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The
first time I put this CD on I thought it was OK. I was busy doing other
things and had this playing in the background. A week later I put it
back on and actually listened to it properly. Oh my, I really like this,
it's light and palatable and very easy to get along with.
The influences are hard to pin down because the opening song Brother
reminded me so much of Ronnie James Dio, and yet the rest of the album
were more Steve Perry meets Peter Gabriel which confused me.
I think the opening to the song was to blame for that misconception due
to the big guitars and vocals that sounded like they were about to take
us on an epic journey. Once it gets into full flow it doesn't actually
sound anything like Ronnie James Dio!
If you like big smoochy rock ballads then try 'Remember the Time' for
size. This is a delicious song. I can think of more people who would
love this song straight away than I have fingers and toes! 'Nothing left
but Time' was described to me by a friend as very 'Bon Jovi'. After
listening to it I know what they mean but if you're not a big fan of Bon
Jovi then I wouldn't let this put you off.
Highlights on the album for me were the very strong, and reasonably
heavy as far as melodic rock goes, 'Brother'. 'Rainy Monday' with
it's addictive chorus. 'Rainy Monday', which I have been strutting my
stuff around the house whilst playing it VERY loud. (Well that's what
Oor Lad's been telling me!).
The album closes with another lively track and that's 'On the Run'. Even
on the first listen to the album this track stood out and I was sure I'd
heard it played somewhere before. Whether that's been on a compilation
album or at a show I swear I've heard this songs before. Perhaps there's
a parallel universe where all they play is great rock music all day
long? Maybe that's where I've hard it before!
The production on this album is spot on and the songs well rehearsed and
projected as a final product. Definitely Melodic Rock, definitely worth
checking out. Even if you haven't heard of this band but like this kind
of music then do yourself a favour and have a listen.
It sounds a tad Americanized although this is not overpowering and is in
fact one of the things that makes it so easy to enjoy. It's as if you
already know the band.
I was hardly surprised to find out after listening to the album that the
band does in fact hail from New Jersey. Signed to the label for a
2-album deal in January 2001 they have come up with a very tasty first
offering. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.
I'd love to see these guys play live because the album sounds so good
you just know they would put on a great performance live. Perhaps Mr.
Ashton would like to consider adding them to the bill for this year's
roster at The Gods festival?
I know there will be more than a few people out there that will be
familiar with the name Jimmy Lawrence who takes on the role of lead
vocals for the band. Having already wowed the world of melodic rock with
his solo album 'The world is Round', I'm sure you'll have a fair idea
already of what this band are going to sound like.
Charlie Calv takes on keyboard duties, better known for his work with
Shotgun Symphony, Message and Melodica.
If the drummer's name Ron Sivulich sounds familiar to you then that's
because he was also in Shotgun Symphony with Charlie. The line-up is
completed with the addition of John Bongiovanni (Joe Lynn Turner and
Arcara), on bass and Dave Tsien (Shoot The Doctor) on guitar.
Basically what you have here is a solid band with a good solid album.
All the members are well seasoned and know what the fans want and that's
just what they deliver.
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