AOR HEAVEN has done it again, because their latest release is another AOR killer! The German AOR label has released a lot of AOR pearls earlier this year, just think about ALYSON AVENUE, T'BELL, LE ROUX 'Live', TALK OF THE TOWN, FRONTLINE, ABSOLUTE ZERO and now there's GATLING GUN! This GATLING GUN is the first German AOR band signed to AOR HEAVEN and I can guarantee you that this CD of the band is filled with pure 80s Euro AOR with many keys and melodic harmonyvocals. Although a lot of times I hear comparisons to German bands like CRAAFT, FAIR WARNING, FRONTLINE and ZENO, there are also references to American AOR on a couple of tracks.

The band is coming out of Berlin and although there are only 8 songs on the CD, the album still has a playing time of almost 50 minutes and it's all the way Classic 80s AOR. A lot of times the album reminds me of other newcomers LAMORNA, another German band with a similar style. It's hard to pick favourite songs, because they are all killer AOR tunes. But if I had to pick one, I would say "Heartbreak hotel", this is a superb mid 80s classic uptempo AOR rocker that sounds like a mix between early FM, AVIATOR and the first HAREM SCAREM.

On the other hand, all the other tracks are also fantastic AOR songs, just listen to songs like "Turn back the time", "Here I wait", "Set you on fire", "Berlin by night" and "Dark side of life". This CD is a MUST if you're into German AOR (read: FAIR WARNING, FRONTLINE, DOMINOE, and LAMORNA). Expect an interview with these guys very soon, in the meantime surf to AOR HEAVEN at: http://www.aorheaven.com and get a copy of the record a.s.a.p.

Rating: 9/10

INTRUDER is back with their second CD on the UK Label Escape Music. The new CD is basically a continuation of 'Dangerous nights', the band's critically acclaimed debut record from last year. There are 12 songs on the CD. The production by guitarist Stephen DeAcutis is very impressive and give INTRUDER's AOR/Melodic Rock an updated approach while still holding on to the 80s roots of the band members. The beginning of the CD is just nice AOR/Melodic Rock, pretty standard but it is fair enough to listen to quality songs like "One night of love" and "Feels like I'm losing you". These are great tunes, but not as sensational as the songs of the band's debut.

What follows is the remake of BON JOVI's classic "Runaway", written by Jon himself in co-operation with INTRUDER's leader and guitarist/songwriter George Karak, this version sounds heavier with the guitars upfront, on the other hand the song starts a calm AOR ballad, but then the guitars come crushing and we're into melodic rock territory. After the remake of "Runaway", we get to hear the best songs of the record. First there is the fantastic 80s typed midtempo AOR song "Faithful love" that has a lot of SURVIVOR influences during the chorus. More SURVIVOR similarities can be heard in the chorus of the next track "You take the chill", this is a lovely early 80 typed semi melodic AOR ballad. "Make it last forever" is up next and is a great AOR Melodic Rockballad. Towards the end of the CD there is another similar ballad to be heard titled "Halfway home". These last 4 mentioned are the best songs and can easily be counted to the best AOR/Melodic Rocksongs at the moment!

Unfortunately the rest of the CD is just nice, but nothing special. I am talking about the melodic rockers "Love we had", "Under my skin" and "19 and ready". These 3 songs aren't bad at all, but it's just that after hearing them it's not like I would say that they stunned me. Anyway, I still think this is a great AOR/Melodic Rock CD with some really sensational songs every now and then. You can easily buy this record and have a good time will listening to it, especially if you liked other recent releases of Escape Music (read: MESSAGE).

