.
The
muscianship on here is top notch, both men playing all the instruments
and bringing a diverse range and feel to the whole project with melodies
and harmonies flowing throughout. Fans of both members bands will
find something to get their teeth into.
* Review by Brassy.
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