Skagarack - Slice of Heaven

Knowing I was going to be reviewing Skagarack today, I started out by warming myself up with their self titled first release to get a good feel of their beginnings in comparison to the next stop in the road which also happens to be the album I'm reviewing here called "Slice of Heaven". Their now extremely rare debut was a beautiful piece of work, equal parts "Night of the Crime" era Icon, Giuffria, and a smooth splash of a bluesy edge stirred around when the recipe called for it. So naturally that is what I was expecting after purchasing "SOH". Not so. Vocalist Torben Schmidt's voice has apparently deepened from the high acrobatics he performed on the first release (assuming that was him), and the music has taken a decidedly Europe-ish turn, easily comparing with "Prisoners in Paradise". All performances are competant, with guitars handled by Jan Petersen, Morten Munch on bass, Alvin Otto mastering the drum sticks and Tommy Rasmussen supplying a range of keyboard sounds. Being not only 'the voice' but the driving force behind Skagarack, Schmidt wrote all the music and lyrics.

The main drawback of "Slice of Heaven" is its lack of ingenuity. Its vanilla in almost every way, but still satisfying throughout, because of the grounded sense of balance and nice mixture of tunes. It is entertaining to listen to and while there are very few songs that will 'stick' with you due to addicting qualities, there are plenty of feel-good up-tempo tracks that will definitely hit the AOR spot in us all. On the same note, the Europe release this feels closest to, "PiP", suffered from the same problems. "Like a Prisoner" almost makes me into a liar on this issue, packing a chorus with punch, with cute lyrics. "you are the prisoner of a madman, no you don't care to leave. I'm out there in the dark!" Album opener, "My Way or the Highway" is a pulsing rocker, and leaves the listner all fired up. "Talk Dirty To Me" opens with some typical 'speeding down the highway' type lyrics, and reminds me a little of an early 80s Sammy Hagar song in places. Splashes of chimes start "Answer To Your Prayers", yet there is that feeling that you have heard it all before, in another time or another place. This one peels open to reveal a solid faster paced tune, with pumping guitars and some interesting sound effects to add punctuations to twists in the song. Reminiscent of Dokken and XYZ dipped with lots of Europe overtones. "So Fine, So Good" is like Whitesnake crossed with Barden era MSG, galloping riffs and a bit of a bluesy swing. "Anytime, Anywhere" puts the band in "Final Countdown" Europe mode, chiming keyboards and all, and peaking somewhere in the midst of its gripping synth powered chorus. This one will get the listener involved with ease as they try to belt those lyrics right along with Schimidt. While not slowing down enough to deliver any proper emotional fare, the almost-ballad "Believe Me", makes a nice substitute. The remaining material feels pretty similiar to each other, all bouncy with their little individual nuances. "Angel Eyes", the album closer, one of the best songs on here, brims with sweet guitar, and an involving chorus. A beautiful song, that strongly reminds me of melodic rock vehicle and 90s favorite, Frontline, a souped up 80s Starship. This one is just smashing in every way and makes you wonder why they could not have injected some of the other tracks with this level of personality and masterful melodic flair.

While not the stunning masterpiece that their self titled was, "Slice of Heaven" offers enough solid material surrounding its crowning Europe flavored gems, "Like a Prisoner" and "Angel Eyes". While not by any means a bad album, it won't turn heads, but with layered vocal harmonies and sing-along melodies, "SoH" will most likely please. Fun and enjoyable, if a bit forgettable along the edges. Guaranteed that the more you listen to it, the more it will slowly grow on you.

Rating - 7.5
By Alanna Evans
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