Rating: 8,5/10

21 GUNS is one of the hot signings of Z RECORDS that the label announced earlier this year. This second CD of 21 GUNS has been out in Japan for a few years now, but now Z has released the album in Europe. Their debut was a great record hat contained a mixture of quality melodic rock and AOR with influences ranging from DARE, GIANT, THIN LIZZY and WHITESNAKE. The new CD has some modern rock influences and isn't as melodic as their debut. Still there are some good quality melodic rocktunes on the record such as "Come on in" (nice semi melodic rockballad a la BILLY SQUIER), "U&I" (fine semi melodic rocker), "Movin' on" (great relaxing AOR song), "Wolves" (good semi AOR ballad) and "The otherside" (good semi melodic rocker).

Weaker moments are the groovy songs "No soul", "Underground" and "Mister mofo". Fans of TESLA and BABYLON AD will like the 80s typed melodic rocker "Nothing's real" a lot. Z also included on this release 6 bonustracks, all demo songs that didn't make the Japanese release. I like these songs a lot, as they have more in common with the band's debut CD. The best ones are the fantastic AOR song "Cold heart" and the semi melodic rockballads "The picture" and "Dear mother".

Fans of 21 GUNS will have to buy this as there are 6 new demo songs included and for anyone who hasn't got the CD I would say check it out, as it is a nice melodic rockalbum. The AOR fans on the other hand need to be careful, as there isn't much AOR material on the CD.

Rating: 7,5/10

This is already the fifth compilation CD to be released by the UK Melodic Rocklabel Z RECORDS. 'Volume 5' of the 'Musically correct series' contains both released and unreleased material of bands signed to Z. Most of the released songs have just been out on the CD of the performed band. I am talking about the included songs of bands like RAINMAKER, BURNING RAIN, 21 GUNS, ENUFF Z'NUFF, SAVANNAH, the excellent VAUGHN song "Is that all there is", PONTUS NORGREN, CONTAGIOUS, DAMNED NATION, VON GROOVE, NARO and DREAMHUNTER. These are all quality melodic rockbands and their included songs are very much worth checking out if you haven't got enough money to buy all the regular CDs of the bands.

On the other hand, there are also a few unreleased songs of new bands that need to release their CD soon on Z RECORDS. ECLIPSE is one of them, this Swedish band brings us "The only one", a fantastic AOR/Melodic Rock song in the Swedish tradition (DALTON, TREAT, EUROPE, FATE). I am looking forward to their CD that is due for release early next year. Another interesting release will be the second CD of PRISONER, their included new song "One way" is also a lovely AOR/Melodic rocksong. BONAIRE is another new band signed to Z RECORDS, their song "Save me" is a typical late 80s US Melodic Rocker (DOKKEN/HEAVENS EDGE/DANGER DANGER style).

The 3 remaining songs come from BURNING RAIN (from their new CD, out in January 2001), SEVEN WISHES (new song from their forthcoming second CD, due in February 2001) and last but not least a track by 24K, their song "Stone heart" will also be included on the band's new CD 'Bulletproof' that should be released next week by Z. This is yet another fine compilation put out by Z RECORDS.

Rating: -

This band from the New York area has been around for some time. In the early 90s they released a few records and got favourable reviews from several mags and fanzines. After a split, they recently reformed and this CD is a nice collection of early demos of the band. Musically this is prime-time 80s melodic party hardrock in the style of acts like DIRTY LOOKS, DANGEROUS TOYS, KROKUS, SKID ROW and you name it. Fans of those bands will really dig this a lot, check out killer hard rock songs such as "Moonlight serenade", "Love rockit" (bit Glam orientated, like TUFF) and closing track "Telephone line" which has RATT written all over it, but is a really cool track.

