Frontiers [Release date: 09.09.22]
Taboo is an interesting marriage of the old and the new… Pretty Maids’ guitarist and guiding light, Ken Hammer and H.E.R.O’s singer, writer, producer Steffan Stjerne.
Sony recording artist, H.E.R.O is “Big in Japan”, racking up numerous hit singles and albums. Pretty Maid’s track record is lengthy and needs no recitation. It’s an unusual as well as an interesting match up.
Opening tracks, ‘Flames’ and ‘Bleeding’ (introducing us to a fondness for one word song titles) lay out the duo’s stall with a flourish. Both are powerful, high voltage, contemporary pop metal… moody, bipolar … moving from quieter moments to a full blown chorus in the blink of an eye, and back again. There are shades here of Linkin Park and Panic At The Disco.
These openers are not equalled or indeed surpassed until later in the album.
In fact, the rich, cross fertilised results of the duo’s writing and recording are not fully realised until track 5, ‘Powerless’, which combines all their influences in one explosive rock song, gilding an emotional, pleading verse with a surging chorus that hits you like a blast of superheated air.
Bookending an adrenalised version of Charlie Puth’s ‘See You Again’, the pulse quickening, HEAT like ‘It’s About Time’ and the thoroughly modern alt pop/rock of ‘Sensational’ are almost as impactful, each displaying the same compelling mix and match of the duo’s individual musical direction.
Much sought after studio technician and mixing desk magician, Jacob Hansen has mastered and mixed with his usual clarity and flair.
Taboo is a cool, provocative move by Frontiers. Maybe a signpost to future direction. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
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.
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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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