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Artist: Poley / Rivera |
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Ted Poley and Vic Rivera return for a
second helping of crunchy melodic hard rock and 'Only Human' sees both
musicians upping their game after 'Collateral Damage'. This is their
first release for new label Angelmilk, once again Vic Rivera writes the
songs, plays all guitars, bass and drums and co-produces (with Ted), so
we get a cross between Adriangale and D2. If you thought the last album was the best Ted Poley had done vocally then listen to this and whet your appetite for the currently being recorded D2 CD. Another stalwart from 'Collateral Damage', Mike Ledesma provides backing vocals on all tracks and Eric Ragno (not again!!!) provides keys on 'Crossing This Ocean'. I purchased this CD at Firefest and it has been on constant rotation ever since, so you'll understand when I say that there are enough catchy tunes on here to satisfy the most demanding melodic rock fan. Starting things off in fine style with some crunchy chugga chugga guitar is 'Keep on Fighting'. An almost AC/DC dirty and gritty riff leads us to the melodic chorus. A favourite of mine already is 'Top Of The World' (no, not the Van Halen song!!!). This song has a more contemporary feel and the backing vocals really give the song that extra push. A great vocal from TP with touches of D2 in there and some fine guitar work from VR. The intro to title track 'Only Human' matches the tempo of the previous song before slowing things down. Vic Rivera has come up with some great lyrics on this one and the chorus has touches of Def Leppard (and we know how big a Lepps fan TP is!!). The song is melodic and once again has contemporary feel about it. 'Did We Just Have A Moment?' is next up and the quality songs just keep coming, a mid tempo rocker with a catchy harmony chorus. 'Insanity' follows on and offers a change in mood from the opening salvo of tunes. The chorus is melodic and harmonious. Vic's solo on here is a favourite, simple but effective The next song is titled 'N.W.S. (No Win Situation)', another change in mood for this one, with some really heavy, dirty guitar and a lower but strong TP vocal and those harmony vocals still make it onto this track. Vic plays some mean drums on this one to. 'The Bigger They Come' slows things down a little initially before becoming a mid-tempo rocker, my least favourite track on here but there always has to be one. That said the song still drips melody and harmonies. 'Delirious' is next and it's quirkiness makes for a nice change in mood, overtones of Adriangale on here with a catchy melodic chorus. Following on is 'Fire At Will', crunchy guitars, a lower vocal range but the song is letdown by weak chorus. 'Breathe Deep' is the penultimate song on the album and Ted puts in a fine passionate vocal while Vic provides some effective melodic riffing. This is a mid-paced tune with a lush chorus. And so we reach the end with 'Crossing This Ocean'. This is the ballad of the album kicking off with acoustic guitar and another passionate TP vocal and some subtle Eric Ragno keyboards. Vic Rivera comes up with the best solo of the album on here. So there you have it, the best music Ted Poley has contributed to since the D2 days. Extra kudos to Vic Rivera who does just about everything on here, the man has talent way beyond some these wannabies who frequent X-Factor etc. There is a strong emphasis on the melodies here with some fantastic harmony vocals and effective guitar work. This album takes me back to the days when record companies would let bands mature and grow, knowing better was to come. I for look forward to hearing more of this collaboration. Review by: Brassy |
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Tracklisting: 1. Keep On Fighting 2. Top Of The World 3. Only Human 4. Did We Just Have A Moment 5. Insanity 6. N.W.S. 7. The Bigger They Come 8. Delirious 9. Fire At Will 10. Breathe Deep 11. Crossing The Ocean |
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All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated. |
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