I also heard a lot of similarities to FASTER PUSSYCAT, so there's also a little Sleaze Rock added to the band's Hard Rock sound. The band also sent me a 3-track live sampler that includes the STOOGES classic "Loose". At the moment the band is working on a new CD, but in the meantime you should check out this record at: http://www.mp3.com/deedeesweet and e-mail them at: bonscott@portjeff.net

Rating: 7,5/10

Multi-instrumentalist MARK SHEIBLEY is settled in California and he released the CD 'Get the hell out' a few months ago. Musically it sounds lime a mix between DEF LEPPARD, MOTLEY CRUE and SHOTGUN MESSIAH with some heavy 90s guitar riffs and a drum machine added to the sound. There are 8 songs on the album and not all of them are convincing. The DEF LEPPARD typed titletrack is nice to hear, but the best songs are the uptempo Sleazy Hard Rocksongs "Time to pray" and "Awake" that both sound a lot like SHOTGUN MESSIAH.

The CRUE typed "Shout" and "Keep pressing on" are not really impressive and sound weak and also contain 90s rock influences. If Mark would get rid of the drum machine and the occasional industrial guitarsounds, then it all would sound a lot better. It doesn't have to sound like DEF LEPPARD, but some more melodic rock tunes wouldn't hurt and I heard Mark is able to do it. Website: www.mp3.com/MarkSheibley E-mail: msheibley@juno.com

Rating: 7/10

LATE ARRIVAL consists of the brothers Jeff (guitar) and Tom Dunham (drums) who started the band back in 1980 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a state in the USA. The band has had a long past and it took 17 years for them to release their first album. 'Kick things over' is the first record and it was released back in 1997 on their own label Dunham Records. Additional musicians include singer Dave Shanley and bassist Mark Nalore. Musically we are definitely listening to a band that has been influenced by early 80s melodic (pop) rock.

Songs like "Kick things over", "Safe passage", "Monkey see" and "Waiting" are examples of this sound. These 4 songs are great early 80s melodic (pop) rockers that sound like a mix between BILLY SQUIER and SAMMY HAGAR. The BILLY SQUIER is really inevitable, because not only the songs, but also the raw vocals of lead vocalist Dave Shanley are close to that of Billy. Still the band has it's own sound that also includes 90s typed rockers such as "Long run", "Santa Fe" and "Rolling stone", unfortunately these are the weaker songs on their CD.

Nevertheless, there are some good performed early 80s melodic poprockers on this record and if BILLY SQUIER or the early 80s records of SAMMY HAGAR are your favourites, then do check out this LATE ARRIVAL at: http://www.mp3.com/latearrivalrocks and e-mail them at: purple333@msn.com

Rating: 7,5/10

This is not the Danish PUSH, but the American PUSH and they sent me a 3-track CDR. Musically they are a typical straight up rockband with a good tough melodic rocksound. The songs "House of cards" and "Stronger" are good semi melodic rockers and especially "Stronger" has a very nice catchy melodic chorus. The other song is "Myopic", a weaker groovier rocker. I look forward to a full-length CD release in the near future. In the meantime check out this PUSH from Minnesota, USA at: http://www.mp3.com/PushStCloud and e-mail them at: Bucholz658@cs.com

Rating: 7,5/10

Here's an interesting and diverse band from Canada who play mostly AOR and Melodic rock, but now and again add in sneaky progressive twists like on the catchy opening track 'Brave New World', 'Man Of Distinction' and 'The Vision' all feature some great keyboard work from Rick Kazmirchuk which makes the song lie somewhere between Rush and CITA.

The next couple of tracks are even better 'Sides Of A Different Kind' is a song very close to Two Fires and Journey and Jeff Morrison's lovely vocal harmonies make the song sound rich and full of melodic bliss which is continued on the subtle ballad 'You're Gone Now' which will remind listeners of Tim Feehan, Journey and Toto.

'Caught In The Middle' and 'Clutches Of Anguish' are weaker songs, but it's on songs like the excellent 'Colours Of Love' and 'Man Made Money' that the bands true AOR side comes back into view, both these two tracks are superb which I know fans of the aforementioned bands will love, another great song is the excellent 'In The Line Of Fire' which sounds very similar to Whitesnake's 'Crying In The Rain' and is a great song

The album ends with a jazzy progressive instrumental piece called 'Stress', overall this album which was originally released in 1995 is produced well and is very entertaining and diverse offering plenty of musical choice to fans of both AOR and progressive rock.

