HOT NEW AOR REVIEWS

UPDATED DECEMBER 13 - 2000

CONNERY FAIRE
'THE CONTRASTS OF LIFE'
(BAY ISLAND RECORDS)

CONNERY FAIRE is a band formed around lead vocalist Conni Whitley and multi- instrumentalist David Mikael (from MPG and DAVID). Together they wrote the 10 songs on their first CD. Musically it is AOR orientated, although not all of the time it is pure AOR. The fans of female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock can easily buy this, as this is a very good album in the style of the first two MARGARETH BECKER albums, CINDY BULLENS and CINDY CRUSE. The Best songs are the AOR rockers "I'm not your judge", "I went to heaven" and "Who cares?', although calmer melodic songs such as "My king" and the 80s funky AOR/Poprocker "Praise God" can also not be missed here. These are all radio-ready hit potential tunes and a must to hear if you enjoy the classic 80s Christian AOR/Melodic Poprock of mentioned artists. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/conneryfaire and e-mail at: Conneryf@cfl.rr.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

K.A.J. 'DEMO CDR' (DEMO CDR)

Swedish multi-instrumentalist K.A.J. sent me a new demo CDR that includes 4 tracks. Opener "How do you do" is a very cool uptempo melodic poprocker that brings back memories of the early 80s, especially the melodic guitarsound of the whole song. The song is reminding me a lot of the early 80s AOR/Poprock records of RICK SPRINGFIELD, EDDIE MONEY and BRYAN ADAMS. A song like this is bringing back the fun into rock'n'roll. Next track "Down down down" is simpler uptempo rock and basically nothing special. Following track "Winner" was first called "Loser", but as this sounded like K.A.J. found himself a loser, he changed the lyrics. The song itself is a nice rocker, but again not as good as the first track. Closing track of the CDR is "Lonely", a nice calmer midtempo AOR/Melodic Rocker. Another fine demo by K.A.J., more info at: http://www.mp3.com/k_a_j and e-mail him at: k.a.j@delta.telenordia.se

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

CHINAWHITE 'BREATHE FIRE' (INDEPENDENT)

CHINAWHITE are from Holland their first full-length CD 'Breathe fire' has been co-produced by TERRA NOVA leader Fred Hendrix. The album counts 11 tracks and musically it is a mixture of AOR, Progressive Rock, Hard Rock and some Metal. The lead vocals of singer Don Feltges are a bit raw and sometimes it works, but on the melodic AOR songs it doesn't always work and that's a pity, 'cause the songs are damn catchy at times. The start is a bit weak with songs like "Elevation ticket" and "In my mind", these songs show an experimental 90s typed Metal band, but from track four ("Foolin'") on it gets a whole lot better and pretty sensational! "Foolin'" is a damn catchy fun 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker in the style of ZINATRA and TERRA NOVA. The song also contains a cool keyboardsolo by keyboardist Rolf Vossen. This is definitely one of the best songs on the album and also the following few tracks are pretty good.

"My one and only" for example is another good uptempo melodic rocker, only this song has some slight Party/Glamrock influences (due to the raw vocals). More keyboardsounds can be heard in "Changes", a very melodic song with some great harmonies. The AOR ballad "Permanent vacation" is up next and is the fourth track in a row that can be labelled as good quality melodic rock. Then comes the TOTO inspired instrumental "Infatuation". "Losers in the end" is a progressive rocker and not really something special. Uptempo Hard Rock can be heard in "No fear of the dark". Closing track is the instrumental outro "The entity returns". A lot of different Rock and Metal styles can be heard on the CHINA WHITE CD and although not all songs are convincing, still this band has a lot to offer and even the fans of AOR/Melodic Rock may find something of interest on this record. More info can be found at: http://www.dprp.vuurwerk.nl/bands/chinawhite and e-mail them at: chinawhite@tref.nl

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

707 'TRIP TO HEAVEN' (BEDROCK RECORDS)

707 has returned to the scene, though not in the original line-up. The 2000 version of 707 consists of founder Kevin Russell on vocals, guitars, bass and piano, Denny Carmassi on drums and Don Bassey on bass. Musically everything has changed a bit and the traces of AOR are indeed hard to find on the new album, the fourth official album of the band. Most of the time we get to hear Bluesy Hard Rock/Radiorock with some influences of the earlier records, but a lot of times it reminds me of 38 SPECIAL on their last record. It's definitely not a bad record, because what we hear is decent quality rock music from long-time musician Kevin Russell who still can write a catchy tune, but fans of the band's earlier works need to know that it all sounds different and updated for today's rock format.

