Hugo's Voyage - Inception (Frontiers Music SRL)

For decades there has been a void. That void was created when Steve Perry negotiated his way out of Journey back in 1998. Perry made out like a bandit financially, but jilted fans were left at the rock and roll altar for the second time in a little more than 10 years' time. Journey was a band before Steve, and the conventional wisdom believed that the band could go on without him. 25 years and 3 lead singers later, the band continues, but has never recaptured the magic that was the Steve Perry era. The band has so far recorded 5 full length albums and contributed to the highly successful Armageddon Soundtrack. But Perry's absence from the band has left a gaping, sentimental hole. Each subsequent attempt to replace him has been an exercise in futility and pragmatism. Find someone who can hit the notes. Ironically, it's on again, off again drummer Deen Castronovo who might be the best imitation as a member of Neal Schon's offshoot band Journey Through Time. And as time marches on, it gets harder for current singer Arnel Pineda to maintain the legacy. Pineda now 56, has lost a lot of his doppelganger credentials. Early on he made fans forget about Steve Perry with enthusiasm and athleticism. But 15 years later it's wearing thin. And with the 74-year-old Perry constantly teasing the possibility of new music, some fans have become disenchanted with the whole Journey franchise. With that said, the band is still selling out large arenas despite not having the magic they once had. 

On the other hand, Hugo Valenti has been fooling audiences now for decades. His band Voyage is the top Journey tribute band in the world. And Hugo's vocal cords appear to be intact. At age 60, Valenti sounds more like the old Steve Perry than anyone else on the scene. Hugo employs every last one of Perry's vocal licks. The elongated notes moving from one key to another. The OH-EE-OH vocal exaggerations. It's patterned after Perry who borrowed it from Sam Cooke. It's something Pineda doesn't really do in the current Journey. 

Voyage was doing fine playing the old Journey classics to packed houses. But Hugo was inspired during the lockdowns. He began writing and the results are breathtaking. The melodies and production are classic Journey and even tap into solo Steve Perry material. Guitarist Robbie Hoffman is tasteful and complimentary to the legacy of Neal Schon. 

There are 12 songs on Inception, one of them an instrumental which is the title track to the album. There is also a Boston influence on this record as well. The first single, "Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" is an instant classic. The keyboard intro alone is a showstopper. After a few songs, it feels like a Steve Perry album. Hugo's voice is so close it becomes part of your Perry consciousness. There are subtle differences, but nobody comes closer than Hugo. "I'll Be Around" has everything a fan of the early Perry years could want. An up-tempo instrumental flurry of layered guitars and melodic soloing at the end. It sounds like a lost track from Infinity. "Sound of a Broken Heart" feels like a leftover from Steve Perry's 1984 album Street Talk. Hugo understands that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. He does this again on the beautiful "In My Heart." The song is somewhat reminiscent of Journey's Still They Ride. Honestly there are so many reference points, that it's hard to cite them all. You will find your own. 

"Crazy What Love Can Do" has a groove much like that of Suzanne from Raised on Radio. The melodies are all nostalgic yet original. These are new music shoes with old soles on them. "September Love" is a pure power ballad with soaring lead vocals and harmonies. Drummer Dana Spellman adds a soulful backbeat to every last one of these songs. "The Voyage" is a tune named after the band (think Bad Company by Bad Company). It's a high flying, soulful mid-tempo rocker. Maybe even a tad progressive which might be a nod to Journey albums like Departure and Evolution. Legendary bassist Greg Smith handles the bottom end like a pro, cause well, he is one. His presence just adds more credibility to this project. Keyboardist Lance Miller has got his Jonathan Cain mojo kicking throughout. There are jazzy and classical references throughout. His work on the album's opening instrumental title track is brilliant. 

Inception is not bashful about its love for the 80's. A great example would be the lite rock favorite, "A Friend Like You" (featuring Ray Hermann from the band Chicago on saxophone). This is a radio programmers dream. The entire album. Hugo closes things out with the very personal and poignant "When Heaven Makes An Angel". Somewhat outside the Journey template, it makes for a nice ending to a perfect set of Steve Perry sounding music. It's all here. Even skeptics will embrace this as something that they've been missing all of these years. Better late than never. Inception is the best melodic rock album of 2023. It was badly needed at this point in rock music history. I'm thinking Steve Perry might even like it.

