Album review: PUNKY MEADOWS – Fallen Angel

Escape Music [Release date 20.05.16]

I will admit from the start I have never really been a big fan of 70′s pomp rockers Angel. I have tried many times to get into their music as I love pomp rock, but somehow they pass me by. However, I know they hold a special place in many fellow music lovers collections and this solo album by Angel guitarist Punky Meadows will be eagerly awaited. It is his first solo music in over 35 years and as an added bonus Angel bass player Felix Robinson is also involved. Having Outloud’s Chandler Mogel on vocals is a masterstroke as he suits the songs really well and he teams-up on here with fellow Radio Exile band member Charlie Calv, who adds plenty of keyboard flourishes to the sound.

Punky Meadows has said in interviews that the album’s music is unashamed 80′s flavoured melodic rock and it is all the better for it. Songs like ‘Shadow Man’ and ‘Shake Shake’ (the PC brigade will be spitting out their tea listening to the lyrics on this one!), are good time rock songs and ones made to be heard loud and enjoyed. Others like ‘Something Strange’ are made for radio and all the rockers on the album feature layers of harmony vocals on the choruses. What’s not to like?!

Dig a little deeper though and you find an interesting diversion in ‘Off Her Hands’. With its gentle keys/guitar backing and Mogel showing his gentler vocal side, this song will surprise some. Mogel puts in another fine vocal performance on ‘Leaving Tonight’ and Punky Meadows lays down a suitably restrained, yet moving guitar solo, wonderful stuff.

Easily one of the ‘must have’ melodic rock albums of 2016 and needless to say one for any Angel fans. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie
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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)

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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)