Still there are some cool songs on the album, such as the classy radiorockers "Make up your mind", "Never say die" and "Trip to heaven", these are great songs that will please the 707 fans. Less convincing are the bluesy songs "All I ever wanted", "Cause and effect" and "Don't say you love me". Although I had hoped for a record in the style of the band's third record, this sure isn't bad either, recommended to fans of quality 70-s typed Hard Rock with a hint of 707's earlier Radiorock. More info on 707 at: http://www.BedrockRecords.com and e-mail them at: BdrkRec@aol.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

SAUCY JACK 'SAUCY JACK'
(SAUCY JACK RECORDS)

SAUCY JACK from California is a band that is hard to categorise sometimes, because their same titled debut CD contains both rock and popsongs and influences from all decades are thrown in the songs. Anyway, I rather first start with mentioning the last 3 songs. These are the good 70s typed melodic hardrock songs "Bedtime story", "Ankh" and "Ceremony". Songs like these are fair enough to listen to and sound a bit like APRIL WINE and TROOPER. But besides these rockers, the band takes us first on a different path with 60s typed pop songs like "Six months", "Say you do" and "Don't have a clue". Happily there are also some more rockers on the album like "Corner man" and "What would happen?". At the end you have listened to a CD that contains two different styles, let's hope for some more Hard Rock in the style of the last 3 songs on their album. More info at: http://www.SJ42K.COM and e-mail them at: SaucyJk@aol.com

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

EDGE 'EDGE' (INDEPENDENT)

EDGE is a band from Texas and they sent me a 3-track CD. Musically they play 90s influenced rock music with enough melody to please the melodic rockfans. The best song is definitely "In my head" which is uptempo and fun to listen to. The other two songs ("Where are you now" and "Body") both have a 90s rock edge. The band sounds pretty professional and they surely could be signed to a record label someday soon, it wouldn't surprise me! More info at: http://www.rockedge.com and e-mail them at: Rocknvh@aol.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

TRIAL BY FIRE 'EDGE OF IT ALL' (INDEPENDENT)

TRIAL BY FIRE is an American band playing an own style on their debut. The songs have a 90s approach, although things are kept melodic. Best song on their 5-track CD is the semi ballad Mask". The other 4 songs will be more of interest for a fan of 90s Rock. Check out TRIAL BY FIRE for yourself at: http://www.trialbyfire.net and e-mail them at: ClintRocksMD@cs.com

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

 

TIFFANY 'THE COLOUR OF SILENCE'
(EUREKA RECORDS)

In 1986 Tiffany had a massive international hit with her single 'I Think Were Alone Now' which ironically has stood the test of time, now at 29, red haired Tiffany returns into the spotlight with her first album in ten years - 'T.C.O. S.' proves that she was no one hit wonder, this is a beautifully crafted stylish pop/rock album produced by renowned singer/songwriter TIM FEEHAN, who co-writes the majority of the songs and also helps out with b/vocals throughout the thirteen tracks, thus offering comaprisons to Feehan's own solo material, whilst Tiffany's vocals bare comaprisons to Amanda Marshall, The Corrs, Shania Twain and Alanis Morissette, so the overall feel of the album, is quality hook-laden power pop with a modern twist, that should satisfy fans of all musical genre's.

The albums hits off with 'Open My Eyes', which would be an obvious choice for first single, Tiffany's vocal harmonies have an almost southern edge whilst the hooks really grab your attention. The chorus on 'Piss U Off' is very infectious, almost like The Corrs crossed with Alanis Morrissette, then Tiff pours her heart out on the enchanting piano-led ballad 'If Only'.

There are so many wonderful songs on this album - check out 'Ciannamon', 'All The Talking', and 'Butterfly'. Tiff's sexy vocals turn the afformentioned songs into perfect commercialised pop/rock songs with modern flavours a'la Alanis Morrisette etc.....'The Colour Of Silence' is a sensational album that will suprise you all. Recommended.

http://www.tiffanymusic.com or email Hannah Kampf for more info hkampf@solters.com

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

 

DEFYANCE 'NIGHTMARE RECORDS' (TIME LOST)

This is a great album from Knoxville based power/melodic metallers Defyance.There are nine songs on this record which starts off with the rifftastic 'Turn To Yesterday' which will keep fans of eighties power metal happy, lots of guitars domiante this great song whilst the melodic 'Shadows In My Mind' cross Iron Maiden with Fates Warning.

