Quick plays: DA VINCI, LEPROUS

DA VINCI Ambition Rocks

DA VINCI Ambition Rocks AOR Heaven [Release date 25.08.17]

It has been a mere 25 years since Da Vinci last released an album, the rather good ‘Back In Business’. The 2017 version of the band appears to only feature guitarist Gunnar Westlie and keyboards player Dag Selboskar (his playing really stands out on many songs) from that album/line-up. Vocalist Erling Ellingsen fits the band’s sound well, as they draw heavily on a keyboards led 80′s melodic rock sound that they excelled in back in the day.

The opening salvo of songs on the album are chock full of keys, catchy guitar riffs and melody, with ‘Vicious Circle’ and ‘I’ve Come All The Way’ taking you back to the glory days of 80′s Scandi melodic rock. However, the album does have some so-so songs as the album progresses that wash over the listener’s ears without much impact. The ballad ‘Angel’ would have been all over the radio back in the day, complete with a lovely piece of piano on the outro.

Da Vinci are back, not so much with a bang more a loud pop. Fans of the band will want to hear this, otherwise can’t see them winning over many new listeners in a very crowded marketplace. That said, do listen to the opening few songs as they are classy melodic rock. ***

Review by Jason Ritchie

LEPROUS - Malina

LEPROUS Malina Inside Out [Release date 25.08.17]

There has been a line-up change in Leprous since their last album with long-standing guitarist Øystein Landsverk leaving the band and his replacement is Robin Ognedal, who makes his recording debut with the band on this album.

For those not familiar with the music of Leprous, they like to delve into many musical genres and have a distinctive modern feel to their music, thanks to the keys/programming of Einar Solberg. He also has a distinctive, high pitched singing style that brings to mind bands like Muse or Radiohead.

The album’s lead song, ‘From The Flame’, has the band produce a very accessible song, yet on ‘Captive’ they show their musical chops off in style and weave intricate musical patterns, with the guitar and keys playing complimenting each other. Like fellow label mates Haken, Leprous excel in harmony vocals on songs, none more so than on ‘Leashes’, where cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne adds to the magical musical mix.

Challenging listening in parts, the melody is always king and you marvel at the vocals of Einar Solberg. Leprous go from strength to strength, with their musical ideas showing no signs of stopping, something that can halt a few bands once they have a few albums under their belts. ****

Review by 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.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: Sunday 14 April

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 7 April 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 2 April 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024

ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)


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