AOR HEAVEN 2012
Like the proverbial London bus, you wait ages for a Bangalore Choir album- 18 years from their ‘On Target’ classic- and then two come in quick succession, ‘Cadence’ being followed 18 months or so later by this follow up.
There have been no significant changes in musical direction with David Reece’s throaty, Coverdale esque roar still the focal point of a set of enjoyable bluesy hard rock. The album is worth buying alone for the second song, Trojan Horse, with a pre-chorus bridge of such force it could storm an ancient city by itself. Don’t Act Surprised and Always be My Angel have hooks almost as strong, and the guitar work from fellow founder member Curt Mitchell and producer Andy Sussemihl is excellent throughout.
The pace is similar throughout with the sole exception, of Never Face Ole Joe Alone, an acoustic driven outlaw blues that has more in common with the likes of Seasick Steve. In general those where the tempo is taken down slightly, such as Catch an Angel Fallin’ and Fools Gold, showcase David’s deep voice more effectively. However, hot on the heels of the debut’s Angel in Black and My Angel Wears White from last year’s Reece Kronlund project, he is in danger of developing an obsession similar to Ronnie James Dio’s frequent lyrical references to rainbows!
One of the frustrations of one time major label bands now going it alone is soldiering on with reduced production budgets, and my enjoyment was lessened by a slightly tinny sound with the rhythm section something of an afterthought. That quibble aside, another very solid album from a band it is great to have back in the fold.
*** 1/2
Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
CICADASTONE Last In Line (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
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