Next up is 'West Horizon' a much better song with strong technical influences. A rather good songs lies in the shape of 'Unturned Stone'. This song is very powerful and melodic, whislt the guitar are againg let out on a frenzy on 'The Games', an excellent song which brings back memories of Racer X and similar bands.

'My Nightmares' offers the odd twinge of Iron Maiden and the last song 'Break The Silence' is the albums heavy power ballad with an almost epical feel

Defyance are a very promising bands, the songs on this album are very much in the eighties power metal tradition, whilst I'm not trying to put 'Time Lost' down I do however feel that the bands best material is yet to come, but as a debut this is great.

http://www.nightmare-records.com or e-mail: info@nightmare-records.com or NIGHTDISCS@AOL.COM

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

GRACEPOINT 'SCIENCE OF DISCONTENT'
(NIGHTMARE RECORDS)

Minnesota based band who play eighties techinical thrash metal a'la Apocryapha, Chastain, Metallica etc. I absoloutley loved the second track 'Attriction', this is a very catchy song and Matt Tennessen has a killer voice a'la James Hetfield, a very punchy song with tons of melody and staying power topped with dazzling display's of virtuoso from guitar shredder Lon Kunze

After the subtle 'The Gallery' we get a song called 'Inside Track', this song again sounds like Metallica whilst 'Science Of Discontent' is vastly complexed in musical arrangments and is one for the Dream Theater fans to enjoy, a great song and another highlight.

I also enjoyed 'Your World', this tune is where Sam Van Moer get's the chance to thump out some rather cool bass thumping that gives the song an almost gothical slant whilst retaining a melodic edge similar to say Welsh boys Stoned Dog or the pre Emerald Rain band PAIN...a great song though which ends a pretty enjoyable album for fans of the afforementioned bands.

http://www.nightmare-records.com or e-mail: info@nightmare-records.com or NIGHTDISCS@AOL.COM

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

EMPYRIA 'THE LEGACY' (NIGHTMARE RECORDS)

Here we go with another interesting album from Canada's Empyria. 'The Legacy' is the bands third album which is technically more diverse than their previous offerings.

The albums main focus point is based around a twenty five minute epic called 'The Lighter Shade Of Darkness, which falls into four parts. These are based around complexed instrumentations raging from speed metal to little jazzy ditty's mixed with Dave Mustaine/Rob Halford influenced vocals from Phil Leite

Areas of this epical piece progress into old school thrash metal. Guitarist Mike Kischmick churns out some ferocious licks which are possibly inspired by Marty Friedman, thus the reason why so much of this album sounds like Megadeth circa "Rust In Peace".

Throughout "T.L.S.O.D", Leite sings with impressive high notes and the musicians back him on each song with amazing power and virtuosity skills.

The albums last song, takes on a sombre acoustic root. The song is called 'Years Behind' which ironically (given the rest of the albums progressive mood) reminds me of Guns N' Roses. There is also a hidden bonus track some two minutes after 'Years Behind', this untitled song is very catchy filled with stunning virtuoso which ends 'The Legacy' in great style which fans of the progressive/power metal genres should enjoy.

http://www.nightmare-records.com or e-mail: info@nightmare-records.com or NIGHTDISCS@AOL.COM

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

 

CAIN'S ALIBI 'SANCTIFIED' (NIGHTMARE RECORDS)

These guys come from Minnesota and they play majestic power metal with a twist of Alice In Chains influences. Tracks like 'Guilty Of Humanity' and 'The One' are layered with great vocals and axe work from Paul Miller, whilst the sensational 'War Gods' bombards the listener with killer bass playing and tasty neo-classical structured guitar work, here the band sound very very tight, unfortunately the rest of the album just can't compete against 'War Gods', not that the other songs aren't any good because they are, it's just that 'War Gods' is the standout cut on this otherwise great cd. The band are out touring this album which will hopefully include European dates next year, so watch out for Cain's Alibi. Recommended.

http://www.nightmare-records.com or e-mail: info@nightmare-records.com or NIGHTDISCS@AOL.COM

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

TRACYLAND 'THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER' (INDEPENDENT)

From Florida comes Tracy Piergross who plays lighthearted acoustic rock similar to The Corrs, Tanita Tikaraem and Liz Larin, with a hint of Chris Rea.