(album rating 10.0)

Revolution Saints - Eagle Flight (Album Review)

Revolution Saints are back with their long awaited 4th album called "Eagle Flight". In melodic rock circles this might be the most important release of 2023. Deen Castronovo returns as the relunctant, yet effective lead singer of a band that has undergone a complete overhaul. Guitarist Doug Aldrich has been replaced by the equally impressive Joel Hoekstra. And Jack Blades also left the band and has been replaced by Jeff Pilson. And with Hoekstra and Pilson on board, The Rev Saints are grittier and somewhat more dramatic and theatrical. Alessandro Del Vecchio returns as the producer, songwriter and visionary behind the franchise. 

The first single "Eagle Flight" builds in dramatic fashion, with Del Vecchio adding his classically trained keyboards to a soaring Castronovo who breaks from his Steve Perry imitations to be his own singer. The new approach pays dividends from the first notes. The title track could easily have been a mainstay on rock radio stations 35 years ago. Joel Hoekstra really helps change this band for the better. His style is more to the point but retains that guitar hero feel. "Talking Like Strangers" is a solid rocker as is the the more laid back "Need Each Other". The latter starts as a mid-tempo power ballad that kicks into overdrive. Deen is in great voice on this entire record. His current stint with Journey is keeping his vocal chords in fine working order. Of course the drumming throughout is impeccable and grounded. 

"Kids Will Be Kids" is another concise standout track. Del Vecchio adds his powerful background vocals to Castronovo's high tenor. The blend is quite impressive especially with a good pair of headphones on. "I'll Cry For You Tonight" is an airy orchestral arrangment that nears ballad status but Hoekstra and Pilson keep you occupied with their instrumental back and forth. The bridge into the guitar solo is classic. "Crime of The Century" is more reminscient of older Rev Saints with it's guitar growl intro and a somewhat melancholy hook. Deen's drums are front and center. 

"Set Yourself Free" is a guitar showcase for Hoekstra who builds and cranks the amps while Deen and Alessandro almost duet with both voices intertwined at certain moments. "Sacred" is a driving FM radio ready rocker that has a nice sonic sheen to it. In general this album is near perfect for radio airplay. "Once More" opens with an orchestral piano with both Deen and Alessandro vocalizing. The refrain is moody and Joel H makes good on some great guitar fills. "Save it All" is an uptempo high energy closer.

The vocal arrangements are going to prove to be very important for listeners on this record. These are top notch musicians. These are super well written songs. There is no low point on the record where you would fast forward to the next song. Deen Castronovo has found a new voice. Jeff Pilson is now in yet another rock band and sounds perfect there. And Joel Hoekstra makes a meaningful impact throughout. The big surprise is how Alessandro Del Vecchio is the unsung 4th man. He adds really impressive vocals and different keyboard sounds. You probably won't find a better melodic rock album in 2023. There's just too much talent here and the music is stubbornly catchy and polished. The Revolution Saints have taken flight with their Mach II lineup and the sky's the limit as to how far this new band will go.

Album Rating 9.8

The Ransom Brothers - Resurgence (Album Review)

