Frontiers Records [Release Date 04.11.16]
This rather unimaginatively titled release brings together two of melodic rock’s most respected figures. While Terry Brock has long been regarded as one of the genre’s finest vocalists, from his days in Strangeways to numerous guest appearances and a chequered solo career, John Roth has had a lower profile as a guitarist with bands as diverse as Winger and Starship.
The two have a history of working together, having collaborated on the last Giant album ‘Promise Land’, a mighty fine piece of work albeit perhaps not deserving of the Giant name without Dann Huff.
In these days of manufactured albums it is encouraging that nearly all the songs here are written by the pair with the occasional help from collaborators like Mike Slamer and Jeff Adams.
While Terry’s vocals are unmistakable, a bit rougher edged than of yore but very melodic, there is the odd song that sounds nothing like it and where I presume his guitar partner has taken the mic, notably second song ‘What’s It To Ya’ as he spits out venomous lyrics in a song reminiscent of Night Ranger or early Winger.
Terry is back for ‘Young Again’ with some Bon Jovi-esque verses and an anthemic, nostalgic chorus, even if it sounds almost like a redux of opener ‘Young Gun’.
However the whole album has a nearly but not quite feel – take ‘Don’t Know Why’ which has a promising chorus hook but ends anti-climactically, while the tempo of the album drops in the middle and in trying to rescue momentum ‘We Are’ and ‘Fighter’ both lapse into cliché.
‘Distant Voices’, with its elegiac lyrics and some very Joey Tempest-like vocal phrasing, was the stand out cut for me while there are a couple of later gems in the more up-tempo, melodic ‘My City’ and the ballad ‘Never Giving Up’, both showcasing Terry Brock at his best.
While the pair have carved out a very solid album that certainly grows on you with repeated listens, it lacks that extra sparkle to stand out from a very crowded pack. ***
Review by 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.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
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.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
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)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