The band recently send me a new batch of songs which were recorded early this year, these new songs continue the standards set on 'Sides Of A Different Kind', the first song 'Walking Through The Fire' is a brilliant song a'la Honeymoon Suite circa 'Monster Under The Bed', the keyboards are very pompy and the song is easy to get into and is one of my favourite songs of Cerafim. Next track 'Angelina' breaks the moods and comes over experimental, the song has a seventies vibe a'la Rush with a funky Stevie Salas inspired guitar influence. 'In My Life' killed me, now this song is truly wonderful, a jaw dropping piano led intro builds into wonderful vocal harmonies and is a stunning up-tempo ballad reminding me of the Honeymoon Suite and Mystery. I also enjoyed the last song 'You're The Passion', this song enters Kevin Chalfant territory and reminds me of Two Fires, The Storm and also Hugo and is the best song of Cerafim, and features a wonderful chorus.

Cerafim a great band with potential, sometimes they can sound a little dated on the more progressive songs, but it's the AOR melodic rockers and ballads where the band score higher points and should concentrate their art in the future. In the meantime, check the band out at http://www.cerafim.com or email write_cerafim@hotmail.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Without Love are the new band put together by singer Chali Cayte (last heard on the recent Tour De Force album "Unleashed"). Joining Cayte are Rick Depaoli -Guitars. Vocals, Pete Ruello - Bass and Cris Burguiere on Guitars. Featuring nine tracks, Without Love play eighties melodic hard rock with very catchy lyrics a'la Danger Danger, Firehouse etc, that will force you to punch your fists into the air..

Track one is killer melodic rocker called 'Give Me Your Love' which bursts open into screeching hot guitars, when you get to the killer chorus, Cayte's voice reaches for the sky in a similar range of Firehouse's CJ Snare, this is a great start to the album that blasts it's way right into the White Lion tinted 'Rockin' in the Back', a great colourful rocker, catchy hooks, guitar and killer chorus, I particularly enjoyed Cris Burguiere's guitar playing which reminds me of Vito Bratta.

On the next track the breaks are finally slowed down for a gorgeous acoustic led power ballad called 'Angel's Sing', the band then get back to their rocking best with a killer song called 'Trouble', this is an infectious eighties arena rocker very similar to Dokken, Warrant and Firehouse and is one of the album best songs. The album calms down for another ballad called 'Always and Forever', which is layered with killer vocal harmonies and strong lyrics similar to say Poison whilst the excellent punchy chorus on 'Lose Control' signals into is a great party anthem a'la Firehouse, Shotgun Messiah and Danger Danger. Next song 'Rock Until You Drop' is very similar to Firehouse and Danger Danger and is another of my favouite songs, my absolute favourite though has to be the killer 'Everything', this is a great pop/metal tune with a very catchy chorus, again showing comparisons to Danger Danger and Mitch Malloy, in fact I'd say that Charli Cayte's voice is a deadringer for Mitch Malloy, there are some nice keys on this song which gives the song it's AOR edge, glorious stuff indeed.

'Turn it Up' is another infectious American hard rocker that finishes the album off in great style.Without Love are a superb band that I hope go onto to do more albums in the future as they have tons and tons of potential. Fans of the above bands, make sure you buy this one. Highly Recommended.

www.metalmayhem.com

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Hollywood's DE ALLEN play very powerful melodic rock with enormous guitars and powerful melodies! The press release for this says 'Picture Zakk Wylde and Pat Benatar teaming up? beacuse that would be close to what De Allen delivers' - and this says it all folks.

De Allen recorded an EP in 1988 called 'Lovers Lane' and this is the bands first proper recording, having played live at every club in Hollywood, the band have over the years have built a loyal fan base, which led to the demand of this recording.