There a four easy listening tracks on this cd with the first 'On And On' and the last 'Your Not Alone' being my favourites. The former is very catchy, Tracy's vocal harmonies shine on this song which has similarities to The Corrs and their hit 'What Can I Do To Make You Happy', 'On And On' is a soothing song that works really well.

The former 'Your Not Alone' is also very good, the acoustic guitar on this song remind of Sammy Hagar's 'Eagle's Fly' mixed with U2/Jane Sibbery and Liz Larin style poetical lyrics.

For more info on Tracyland email:
Tracyland@yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

DESTROYER '4 MEAN PIECES' (INDEPENDENT)

These guys are from Pasadena and remind me of TKO, Keel, Lizzy Borden, Wasp, etc and even though the majority of the song are good, the album suffers from a weak production sound.

Songs to check out are 'My Machine' TKO meets Ozzy circa 'No Rest For The Wicked', the guitar attack on 'Boy In Blue' is another great track that is very heavy, as I mentioned the guitarist puts in some wicked licks on this track which is a very eighties sounding heavy metal song.

Also check out the frantic 'Mother Knew', this is my favourite song of the cd and just rocks, the guitar fire up whilst the drums pound away reminding the listener of bands liek Skid Row, Every Mother's Nightmare, Spread Eagle, Megadeth etc..

The last song 'China Chippin Chick' spoils the feel of the album and is just dumb yukky plod rocker with no feel aor direction. Destoyer need to work on a decent production sound and come up with more songs like 'My Machine' and 'Mother Knew' if they want to gain themselves a record deal, but despite the sound quality the band do have the potential.

Email:-
groeder@hotmail.com

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

SWARM 'SWARM' (INDEPENDENT)

Swarm are the new band formed from the ashes of eighties thrash mertiants Death Angel. The band have slightly updated their sound to fit in with the modern scene but also retain their thrashy melodic roots which will satisfy the Death Angel fans.

'Bleed' is a killer song with awesome musical arrangments, this track comes over sounding like Megadeth with some modern influnces and is very addictive, just check out the killer axe work from Rob Cavestany, 'Sufferahs' starts off funky 'a'la Red Hot Chilli Peeppers, and develops into a cool modrn rocker with great trrbial drumming from Michael Isaiah.

'Sengir Vampire' is the albums best track, again the song ozzes with funky metal influences and tribal drumming a'la Faith No More, Sepultura with a hint of Death Angel.

The last song the Pantera-ish 'Beyond The End' belts along churning out fantastic chunky riffs, though this song does get a bit growly halfway through the song however retains it's metal roots and is just great.

Swarm are currently working on a full album which will hopefully get released next year and would be perfect for say MTM Metal or Adrenaline records to sign up.

http://www.swarminfo.com

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

 

TEAR MAGNETS 'TRIBUNAL' (INDEPENDENT)

Originally released as far back as 1993 this album is a finally crafted power pop/rock album set firmly in the mid-eighties and features twelve excellently produced infectious songs such as 'Heavy Loud', 'Man On The Corner', the excellent 'Lady In Red', 'State Of Shock', 'Walking', 'Unlucky In Love' and the last song 'Day Tripper' all of which make for a great listen, Chris Ellis is a very good singer and can sing in various ranges and on some of the albums songs we get to hear female background vocals which give the songs their pop edge a'la Pat Benatar, Two Piece Puzzle etc..some of the songs go in through one ear and out
the other but for the most part Tear Magnets are a great band of which I hope to get to record new material, the potential is defintley there. Check them out at
http://www.mp3.com or http://www.listen.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

ROBBIN DAVID'S DESTINY 'ROBBIN DAVID'S DESTINY' (BLUE SPAWN RECORDS)

US based band whose debut album gets off to a bad start with 'Endless Sleep' which has a groovy rock 'n roll feel similar to Poison at their worst, a little better is the next song 'Miracles', 'Face The Truth' and 'Don't Throw My Love Away' are infectious AOR songs where singer Brian Taylor sounds pretty good, the harmonies are addictive and both songs are actually pretty good stuff a'la Nelson, VU and Terra Nova in places.

'In My Life', 'Up In Smoke' and 'Any Wonder' are sung well but the songs fails to captivate the listener whilst one of my favourite songs belong to the excellent 'On The Rock' this track is very similar to Nelson and is very very catchy AOR pop metal. 'The Blood' is also pretty good, the guitars get cranked up on the enxt song 'Turn' which also features lots of pompy keyboards and stomps along reminding me of Tyketto circa 'Strength In Numbers' meets The Bangles!!!

