Album review: TERRA NOVA – Ring That Bell

Lion Music [Release date 27.05.22]

Terra Nova have been around since 1992, so it is fitting that thirty years after forming they are back with their first new album since 2018’s ‘Raise Your Voice’. Their 1997 offering ‘Livin’ It Up’ still gets a regular plays by this reviewer and on Lion Music they will get the decent push this album deserves.

The core trio of brothers Fred (vocals) & Ron (keys) Hendrix, and guitarist Gesuino Derosas are joined by Praying Mantis drummer Hans in’t Zandt. Not sure who plays the bass on this album but they do a fine job, laying down some funky bass lines.

The opening duo of ‘Carpe Diem’ and ‘Crank It Up’ are the type of songs Terra Nova excel at – heavy on the harmonies, keyboards and catchy choruses. Not that dissimilar to House Of Shakira. Speaking keyboards, those on ‘Touch Down’ are a thing of beauty! Upbeat music that is needed right now.

The title track utilises the band’s vocal harmonies to great effect. You find yourself joining in even after just one listen.

Of course there are ballads, with ‘Give Me Shelter’ just shading ‘Home’ and ‘Lightning Rod’, mainly for the vocal performance and emotive piano.

There is a lovely 70s West Coast/Journey/Little River Band vibe on ‘Where Do We Go From Here’. Very different from the rest of the album but it doesn’t seem out of place. Sublime guitar solo on this one too. ‘Running On Empty’ continues the Journey sound and again another fine guitar solo from Gesuino Derosas.

Terra Nova will appeal to fans of classic melodic rock and they have certainly pulled out the stops on this album. A very impressive and enjoyable listen. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)