Cleopatra Records [Release date 21.04.23]
Whilst it is good to see a seventies band re-appear (in white suits) to capture former glories ‘Once Upon A Time’ isn’t the album to achieve modern notoriety.
The problem is the inconsistent production. Maybe this is designed to give the album a seventies under-produced authentic sound? This is best demonstrated on a potential highlight ‘Black Moon Rising’. In particular the appalling drum sound.
There’s nothing actually wrong with the songs or the performances. Evidently another example of musicians recording separately and the music bounced through the ether to be re-assembled.
Back in action again is original vocalist Frank DiMino with founder member guitarist Punky Meadows and both lift this album. They are joined by the line-up on previous album ‘Risen’ (2019).
The band was originally discovered by Gene Simmons who signed them to his Casablanca label. A fair few “names” passed through their ranks including Greg Giuffria (House Of Lords), Fergie Frederiksen (Toto), Rudy Szaro (Quiet Riot etc) and Steve Blaze (Lillian Axe).
Any band who can put out a track ‘Once Upon A Time An Angel And A Devil Fell In Love (And It Did Not End Well)’ deserves our utmost respect. File under “not to be taken too seriously”. And do look at the band logo whilst standing on your head. ***
Review by David Randall
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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)
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14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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