Artist: Reece
   Title: Universal Language
   Label: Metal Heaven

This album is a right of passage for the vocalist who finally has a chance to put his own stamp on a Hard Rock album on his own terms.

The album began to take shape in 2008 when Reece teamed up with ex - U.D.O. guitarist Andy Susemihl, who right from the off, really got what Reece wanted for his solo career. The album is Hard Rock as it should be, big licks courtesy of Susemihl and great choruses courtesy of Reece.

The album opens up with ‘Before I Die’ and from this point on you get it, as Reece’s vocals punches out the lyrics, while the guitars of Susemihl deliver those driving riffs on what is a great opening salvo.

Reece’s vocals might not be the most polished but they deliver a power and gruffness that reminds me of Paul Shortino’s and that’s all good in my eyes, or ears in this case.  The album continues with the excellent groove filled ‘All The Way’, although one of my favourites, of many on the album, has to be ‘Flying Close To The Flame’.  A great up-tempo rocker that will have you tapping you feet along too from beginning to end.

The great driving rock on the album is only eased when the album brings in some great Melodic Rock moments and one of the best on the album is the superb ‘Fantasy Man’. Then it’s the rather special ‘The River’ that has that Warrant ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ feel about it.  A smoldering bluesy rock number that just oozes class.  The tempo is picked up a bit with ‘I’ll Remember You’, before bringing it back down with the semi acoustic ballad ‘Rescue Me’, and the majestic tones of ‘Once In A Lifetime’.

But track of the album for me has to be the excellent rock anthem ‘We Were Alive’ this is Hard Rock as I like it big guitars a chunky backbone rhythm section all capped by Reece’s superb vocals.

Coming in a close second has to be ‘Flesh And Blood’, again a huge guitar sound but it’s Reece’s vocals that really make this one for me.  The album closes with gentle tones of ‘Queen Of My Dreams’ and the Cluedo inspired rocker ‘Yellow’, both great rock tracks which round off a great solo album from one of most underrated vocalist’s around.  This album will surely make people sit up and take notice and put the name of David Reece firmly on the lips of many.

1. Before I Die
2. All The Way
3. Flying Close To The Flame
4. Fantasy Man
5  The River
6. I'll Remember You
7  Rescue Me
8. Once In A Lifetime
9. We Were Alive
10 Flesh And Blood
11 Queen Of My Dreams
12. Yellow

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