This band from New York consists of Marco Kinsley and Mike Carrothers. This duo released an EP called 'Glimpse' that musically is 80s-based poprock. There are 5 songs on the album and although it isn't pure AOR based, still I liked some of the tunes on this record, as they sound very melodic. I am talking about the tracks "What do you want from me?", "Blind eye" and "Half the way" (a lovely tune bringing back memories of the early 80s, not unlike the early 80s records of RICK SPRINGFIELD), these are great melodic rockers in 80s style and actually getting close to AOR.

The CD starts ok, but gets better and better after the first few songs. This TRIANGLE PARADISE is really a nice band to check out. They sound very 80s, but not dated, in fact, most of the songs sound very radio-ready! Anyway, more info on them at: http://www.triangleparadise.com and e-mail them at: info@triangleparadise.com

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

MODJO was founded in 1993 in Tampa/Florida, USA by leadsinger Tony Lee Wise (ex-CRIMSON GLORY). 'Dance' is the band's second mini-CD. There are 4 tracks on the CD and musically this is Hard Rock in 80s style, but not like CRIMSON GLORY and also not as radiofriendly as most other acts in the genre. A couple songs (like "Dance" and "Hot cherry") remind me of the early 90s Sleaze Rock, not unlike GUNS'N'ROSES and BRITNY FOX. The other two songs are the acoustic melodic ballad "Golden river" and the best song of the CD, namely the semi melodic rocker "Steel city" (catchy song!). More info on the band at: www.vincent-music.de and e-mail them at: hesse@vincent-music.de

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

TThis American project is formed around multi-instrumentalist George Soltis. He has done almost everything on his own on the album. There are 12 songs on the CDR and musically it introduces a lot of styles, while keeping it always melodic. The use of acoustic guitars is prominent in a lot of songs, though there are also some straight-ahead rockers spread throughout the album. The best songs are the semi melodic rockballad "The look in your eye", the 70s typed melodic rocker "Finding my way" (a la BAD COMPANY), the calmer ballad "Holding back tomorrow" and closing track "My will", a very nice semi melodic rockballad. Not the whole album is convincing, because the tracks "One look inside", "New life" and "Morning light" are average pop orientated songs that don't have anything to do with rock at all. Maybe George could add some more electric guitars and a stronger rock sound to his material, because the quality is there, but unfortunately not all the songs show his capabilities. More info on GMS INC at: http://www.mp3.com/gmsinc and e-mail them at: george29@iconn.net

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

A very young Norwegian band is making it onto the Strutter'zine website. The 5 members of this band are all 17 or 18 years old, so you might think they sound very 90s, but after hearing a few songs I felt that they combined the 80s and 90s metal sound a bit. There are 6 tracks on their demo CDR and although the sound quality isn't terrific, still you can hear that this is a promising band. Musically they play melodic metal and are not too far away from today's progressive metal bands.

The song "Society sucks" sounds very melodic, pretty catchy actually! Only the playing time is very short of this song (barely two minutes!). Also "Heavy rain" is a good melodic song, a midtempo rocker. I didn't feel much for the acoustic ballad duet "Silent cry". Closing track "Chamber of insanity" has a playing time of 13 minutes, but is a let down as this isn't really a good song. The other songs are a bit typical 90s metal songs. Check out the band's music at: http://www.mp3.com/legacyofpain and e-mail them at: Steinar@hotvoice.com

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

Vocalist/drummer/keyboardist PAUL DAVID from Minnesota delivered us the CD 'Evolution' a CD released back in 1997. Musically he is playing a mixture of 80s AOR Rock and 70s/80s Pop Music. There isn't much rock unfortunately, but the ones that rock are definitely the best tracks. I am talking about the AOR/Melodic Poprockers "Trapped", "Waiting for the sun" and "Stop feeding off of me". The other 7 songs are all pop/westcoast inspired, but there is nothing there for the AOR fan. Anyway, check out Paul's music at: http://www.monsterx.com/pauldavid and e-mail him at: pauldvd69@aol.com

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

DEEP SHALLOW is a two-member band from Michigan City, Indiana. The band consists of David Scroggin and Steven Pearson who can both play all instruments. Their CD 'RETROSPECTIVE always look back' is a nice collection of their material from the past few years. Musically it is pretty soft, but always melodic. Imagine JOURNEY playing a softer type of AOR/Poprock. My favourite tracks are "Taking it all to heart" (80s AOR) and closing track "You're all I ever wanted (too)". Don't expect a huge AOR rockalbum, as this is primarily a soft pop/rock album with nice melodic tunes. Still I miss some electric guitar on most of the songs, because if a song like "Taking it all to heart" would have been a bit heavier, then it could sound quite good. Anyway, check it out for yourself at: http://www.mp3.com/deepshallow and e-mail them at: stevidmusic@home.com

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

The American artist BARRY ANDERSON returns with a new CD and musically he is following the same route as his earlier records. There are 6 songs on the CD and well this sure ain't AOR, but is experimental electronically pop/rock with an 80s flavour. Sounds a bit like MR. MISTER in places, only not as commercial as those guys were back in the 80s. The best song is the first track "Physics of love", a slight 90s influence, but a fine melody can be heard throughout this song. More info on Barry at: http://www.mp3.com/barryanderson and e-mail him at: bearbob@usa.net

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