STRYPER – The Second Coming
Frontiers www.frontiers.it
Stryper are having second wind with two studio albums since they returned back in 2003 (plus a covers album) and they are currently working on a new album for release later this year. This album sees them re-record classic songs from their first three albums to give them control back over their songs. Plus there are two new songs, both featuring monster riffs and like the heavier songs they have done of late. Best of these is ‘Blackened’, although ‘Bleeding From The Inside Out’ is no duffer.
Of the re-recorded songs the main difference is that vocalist Michael Sweet veers away from some of the higher notes on the originals and ‘Visual Timekeeper’ (or drummer in any other band) Robert Sweet sounds slightly louder in the mix at times. A good selection of their classics as well with ‘Calling On You’, the monster ballad ‘First Love’ and ‘The Rock That Makes Me Roll’ personal picks.
If you’re fan bar the two new songs this is not a ‘must have’ I’d guess, however it is a great place to start for those new to the band. Yes their lyrics can be preachy at times and there are as good as, if not better white metal/rock bands out there but few have the consistency of music that Stryper have and they are a must see live. Roll on the new studio album…
****
Jason Ritchie
PAPER AEROPLANES – Little Letters
Navigator Records (Released May 13th) www.navigatorrecords.co.uk
Third album from Paper Aeroplanes who are a duo consisting of Sarah Howells and Richard Llewellyn. They have already built up a decent head of steam via glowing reviews, airplay on 6 Music and Radio 2 plus plenty of live work. They have a few guests to help round out the music including on double bass John Parker, who is in Nizpoli who had a number one UK hit with ‘The JCB Song’.
Give the album a few spins to sink in as bar say opener ‘When The Windows Shook’, few songs grab the listener instantly. Slowly though it all clicks into place and the title track is a blissful moment of pop, recalling Kate Bush and Tori Amos. ‘Singing To Elvis’ shows what a lovely, wistful vocal Sarah Howells has.
The only downside is that fact it can take a little while to sink in, although that’s no bad thing in a world dominated by disposable pop pap.
***1/2
Jason Ritchie
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.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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