The seventies sounding 'Reserve The Cause' sounds like something that Joe Lynn Turner or Jeff Scott Soto would perform whilst 'Stuck On You' is just plain average mediocre AOR which is continued over into the last song 'I Love You' which also lets the album down, so what you get is a mixed mag of AOR and pompy seventies rock 'n' roll that's best sampled on mp3.com before you purchase.

For more info contact
http://www.mp3.com/davidsdestiny or http://www.bluespawn.com or hotliks@juno.com

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

LLOYD MINTHORNE 'JUST VISITING PLANET EARTH' (SYMPOTIC SOUNDS)

Solo artist from California who plays sophisticated eighties power pop a'la Duran Duran and Rick Springfield. Minthorne is a very talented muti-instrumentlist and his songs are very enjoyable. 'Creation' is cool song with great lyrics, Minthorne sings this song with a killer range, his skilfull musicanship really shines, especially his synth work which has an almost Japanese flavour to it, an excellent song.

'Birds N' Beeds' is ok perhaps a little to poppy whilst the beautiful piano melodies open up 'Journey' which is a killer song with an almost progressive feel. 'Alien' is another catchy song reminding me of Jeff Pike whilst 'Victim Of Greed' is again very catchy. Like 'Journey', 'Visions' kicks open with subtle piano parts which make for a dreamy soothing atmospheric song, with great lyrics and singing from Minthorne. 'Listen' is next and builds strangley into a nice song, another favourite song is 'Metamorphasis' which could almost be a pop version of Dream Theater mixed with Duran Duran style pop melodies, this track is very infectious and progressive, I love it.

'Hold On To Your Dreams' is a subtle ballad whilst another killer song rears it head in the shape of 'Deja-Vu' which is a very sophisticated power pop song, here Minthorne's voice actually remins me of Ozzy crossed with Simon Le Bon. Next track 'Consequences' is an average track whilst the last song 'Creation Reprise' ends the album in a swirl of atmospheric keyboards and vocals. Lloyd Minthrone has released an interesting album that is very experimental and sometimes quite complexed. Check out Lloyd's website at
http://www.synopticsounds.com for more info on this very talented artist.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

MOLLY HATCHET 'THE KINGDOM OF XII' (SPV)

Roll up my beauties to one show that, thankfully, never ends. Sure, the personnel changes-to the point where none of the originals remain, and only John Galvin(keyboards, but not an original)remains as a link to the old days-but the spirit, marshalled by the ever excellent Bobby Ingram, remains true to the finest traditions of this great band. "Heart of the USA", gets proceedings under way, and is all chicken-scratch guitars, Ingram ably complemented by Bryan Bassett, a big chorus, with Phil McCormack growling out a hymn to Southern pride like Danny Joe Brown caught in a bear trap. It's enough to make you dig out the cowboy boots again, and the honky tonk steel balled swagger of "Cornbread Mafia" just emphasises the point.

Naturally, we get a Southern duelling epic, the towering "One Last Ride" which sees the tennis racket dusted off and given a severe thrashing, and a nod and a wink at country roots, with "Gypsy Trail, which sees a guest appearance from the legendary Charlie Daniels. Other highlights? The piano-driven ballad of "Turn my back on yesterday", the full tilt, Jack fuelled boogie of "White Lightning", and a spank the plank version of the Stone's "Tumbling Dice" of which the human riff himself would surely approve. Molly Hatchet. Hell yeah!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

 

STEFAN ELMBLAD 'PROMO CD' (INDEPENDENT)

Stefan Elmblad is a new mutli instrumentalist, his songs are blues orientated rock with a slight contemporary edge. Elmblad's lyrics are quite interesting but unfortunatley his vocals sit too far back in the mix and needs a strong ear to understand as the production isn't too clear, but that doesn't stop Stefan from being a competent musician.

On 'Christine' Stefan's vocals sound somewhere between a blusey David Coverdale with a hint of Eddie Vedder. This song is a calm acoustic led blusey number which is quite pleasant. 'I Don't Live Today' continues in this style and 'Prodigal Son' offers comaprisons to Chris Rea's 'Road To hell' mixed with Stevie Ray Vaughn and is a totally brilliant song played with tremendous feeling.

