Artist: Marcello - Vestry 
   Title: Marcello Vestry
   Label: NL Distribution

Rob Marcello should be well known to melodic rock aficionados out there, currently handling six string duties with Danger Danger.  The guy has also previously played with Ron Keel’s Ironhorse (Keel knows his guitar players, Yngwie, Marc Ferrari), Twenty4Seven with Bobby Blotzer and John Corabi and a collaboration with Mike Vescera (Obsession, Loudness). Frank Vestry on the other hand is a bit of a wild card, playing with Manowar’s Ross the Boss and Jack Starr. Rumour had it that this album was in the vein of D2, so I was really looking forward to hearing it.  With Ted Poley back in D2 this album has something to live up to.  For the record, I would like to state that this pairing is fantastic, Vestry suits Rob Marcello’s playing to a tee. 

'Fireworks' kicks off the CD in fine style.  A catchy mid-paced tune, RM laying down some hard driving guitar parts with melody aplenty.  Vestry has gritty tone to his vocals with a mid to high range.

'Ready Or Not' is an anthemic tune that’s all about the groove.  Vestry puts in a great vocal performance and I can’t believe he’s only just come on the radar. Rob’s guitar playing is just sublime

Next up is standout track 'All I Wanna Do Is You', a total D2 clone in the lyric department, with lots of melody.  The chorus just stays in the head for days.

'Gone' starts off like a ballad but moves into mid-pace rockin’ territory, all big and beefy in the guitar and bass department, a fantastic chorus and a blazing solo from Rob.

'Without You' has so many layers to it, keyboards, rockin’ guitars, funky bass lines and a soaring chorus.  Then we’re onto 'Live Life', and it’s the mid to late 80’s all over again, plenty woah-oh’s at the chorus.

'What You Mean' is the sentimental ballad, the vocals seemingly floating on the music.  Then it’s the up-tempo 'Love Injection', keyboards, harmonies, and blistering guitar leads. 'Gangster Of Love' brings back the groove as Rob swaggers all over this while Frank continues to lay down those tasty vox.

Finishing of the CD is 'One More Night', a fast-paced rocker, think, Rock America meets Wild In The Streets.  Another solid vocal performance and some fantastic hard-driving guitars from Rob. 

This album rocks from start to finish with an absolutely stellar production from Bruno Ravel who handles bass duties as well.  The big drum sound throughout is courtesy of Lynn D Ruhms (Linn Drums geddit!) and although I like an organic feel to my music, this definitely adds to the excitement of this album.  This is just great quality melodic rock, hard-driving guitars, solid and at times soaring vocals, lots of harmonies and 10 very catchy and totally enjoyable songs.  This album will definitely be in my top ten come the end of the year. In the words of an over eager stock market trader, BUY, BUY, BUY!!

*Review by Brassy

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