Album review: TIMSON AOR – Next Level

Website [Release date 28.02.24]

Timson AOR are back with their second album, released almost a year after their enjoyable debut ‘Forever’s Not Enough’. Timson AOR consists of Mark Timson (guitars, bass, keys, synths, drum programming) and Lukky S (vocals, lead guitar, bass, keys).

The strength of this album is very much like the debut, in that both musicians love 80s AOR/melodic rock and create songs that hark back to that era, with their own added modern touches. Take the lead single, ‘The Wind Whispers (Your Name)’, a perfect piece of catchy melodic rock, that has been done many times before, however, when you have the melody and vocals Timson AOR have you’re onto a winner. Of more recent bands Khymera are treading a similar musical path.

Prime time keyboards drenched AOR to be heard on ‘Wake the Night’, complete with a nifty guitar solo. Nothing too flashy but enough to whip out the old air guitar. Shades of this reviewer’s favourite Toto album ‘Isolation’ on ‘The Last Ride’. A song chock full of layered keys and synths, and a knockout chorus.

‘From the Ashes’ ticks the ballad box, featuring a fine vocal performance from Lukky. ‘Starlight’ is a perfect single in the waiting and another one to feature a soaring guitar solo. Quick mention of closer ‘Farewell’, a short but sweet ballad and one that uses vocal harmonies to good effect.

Timson AOR have again produced an album of enjoyable, 80s influenced AOR/melodic rock. Yes, it has been done many times before but these guys nail that classic 80s sound without sounding dated. With two fine albums under their musical belts no pressure on album number three then! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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