'Rock Symphony III' toys around with various ideas and is one of the a heavier tracks, whilst 'Play The Game' is an up-tempo acoustic song - again the songs feel reminds me of Chris Rea and David Coverdale, and then things rock up again for the excellent 'I Ain't The One'.

'I Wish I Had Wings' could almost be Eric Clapton with a modern feel and the last song 'When I Lost My Mind'.finishes this set of demos in a relaxed Pearl Jam/Coverdale mood.

Overall Stefan Elmblad shows lots of potential with my only criticism being that the vocal mix which needs much alteration For more information you can email Stefan direct
Stefanelmblad@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

PERSIAN RISK 'PERSIAN RISK' (INDEPENDENT)

Before we start, don't confuse this lot with the early eighties British band of the same name, this Persian Risk play hard rock with a touch of glam and psychedelic flavours a'la Saigon Kick, Ratt and Guns N' Roses. There are five songs all of which are enjoyable like the excellent 'Busted', the hooks are fabulous and the chorus is dead catchy filled with Saigon Kick influences, now and again the singer belts out a few screams a'la Rob Halford which makes 'Busted' the best song on the cd. 'Rave' and 'I Know' add in modern influences which work alarmingly well, whilst the excellent 'Poet Tree' again stinks of Saigon Kick inspired harmonies.

'Feel The Sound' is also a good song but it's 'Busted' that shows where the band really shine, more songs like this and Persian Risk will soon gain themselves a deserved record deal as they seem to know what they want and make an effort to get a decent production sound which at the end of the days makes all the difference to how the songs are judged. Basically the great thing about Persian Risk and what makes them original is that they are playing the music that they want to play, one can only admire their enthusiasm. Good effort guys.
http://www.mp3.com/perisanrisk

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

 

707 'A TRIP TO HEAVEN' (BEDROCK (BR -303)

After a break of eighteen years Kevin Russel returns to the forefront with a brand new 707 album called 'Trip To Heaven'. Back in the early eighties the band had a hit with the song 'I Could Be Good For You', and went on to tour with a number of the big eighties bands throughout the US.

Although the songs are catchy rock n' rollers the new album is let down by a weak production and the music is caught in a time warp which doesn't really break any new ground for the band which also features drummer Denny Carmassi and bassist Don Bassey, this is such a shame and a missed opportunity to reintroduce the band to melodic rock and AOR fans who may have missed them the first time round.

Who can forget that classic 'Megaforce' album with Kevin Chalfant on vocals, I think that hits the hammer on the nail, Kevin Chalfant's absence really makes the band sound painfully dated and average against superior bands like The Storm and The VU, a lot of people were expecting something alot classier than this from a man who has produced the likes of Quiet Riot and Rick Derringer etc....

However I'm sure that the remaining 707 fans will lap this up with delight as songs such as 'Sinful Woman' with it's Dick Dale inspired surf guitar tone, the ballad 'All I Ever Wanted', the AOR-tastic 'Don't Say You Love Me' and the chunky title track offer exactly what you expect, catchy rock n' roll that is unfortunately spoilt by the poor demo sounding production tone.

Better still, go and check out Hampton USA based hard pop rockers 707 instead. This 707 are much better and their two track demo sounds in a simialr vein to the Enuff Z' Nuff, Ramones, The Beatles and Stone Temple Pilots and the band can be found at
http://www.mp3.com/707 whilst Kevin Russel's 707 can be found at http://www.bedrockrecords.com or email bdrkrec@aol.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

 

AARON KRISTO 'BARE YOUR SOUL' (PERRIS RECORDS)

Over in Los Angeles you will find a young 24 year old singer/songwriter called AARON KRISTO who looks very much like Sebastian Bach. Kristo performs strong driving hard rock similar to Bon Jovi and Skid Row. Kristo has produced his debut album 'Bare Your Soul' (avalable via http://www.perrisrecords.com ), himself, and he's done a nice job. the sound is very crisp and clear. The songs range from ballads to hard rockers with my favourite songs being 'Heaven's Gate', 'If You Want To Survive', 'Take Back Your Freedom' the title track and the fantastic heart warming 'Broken Record' which turns out to be the albums strongest track and features a string quartet, cello and violins.

Kristo is currently forming a new band in the LA area with bass player and writing partner, Dario Seixas, (who has also released solo material in the vein of Whitesnake) you can contact him by checking out
http://www.mp3.com/aaronkristo where you can also hear three brilliant brand new songs called 'No Use', 'Rising Son' and 'Ride The Wave'. A think we have a future star here folks!!Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

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