Iain Ashley Hersey
Fallen Angel
TRACK LISTING 1. LICENSE TO KILL. 2. GOIN' DOWN AND DIRTY. 3. DISTANT MEMORIES. 4. STEEPLE CHASE. 5. INTO THE FIRE. 6. OVER MY HEAD. 7. NO STRANGER. 8. TANGLED WEB. 9. OCEANS OF TIME. 10. HOLD ON. 11. ON THE EDGE. 12. MORIAH. 1999 Avex / 2000 IAH
records. |
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RELATED
RELEASES [BY ARTIST] None, this is Iain Ashley Hersey's debut release. |
RELATED
RELEASES [IN SOUND] Stuart Smith - Heaven & Earth [1999] James Byrd - Crimes Of Virtuosity [1998] Whitesnake - 1987 [1987] |
Those of you that own Stuart Smith's excellent 'Heaven & Earth' will hopefully recognise the name Iain Ashley Hersey as he appeared on the track ‘Road To Melnibone’. Well this is his debut release and at the time of writing is only available in Japan which is a crime as this album is virtually 100% gold. In many ways this album is like a cousin to Stuart Smiths 'Heaven & Earth', their styles are pretty similar and their influences appear to be the same. Whereas Stuart's album took an AOR turn in places 'Fallen Angel' is a rockier affair but still full of superb hooks and melodies. Iain's guitar style is harder hitting as well and includes some nice jazz-fusion esque phrasing in places. 3 talents - namely Dante Marchi, Mike Stone and Paul Shortino, handle the vocals. There are also a few instrumentals that show off Iain's fretboard prowess to the full. |
1. LICENSE
TO KILL [6.25] A great opener that has a superb intro instrumental that recalls the 'James Bond' theme tune [the title is a 007 film], although this sounds bizarre it is actually pretty damn good as Iain plays around the theme with superb melodies and a guitar tone that is as good as it gets. The track then travels into original pastures for a frantically paced rocker in a style reminiscent of James Byrd. Danti Marchi's voice is strong and reminds me a little of Artension's John West. The solo is reminiscent of Yngwie with sweeping arpeggios and the like. Iain tone is very pure and each notes really stands out and smacks you in the face - love it! An impressive opener. 2. GOIN' DOWN &
DIRTY [5.16] 3. DISTANT MEMORIES
[5.20] 4. STEEPLE CHASE
[4.16] 5. INTO THE FIRE
[4.48] 6. OVER MY HEAD [4.49]
7. NO STRANGER [5.22]
8. TANGLED WEB
[4.20] 10. HOLD ON [4.08] 11. ON THE EDGE [4.48]
12. MORIAH [5.45] [Japanese Bonus
Track] THE OUTCASTE [5.00] |
Well what can
I really say about this album? The first thing would have to be do
anything to get hold of a copy. Secondly I thought Stuart Smith's debut
album was a bit special but this tops it; the sheer emotion, clarity,
smoothness and downright musical content in Iain’s guitar work
throughout is stunning. His ability to write great songs is just a
whisker behind. If there is one slight fault then it would be the
production, but the raw feel was probably intended and as its only a
Japanese release then the budget was more than likely not that big, but
Pat Regan has done a stellar job and it would be difficult to picture
the songs sounding any different, so that perhaps kills that gripe.
Overall a marvelous album that will serve you well for years to
come. With the album now available as a domestic US release
through amazon.com you have no excuse to not own it.
RATING HOTSPOTS: License To Kill, Distant Memories, No Stranger, Hold On. BOTTOM LINE: Stunning songs and guitar work combine to awesome effect. Review by Andy Craven |