I have to say that like Jeannine St.Clair, Pat Benatar, Darby Mills, Chrissey Steele, Pamela Moore etc etc.. Meleisa McDonell is a killer singer, check out the infectious opening track 'Lay it on the Line', this is a killer arena rocker, check out the chorus which is easy to get into.

The next song 'Wild' also packs a mighty punch with red hot guitar work from Nick Rutz, this is where the Zakk Wylde guitar antics come in to force, Rutz is a demon guitar player and delievers some monster riffs whilst Meleisa churns out killer vocal ranges, a very heavy hard hitting rocker a'la Ozzy circa 'No Rest For The Wicked' meets Phantom Blue - great song.

The stomping is continued with the next track 'Stealer', whilst the melodic power ballad 'Come Take My Heart' keeps the listener entertained, this is not a wimpy ballad, but is instead a guitar fulled catchy ballad which Melesia sings with a huge huge range that stunned me, as did the next song 'Twisted Inside', a great hard hitting stadium rocker which is just so damn catchy it scares me, check out Rutz's mega riffing thorough-out this song which wins the best song on the album award.

Next is 'Can't Stop This Feeling', now this track is also very good and very catchy and is another favourite, this song is similar to Heart and is just awesome.

'Only Lies' is straight ahead big rock a'la Phantom Blue, Lita Ford whilst 'Hangin' On The Edge' shocked me as it sounds so massive and catchy, along with 'Twisted Inside' this is the best song of the whole cd, glorious stuff.

Another song with great riffs, killer drum pounding and singing that threatens to burst at the seems is the Lynch Mob sounding 'Death In Texas' which just rocks.After a short instrumental we get a superb live track called 'Long Road to Love' that shows comparisons to Vixen and Radar and is brilliant. The albums end on a high with 'Won't Cry for You' and that's your lot, I thoroughly enjoyed this album, filled to the brim with tons of energy,if you miss your fix of any of the above mentioned bands then seek this album out which can be obtained from www.metalmayhem.com and is worth every penny. Recommended.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Ahh the return of the German metal queen, Doro's new album features known musicians as Al Pitrelli, Eric Singer, Lemmy, Slash, and Bob Kullick. This is her best release in year and features great pumping metal grinders like 'Kiss Me Like A Cobra' a pure rocker with a nice guitar tone and killer chorus which sets the tone for the rest of the album.

'Dedication (I Give My Blood)'' takes a trip back in time and is resiant of Doro's Warlock days, a heavier song with dynamic stomping riffs from Megadeth's Al Pitrelli, continuing in the Warlock tradition is 'Burn', whilst 'Scarred' flows into contemporary metal.

'White Wedding' is a super cool cover of the classic Billy Idol hit, whilst 'I Wanna Live' is another song where Doro tries her best to copy Tarrie B. but fails rather embarrassingly.

'Love Me Forever' is a cover of the classic Motorhead song and features the Lemster himself next song 'Black Rose' is a killer subtle with enchanting mysticism that swirls around your living room and is just totally gorgeous

'Now Or Never (Hope In The Darkest Hour)'' brings back the contemporary metal edge and features ex Guns 'N' Roses axe man Slash, whilst the final song 'Danke' is another song sung in German that takes on different moods.

Overall a very pleasant return to form for the most part, Doro is currently on tour in the US, I believe with Halford and Queensryche which is going down very A good album.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

'You gotta check these guys out', said my mate Matt Honey from Hard Roxx magazine, what's funny was that about five years ago I was dating a girl who was a friend of Welsh rockers S.E.X., and we went along to one of the clubs to see them play and they were fantastic, frontman Phil Jones had a strong stage personality and he sported his legendary Dracula cape and 'COD PIECE'' to much amusement.

S.E.X. are from my hometown of Swansea and have been grafting away for bloody years, this is the bands third cd. Their first album 'Thundersea Appolona' sold over 3500 copies, whilst their second cd 'Revenge Of The Overlord' has sold over 11,000 copies.

