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This is the 3rd
solo album from Michael Bormann whose previous bands have included Jaded
Heart, Redrum, Rain, Zeno, Bloodhound and Charade, plus he also did some
demo’s with Bonfire in the early 90’s. This is my first hit of Mr
Bormann and considering he has written, produced, mixed and mastered the
whole thing he has come with the goods.
On first listen though I did feel
left a little wanting but the more I played this album the more obvious it
became that this was a strong set of tunes. There are 14 tracks on here
and the majority are of the mid-tempo variety and the album could have
done with a few punchy up-tempo tunes just to balance things out a little.
Michael has assembled a fine set of musicians to help him with this
project. We have journeyman keyboard player Eric Ragno and guest
appearances from Sonja Rippelmeier (vocals), Edenbridge members Sabine
Edelsbacher (vocals) and Lanvall (guitars) and Man of a Thousand Albums,
Tommy Denander (guitars, bass and keyboards).
So, first up is
'When Push Comes To Shove', a slow to mid-tempo number, featuring a Def
Lepp 'High ‘n’ Dry'/'Pryromania' style chorus. 'Friends For A
Lifetime' has a harder drum and guitar sound and reminded me of Gotthard.
A catchy tune with another melodic chorus.
'Come Take Me
Higher' has a contemporary feel to it at the beginning. Another mid-tempo
with MB doing a great Joe Elliot moody vocal performance. 'Live Your
Life' is up next and the tempo picks up a bit here bringing Gotthard to
mind again.
The big ballad of
the album, 'I Wanna Hear Your Voice', MB puts his heart and soul into this
one, soaring melodies and moody vocal combine on this one. Next up
is 'Halfway Down', veering between mid to up-tempo and keyboards aplenty.
'I Will Hold The
Line', starts of with keyboards before the guitars kick in. MB provides a
lovely raspy vocal and a big chorus. 'Love Is Magic' is another
ballad with an instant chorus and some perfect AOR vocals.
'Glory And Pain' keeps the consistency going and is a
fine melodic rock song with a catchy chorus, I found myself humming this a
few days later.
Then it’s 'Don’t Bother Me'. Now I didn't have a
breakdown of who was playing on what song but I’m sure the duet vocals are
supplied by Sonja Rippelmeir and guitars by Lanvall. This is a standout
track on here, up-tempo with a big guitar sound and an altogether harder
sound. More of this next time around Michael!
'Doing Or Not' is another harder edged song with a bit
of a groove, great vocal from MB but the chorus isn’t as immediate.
'Still Haven’t Found It' is another ballad with another
fine raspy vocal from MB.
'For Just A Little While' picks up the beat. This is
one of those songs that seems to coast along. Finishing the album off is
'Go Going Gone' a
simplistic, acoustic guitar driven song with a great vocal performance
from MB.
This was an album that took a few listens to
appreciate but there are some fine songs on here. Michael Bormann hasn’t
come up with anything novel here but the songs are strong with a
production to match. Michael deserves mucho kudos for practically taking
this project on single-handedly. There’s melodies, soaring vocals, big
choruses, beefy guitars and a big bed of keyboards all held together with
a fine production.
*Review by Brassy |
