Frontiers Music [Release date: 24.04.26]

“In the beginning of 2020, Generation Radio came together with the intent to form a band with a purpose — to bring classic 1980s rock back to life.”

So says the band’s website.

Formed by Jason (Chicago) Scheff and Jay (Rascall Flatts) DeMarcus (also producer), along with Chris Rodriguez, Tom Yankton and THE Steve Ferrone. On their self titled debut, the band largely succeeded in resurrecting a genre whose audience was still shrinking.

In reality, the follow up leans more into Country Rock than it does AOR.

Yes, there are few “AOR” covers… an anodyne version of Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’; a tame version of Chicago’s ‘You’re The Inspiration’, and a forgettable version of Kenny Loggin’s ‘It’s Alright’.
So far, so disappointing.

Eleven years ago the Guardian newspaper published an excoriating critique condemning Country Music’s lyrical reliance on cliché.
It’s changed a lot since then, but there still remains a thin line between poignant storytelling and tired tropes.

DeMarcus’s skill is in staying the right side of the line.

The album starts well. ‘Montana Sky’ is delivered with precision and poise. Jason Scheff gives Chicago a nod on this polished slice of classic Melodic Rock, meticulously rendered in a glossy, 3D production, much in the manner of the maestro, David Foster.

DeMarcus and the band win big with ‘The Melody’, a yearning country song, full of simple, slicked up sentiments weighted with the power of remembered moments.

‘Hate The Heart’ is up there too, connecting with the foundation that underpinned the best country rock down through the years.

It’s nearly outdone by ‘These Days’, a rejuvenated version of the old Rascal Flatts’ hit song. It wears it sentiments on its sleeve, walking a fine line. “the next thing you know, I’m reminiscing, dreaming old dreams, wishing you were back again”.

Elsewhere, the bittersweet romance of ‘Maybe Monday’ carries genuine emotion, and ‘Grass Is Greener’ is awash with the cool westcoast rock we associated with Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs.

And final flourish, ‘For A Soldier’ could easily have turned maudlin, but raises the stakes, becoming the beating heart of the album, by telling its tale with unaffected honesty. ***1/2

Review by Brian McGowan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 12 April 2026.

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Power Plays w/c 13 April 2026

DOGMA Fate Unblinds (MNRK Heavy)
SEVENDUST Threshold (Napalm Records)
OH HIROSHIMA Broken Sunlight (Pelagic Records)
HARSH Back To Life (Fireflash Records)
KING KRAKEN Call To War (indie)
HIGHWAY QUEEN Bring Me Home Tonight (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 13 April 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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