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Artist: ISSA |
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In a
mainly male dominated genre it's great when a new female vocalist makes
her mark on the Melodic and Hard Rock genres, and Norwegian Rock Diva
Issa (Isabell Oversveen) did just that with her debut release ‘Sign Of
Angels’.
Now
Issa returns with her second album ‘The Storm’ and once again she
puts her own stamp on the genre, with 12 stunning slices of pure
melodic gold.
Unlike
the debut album, Issa has taken more control over the song-writing on this
album by penning several tracks along with the Martin brothers (Vega,
House Of Lords, Sunstorm), but there are still a few guest contributors
with the likes of Robert Sall, Daniel Palmqvist, Johannes Stole, Daniel
Flores, Chris Laney and Magnus Karlsson, all aiding in what is another great
Melodic Rock album.
The
album opens up with ‘Looking For Love’ and from the off you can
almost feel the growth of Issa as an artist. Yes she might come from a
more Pop background, but this lady sure has vocal might that this genre
has been crying out for. We need someone to stand alongside the likes of
Robin Beck and Amanda Somerville, to wave the flag proudly for female
vocalists in this genre.
The
album continues its impressive path with ‘Please Hold On’, a more up
tempo song where we see Issa bringing those stunning vocals to the mix.
Then it’s the heavier edged ‘Take A Stand', where Issa really shows
us that she can deliver power as well as the grace. The
first of those tracks penned by Issa and the Martin brothers is the
excellent ‘Invincible’, a real melodic gem that just cements Issa’s
abilities, not just as a singer but also as a songwriter. This is just
pure ear candy. We
get a little more of that edge with another stunner in ‘Two Hearts’.
This is where Issa brings a little Wilson sisters vibe to the mix,
before the epic feeling of the rocking ‘Black Clouds’, again showing
this girl can sure rock it up when she wants to. Keeping
with the rockier edge is ‘You’re Making Me’, before the
tempo is brought down with the haunting melodies of ‘Gonna Stand By
You’. Then it's straight back up again for the excellent ‘We’re On
Fire’, the second Issa/Martin penned song. Again featuring another strong mix of
melodies and power driven vocals, very much in the Pat Benatar mould. Probably
the most commercial track on the album has to be ‘Too Late For Love’,
if this were 1985, then this would be on the sound track to the latest RomCom
flick.
It's
back to the more modern day Melodic Rock with the thumping rocker
‘What Does It Take’ and the album closer and title track ‘The
Storm’. The latter being another personal favourite and is also the
third Issa/Martin penned song. This one is pure Issa and wraps up this
excellent album in fine style. Personally I can’t wait for album
number 3 because I feel she has a lot more to give to this genre. |
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Tracklisting: 1. Looking For Love |
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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