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Artist: Bridger |
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The
Melodic and Hard Rock genre may not be seen as popular music with the
media, but the depth of talent in the genre is second to none. New and
exciting talents are keeping the scene going, as well as established
artists bringing their A-game forward album after album. When
these two combine it's like the scene has a much stronger future than some
would like to give it credit
for. So
let me welcome into the fold Glen Bridger, who along with Terry Ilous
aim to bring the US anthemic rock scene back to the masses with their new
band Bridger and this their self-titled debut release. Joining
Bridger and Ilous are Greg Manahan on bass, Danzoid on drums and Sam
McCaslin on keyboards, as well as a whole host of guest players for an album
that covers all the bases, if you're into great Melodic and Hard Rock.
There
is even a tribute to the legend that was Ronnie James Dio included on
here. The
album kicks off with ‘Tuesday Afternoon’ and from the off Ilous
makes his presence felt with this modern slice of melody rich
rock. Bridger shows he’s not too shabby on the old guitar front
either, as he fires
out some impressive licks on this opening track. The
modern guitar orientated hard rock continues with the excellent ‘How
Long’, upon which Ilous produces another fine vocal, before the tempo is
brought down with the bluesy ballad ‘On The Ledge’, before bringing
it back up with a bang with the ballsy riff fuelled ‘Don’t Push
Me’. The
album switches back to the more gentle modern vibe rock with the
haunting melodies of ‘Without A Sound’, then it's back to what can only
be described as the traditional Melodic Rock with the funky rocker
‘Free’. A real summertime rocker to listen too with a few
chilled ones
and a few close friends. Another
of the more gentile moments off the album comes with ‘Live For The
Moment’. A semi-acoustic number with Bridger bringing in a touch of
Spanish guitar to this refined ballad, before picking it up just a touch
with ‘Good To Be Home’, during which Ilous showcases perfectly just what a powerhouse
vocal talent he is, even on the gentle ballads. The
tempo is picked up big style with the thumping rocker ‘Gonna Get
Better’, then brought back down with the stunning ballad ‘Once In A
Lifetime’, before the bands tribute to Ronnie James Dio with their own
rendition of the classic ‘Heaven And Hell’. A real modern twist on
this Sabbath classic that I love, many may not but I remember the wise
words of one Tony Mills of TNT who stated, that if you are going to to do
a cover then be sure to make it your own, and Bridger certainly do that
with this one. As one of my favourite Sabbath and Dio songs I must agree, why do it straight
up if you can add a twist without being disrespectful? This version
is just that, a great twist on the classic and wraps up what is a great
album that is as diverse as it is eclectic. After hearing this
debut I for one can't wait for the second album! |
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Tracklisting: 1.
Tuesday Afternoon
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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