I like this record. I can't help but like it – it's so, well….nice!
The pink and fluffy brigade is in full force on this, the debut
Frozen Rain album, which comes after a 5 track sampler late last
year.
Frozen Rain is more or less the brain child of
Kurt Vereecke from Belgium. He plays keyboards,
synth bass and provides backing vocals as well as mixing much of
the whole project. Helping him out is a relative 'who's who' of
the AOR world, with Tommy Denander striking yet
again on guitars (yes, you know the guitar sound this will have
already); Daniel Flores (drums); Guido
Priori (from Myland, on backing vocals); Steve
Newman guests on rhythm guitars as does Jim Santos
(Norway). There are still several more involved that round out the
full band performance.
This album is completely and entirely a traditional European 80s
AOR release. From the light vocals to the fluffy keyboards and the
sentimental subject matter within the lyrics. The band doesn't try
to take on any new ground or put a new twist on something they know
already works. It is all very familiar and safe, but sometimes that's
what works.
The opening track is ultimately a very catchy AOR anthem that I
can't fault. I think fans of European AOR will enjoy this. Wire
Of Love is also very enjoyable – both featuring vocalist
Johan Waem. His last vocal Little
Angel is also good – he's the standout vocalist
on this record. Johan returns towards the end for another solid
European AOR track Red Light Zone (featuring Steve
Newman). Never Be A Fool Again is one of the albums
better tracks, with a slightly moodier feel, but still heaps of
keyboards. Music
Keeps Me Alive is another
song that captures the classic 80s AOR vibe.
Generally uptempo in its delivery and staying true to the European
80s AOR formula, Frozen Rain is a pleasant album of likable pop/AOR
tracks. In a year of good music for traditionalists, this is another
worthwhile release that should be checked out.
Review by Andrew McNeice
Rating: 85 % |
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