Songs such as 'Rock Star' are brilliant, the song starts with majestic keyboards from Mathew Lee Hooper, the guitars then crash in, I have to say Mark Williams is a wonderful guitar player, 'Rock Star' is a killer song that has a very early eighties sounds, Phil's voice here reminds me of Dio and Bruce Dickinson actually this song is eighties metal meets AOR and is totally superb, the chorus is dead catchy and the production is very clear.

'Make Love To Me' is a killer ballad filled with pure emotion, whilst 'Rainy Monday' takes the band into progressive territory, this is a typical S.E.X. song with killer tounge 'n cheek lyrics and musicanship and is one of the albums best songs.

'Sunshine And Snow' a calmer moody song with an earpleasing melody, 'A Love Remembered' like 'Rainy Monday' is a progressive/AOR number with polished keyboards, Jones' voice reminds me of Geoff Tate and Bruce Dickinson and this is great song. The last song 'Found You' is a beautiful power ballad in the Survivor/Journey style with lovely piano work from Hooper and is another top song.

The band are currently busy working on a retrospective album and a brand new studio album which will be recorded in London with acclaimed producer Peter Lawrence.Overall, as always S.E.X. remain one of the best undiscovered Welsh bands around. Check them out http://www.peoplesound/Artist/SEX or email Pegasus1@bun.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Motherland are from my home town of Swansea who play commercial radio friendly uptempo and lightweight acoustic pop rock/AOR with rich melodies and choruses a'la Bryan Adams, Clear Blue, Manic Street Preachers, Southern Sons, Nouveaux, Innuendo, Nelson and Rod Stewart amongst others.

There are ten songs on this album which has been produced by the band themselves, and they have done a great job, check out 'Kingmaker' which is a lightweight acoustic pop song in the Bryan Adams, Live and Nouveaux mode, the songs chorus sits in your head and is a great song to cruise with in the car.

'Help You (With Your Life' is the next track and again Andrew Rd's vocals are really smooth and smokey similar to Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart, this song is again acoustic pop orientated but it's performed really well and hits you with it's catchy melodies, the next song 'Be All And The End All', is more up-tempo and catchy, Andrew sings with passion, the song reminds me of Manic Street Preachers, Counting Crows, Innuendo and Nelson, lovely layered harmonies make for one of the cd's best songs.

'Evergreen' reminds me of Manic Street Preachers whilst the excellent 'Mr Sunshine' is a wonderful song that should be dancing all over the radio air waves.

On the beautiful 'Lay Me Down' Andrew's subtle vocals are backed with luxurious harmonies, this is a classy song with lots of character and great lyrics.

'You Made Me' is also a very catchy song with a touch of modern alternative rock, next song 'She Wrote A Letter' is more subtle with a great chorus and killer harmonies, which again remind me of Innuendo with a hint of Stevie Rachelle whilst 'Stand' adds in country flavours. The albums last song 'Under Her Wing' is up-tempo pop/rock similar to modern Bryan Adams and has a great chorus. This a great album and you can find out more by visiting http://www.motherlandonline.com or email: band@motherlandonline.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Much of a suprise this one, Italy's Eva play gorgeous AOR/Power pop, their songs and musicanship are superb, singer Angelo Grassi reminds of John Waite, Michael Bolton, Jimi Jamison and the singer from China Sky, the bands music is very similar to China Sky because Eva play the same luxurious AOR/power pop/rock that made the afformentioned China Sky such a special album, take the song 'New Day' for example, a song that features lovely keyboards built around catchy rhythms and a catchy chorus similar to China Sky's 'Turn On The Night' and is a killer song.

