Frontiers [release date 21.03.23]
First Mecca album to be released in Europe since the Brexit Referendum.
And the suitably titled opener, ‘And Now The Magic is Gone’ turns out to be the album’s big moment.
Everlasting is not quite as star studded as the two previous Mecca releases, but there are still a few big(ish) names in the cast list, with guest players Tommy Denander, Stefano Lionetti and Vivien Lalu backing up singer, Joe Vana with tough, but compelling guitar and keyboard work.
If AOR could ever be described as contemporary, this album goes some way toward it, escaping the genre’s inclination toward soft rock and pop. The mellow has been edged out, but the smooth is still here.
Full of understated urgency, that opening song, ‘And Now The Magic is Gone’ is one of the classiest melodic rock songs to be heard this side of Marcie Free’s Signal album. You sit up and take notice.
‘Rules Of The Heart’ and ‘I Won’t Walk Away’ follow the same course, further uncovering rich veins of slick and sophisticated melodic rock, previously mined by Alias, Toto, Unruly Child and other high calibre practitioners of the genre.
Alessandro DelVecchio’s perfectly pitched production shines a light on axeman, Sven Larsson. Frequently, we hear his colourfully calibrated guitar work walking hand in hand with Vana’s vocals. An album highpoint.
‘Your Walls Are Crumbling Down’ stands out because it’s different. It’s a pithy protest song, no less. An anti war polemic, with a lyrical depth you don’t normally find in the genre. It catches the prevailing mood, “you’re a liar, a snake crawling in the grass”. Wonder who that insult is aimed at.
It’s different yes, but in common with the rest of Everlasting it’s a successful marriage of image and drama and music, as is the countrified title track, which might just point the way ahead for Vana. ****
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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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 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
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