Belgian
born Kurt Vereecke had a dream. To be able someday
to release an AOR album in which he could incorporate all of his influences,
yet sounding fresh and spontaneous. Although the odds were against
him and in spite of many disappointments that came along the way,
Kurt never gave up the struggle and finally made it happen with Frozen
Rain.
Having
on
his side some distinguished AOR persons, such as Tommy Denander
(Radioactive), Steve Newman (Newman), Daniel
Flores (Mind's Eye) and Jim Santos (Norway)
amongst others, he created a sound that recollects 80s Scandi and
US AOR without imitating it. Treat, Drive
She Said and Heartland are some of the
names that come to mind from the first note. Keyboards are everywhere
and, trust me, they do sound great. Production is rich, shiny and
thick, in one word excellent as any AOR album with self-esteem should
have. Add some high-class guitar work from two favourites of mine
Denander & Newman, plus such a summertime feeling, to which
I don't have any defenses, and you have the complete picture.
I always look up to men who follow their inner voice and refuse
to compromise their principals by chasing their dream. Don't miss
the opportunity to make contact with a swell AOR record. The Frozen
Rain debut is full of hard-to-forget melodies, big choruses,
exemplary musicianship, fantastic cover and booklet artwork, and
most of all vision. Kurt is up-and-coming. He's fresh blood and
our genre (AOR of course, what else?) needs such visionaries badly.
Buy!
Review by Stefanos Lountzis
Rating:
8/10
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