So is the sensational opening track 'Angel', this song is just glorious similar to early Bolton and Richard Marx, killer harmonies and lovely vocals from Angelo. 'Inside Out' is pure AOR and one of the albums highlights, the chorus is very catchy reminding me of Bolton, Journey circa 'Raised On Radio' and FM, this is just such a killer song, once you hit the chorus and the guitar part comes in close your eyes for a moment and imagine the fans scream and cheer the band as they perform their big hit single, if this was the late eighties radio would be all over this song and Eva would be like Bad English, Alias etc.. Superstars with number one hit records, ahhhh those were the days eh folks - but seriosuly this song is that good!!!.

'Blue Sky' may sound familiar because of Stefano Brusa's keyboards which has a melody that makes you think where have I heard this before? Probably on countless John Waite, Survivor and Journey tracks is the conclusion I come to, this song is a killer AOR ballad, no wait I got it, the song sounds familiar because it reminds me of Bad English's 'When I See You Smile' hence the comparisons to John Waite, yes that's it! here Angelo's voice sounds exactly like John Waite although the song is a little more up-tempo than the Bad English song, this tune still flows with familiar melodies and great guitar hooks that make for the perfect radio hit for the band, and is currently my favourite song on the album.

'Holdin' On' is a sophisitcated polished AOR.power pop number reminding me of Saints And Sinners, Axe, and Bad English amongst others, the chorus is very catchy and easy to sing along to, next up is 'Call The Heart' a song rich in piano melodies, the production throughout this album is very classy, take this song, Angelo's voice is very smooth a'la Jamison and Bolton with a Journey style melody and catchy chorus.

The band try their stab at the ballads and deliver a stunner called 'Too late', Angelo sings with a killer range on this track a'la Bolton, Jamison, Bobby Kimball, 'Too Late' is a great ballad. 'I'll Be Waiting' is a slick power pop number in the Bolton territory which ends this brilliant album.

These guys are defintley worth investigating and you can visit them at http://www.web.tiscalinet.it/eva or email evaworld@supereva.it

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Nashville based singer/songwriter who performs catchy acoustic rock a'la Bryan Adams, John Taglieri, Mike Tramp, Troy Newman, Scott Sudbury, Don Lewis and Robert Murdock.

Vance has already released a self titled mini album of which some of this cd's tracks can be found. This is a great album which opens with 'Misery Loves Company', a catchy mid-tempo pop/rock song that has an almost country flavour to it, next up is 'World Won't End', Johnny's voice sounds exactly Mike Tramp (White Lion) mixed with a touch of Bryan Adams, this is a radio friendly song with great hooks.

'Tug Of War' is a smooth pop/rock song, whilst 'In My Wildest Dreams' is a cacthy pop rocker with great hooks and vocal harmonies that almost sound somewhere between Jon Bon Jovi and Scott Sudbury.

'The Hypocrtitcal Oath' is a wonderful pop song, the guitars are played well, next up is 'Slippin' Away', this track is laden with synths and is very catchy, almost reminding me of The Counting Crows and The Jeff Healey Band and is one of my favourite songs on the cd.

'One Dance ("Mia Farrow")' is another uptempo radio friendly pop/rocker that will leave you singing along, 'Time Stands Still' is a song with passioante lyrics and a wonderful catchy melody, whilst the acoustic/pop rock harmonies can be heard again on 'Fifteen Minutes' which has a good groove.

One song that struck a chord with yours truly is 'Happy Together', it plods along at a steady pace before the tempo picks up for a killer catchy Southern/pop rocker in the Danny Wilde, Rembrandts style is and another of my favourites whilst the last song 'I Still Wonder' reminds me Firehouse circa 'Good Accoustics', Vance's voice is similar to CJ Snare on this track which is backed with female background vocals and reggae musical arrangments and is a great song to end the album with.

Sometimes the album can sound samey, but for the most part the songs of Johnny Vance range from catchy up-tempo pop numbers to soothing ballads with a country edge that make his album a worthy additon to your collection.

Check Johnny out at http://www.johnnyvance.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)