Austin Texas is a hot bed for music these days. And in this particular case, the music is a combination of rock, red dirt country, southern rock, blues and pop. The Ransom Brothers defy catagories. They use fiddles and harmonicas. They play loud guitars and Hammond B-3s. These are guys who love to rock out and they are hard to define. "Jesus Dancing" is a an uptempo pseudo-religious romp that immediately unites the rockers and the outlaws. "East Side" switches gears to a more heartland rock sound that combines gospel and soul. The piano is yet another well played instrument in a wide arsenal. Lead Singer Sean McHargue establishes a rebellious tone as he belts out various well written lyrical musings. The song evolves into a melodic jam band, everything and the kitchen sink moment. "Baby Doll" and it's cold vocal intro is followed by more soulful singing and the merger of country, pop and R&B. "Guillotine" is mid-tempo rock radio material. Vocally brisk with a blazing fiddle and a robust crescendo of stringed instruments that build as the song progresses. "Back To Today" is more on the red dirt country side of things but still retains that multi-instrument richness. The hook is big like 90's country with an alternative rock flavor. "Charlene" rocks that harmonica and nurses a Dylan sized hangover. This band isn't just throwing tunes together hoping they work. These guys are serious. But there is a simplicity and humility in every song. This is where jam band meets country and southern rock. The results are one-of-a-kind. I could jam to this over and over again. By the way, Charlene is too old for this guy. "The Pot and The Kettle" melds southern rock with pop and gets more kudos for uniqueness and accessibility. Guitar solo included. "One Night In Charlotte" is old school country music that tells an epic story. Extended fiddles and acoustic guitars mingle for a more than ordinary torch burner. "Shut Up" forges various guitar forms into a southern rock anthem who's lyrics will zap your brain long after the last chord zings. "Fighting For Air" is a melodic southern rock meets classic country hook. Each song is both familiar sounding but original in its presentation. "Decatur" is an incredible ballad that accelerates into a mid-tempo rocker with all of the country and southern rock sensibilities still in place. The story is more than enough to get the attention of someone who still cares about well written songs. The fiddles and lead guitar play off each other recalling a time when this kind of music was mainstream on rock stations in the late 70's. "Black Flags" rounds out this incredible set as a last stand for outlaws looking for shelter. Guitars blazing. Vocals soaring. Volume knob busted off. Super big mention to fiddler John Thomas and drummer Austin Wilson. And the lead guitars of Daniel Solis. This band has the chops in addition to the authentic, hard to pigeon-hole sound. A monster work. 12 dangerously good format busting songs...

Album Rating 9.9

First Night - Deep Connection (album review)

First Night is a band from Estonia. South of Sweden. West of Russia. Not a household place for melodic rock and tough to find on a map. But this power house band from Nordic land has mastered the art of melodic rock like few bands on the scene today. Rather then being overproduced or riddled with compression and mindless noises, FN thrives on simple, big ear candy production ideas. The result is a stunningly pure minimalist foray into the world of Def Leppard with strong hints of Toto and Survivor along with other 80's reference points. The material on this album is well written and instantly finds a place in your musical consciousness. 

"These Hearts" opens this extended set with an instant melodic punch and could easily be considered a hit song. The chorus is big, the production is lush, and those Mutt Lange references are all over the place. "Little Love" combines bright keyboard flourishes with a crystal clear acoustic guitar. It's a real power ballad that gets brighter and more meaningful with each listen. I kept going back to listen to this one over and over. "Beginning of The End" opens with a flashy keyboard riff coupled with upbeat guitar work. The pairing is present from start to finish. Rather then opt for the big wall of sound, instruments fall in and build as the songs progress. "Savage Heart" follows this formula perfectly and includes a great storyline. "It's Only Feeling" is a moody late night driving tune featuring a churning rhythm section and a blissfully sparse arrangement. 

Keyboard intros are so cool. And "Love Me" has one. But then it builds into a great mid-tempo runner filled with all of the earphone textures your ears can handle. The choruses are large and impactful as if the songs are actually really good, which they are. Songwriting and production. Not one or the other but both! "Don't Ever Say Goodbye" showcases the First Night vocal blend by employing an instant hook and a chorus that you will hear in your sleep. And lets not forget the perfect guitar solo at the end.  "Someone" is a made to order top 40 song from 1987. All of these melodies are original even if they cheerfully borrow from the  bands we grew up listening to. 

"Is Your Love Alive" sounds like Toto stole Def Leppard's musical aura and decided to make a song from it. The hook is relentlessly catchy and captures every great 80's stereotype. "Talk To Me" pilfers from Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You" mostly on atmospherics and tempo. All of this music is pleasantly derivative of other bands but still retains it's own identity.

"Suddenly" is slightly more pop oriented than most of the other songs, yet again it still retains the overall sound of this wonderful band. "Can't Forget" has a Journey Raised on Radio vibe with a punchy bassline and speaker filling keyboard flashes and those Def Leppard vocals. "In The Name of Love" starts with a long guitar intro that thoughtfully builds to the lyrics. When we get there we are totally ready for this epic song. 

By this point in the album, the band has added some real swagger to their musical footsteps. The hooks seem to get better. The choruses more memorable. I mean, wow! What an album! This is First Night's second album. Their first one was excellent. But the quality of material and musicianship here make "Deep Connection" an early contenter for melodic rock record of 2023. Just outstanding. Thirteen songs that will keep your ears happy and craving another listen. 

