Escape Music [Release date 21.06.24]
Atlantic is the brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Simon Harrison, who released their debut album ‘Power’ back in 1994 (re-issued by Escape in 2008). It was originally planned to be a one-off – until now (a mere thirty years later!) we have album number two, ‘Another World’.
Atlantic’s ‘Power’ album is a much revered release amongst AOR fans (although this reviewer never really warmed to it), featuring ELO Part II’s Phil Bates on vocals. On this album only Simon Harrison remains from the line-up that recorded ‘Power’ and he is joined by vocalist Mark Grimmett (brother of Steve of Grim Reaper and Lionsheart fame), who Simon met on the late nineties.
They started recording the album in 2021 with a number of musicians helping in the recording, including former Grim Reaper bassist Julian D. Hill and guitarist Nick Burr, most known for his excellent axework on the early Lionsheart albums.
Opener ‘Ready Or Not’ gives you a good idea of what to expect, from the synths intro through to the crisply sounding guitars, the listener knows they are in for a treat. Crystal clear production is another tick in favour of the album. ‘Without Love’ follows a similar musical path and the chorus is immense. Bigger than an elephant’s backside!
Atlantic nail the ballads. ‘Hold On’ is the stand out, whilst fellow air-keyboards peeps will have a ball on ‘Loving Arms’. The guitars throughout the album are another stand out, particularly the intro on ‘Dream About You’.
A bit of good time melodic rock ‘This Ain’t Love’, closes the album. Reminiscent of FM and the Brian Howe fronted Bad Company. If Atlantic do ever venture onto the stage, this would be shoe-in for the setlist.
If you have any albums from the likes of Dare, FM or Journey in your album collection Atlantic will be a worthy and welcome addition.
This summer’s AOR album has arrived! Lush keys, harmonies, plenty of lovestruck lyrical themes, soaring guitar solos and the vocals of Mark Grimmett, who adds that extra bit of class to the whole musical proceedings. ***1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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