Album Rating 9.9
 

Torben Enevoldsen - Transition (Album Review)

Gifted Ax-Man Torben Enevoldsen returns with another kick-ass instrumental guitar rock album. The content is mostly upbeat melodic jams with all kinds of twists and turns. With help from Pete Steincke on Bass and Dennis Hansen on drums. There are progressive and classical influences throughout this 10 track onslaught. There are no skip worthy tracks. 

The opener, "In Orbit" sets the tone for the rest of the material. Composing 10 unique and interesting melodies is not an easy task these days. Yet it all sounds fresh and engaging. "Backslide" is guitar fireworks as the same refrain is revisited multiple times in different ways. The chugging of the rhythm section is a perfect musical backdrop for the guitar expressions of a master painter. "Beyond The Sky" is jazz infused boogie that inclines to higher highs as it progresses. "Fool-Proof" is a lyrical jam that gets guitar nasty as it smears more paint on the canvas. "Out of The Ordinary" is a late night landscape of subdued soloing and fine wine atmospherics. 

"DNA" is the big Deep Purple meets Van Halen opus, riffing and improving to some musical memory of rock dinosaurs feasting on metal scraps from long ago. "DNA" feels like a radio song. "Home" is more subdued and even tranquil. The melody line begs for a lyric or an idea that the listener can grapple with. "Memories" combines a large hook with some persistent fills that all work in tandem. All the influences are there. Classical, jazz and metal. A swirling concoction of six string fury. 

"Bounce Back" is a road rage rocker that finds an open lane and hits the cruise control at 80. "Enough Said" is a culmination of everything with pent up guitar frustration and more twisting, turning and melting of internal soundboard components. A great way to leave the listener wanting more! 

Thankfully Torben has another album called 5.1 that you can rock out to with equal joy and excitement. This is some of the finest instrumental guitar rock on planet earth today. 

Album Rating 9.8

Khymera - Hold Your Ground (Album Review) Frontiers Music Srl

Khymera first began as a melodic rock vehicle for former Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh. The project band began in 2005 and has continued off and on up until this most recent offering. Dennis Ward took over on vocals after Walsh departed the scene. Each one of the albums have had at least a handful of high quality, radio ready melodic rockers. American radio programmers have no interest in this type of music anymore. It's up to the diehard fans to spread the word when a new album drops. 

"Hold Your Ground" is a very focused project that will take the listener back to the 80's rock radio format. Ward's lead vocals are smooth and powerful. The material is as good as any of the prior releases. The first song from this collection "Don't Wait For Love" is a classic with a poweful drum sound and a first listen long lasting big impression. Next is the first single "Firestarter". It glides in loaded with passion and melodrama. There is a side to this music that is somewhat progressive and unpredicable. Michael Klein's guitar work is more gritty than the band's other offerings. The layered vocals, atmospheric choruses and big drum sound are all great workout mechanisms for a good quality stereo system. Veteran keyboardist Eric Ragno is consistently adding the perfect frosting for the Khymera cake. Dennis Ward's bass playing coupled with drummer Michael Kolar give the rythmn section some added punch. 

"Here Me Calling" is part power ballad and part heavier rocker. The twists and turns within the melody make this track and equal to the first single. These are well written songs both lyrically and musically. Klein's guitar solos are eloquent and to the point. Ragno's keyboard intro to "Sail On Forever" adds a hint of prog to a very memorable building hook. Ward's vocals might be his best ever for a Khymera project. It would be nice if these guys took this show on the road! "Our Love Is Killing Me" is a beautiful power ballad with an organic piano sound underneath a soaring Ward who really channels both Steve Perry and Joe Elliot. It's like Def Journey with a hint of Alias or Guiffria. 

"Hear What I'm Saying" rocks out with stellar guitar work that weaves in and out of a passionate vocal. Dennis Ward's higher notes are on par with Paul Stanley in his prime. "Believe In What You Want" feels like an instant hit single, if that is even possible these days. Choppy little guitar hooks and a solid bass line and the ideal chorus about that universal billion downloading idea - believing! "On The Edge" features Ragno's pallette of keyboard sounds and a galloping guitar from Klein. These guys take the melodic rock art form to new heights. Everything is tight and moves along without anything too self indulgent. 

"Could Have Been Us" is another radio caliber song with a cold start followed by a slew of guitar moves. The melody and the story of city hall is a bit of a curve ball lyrically. The background vocals are on point. "Runaway" begins with Ward's naked vocal and Klein's riff work. It evolves into another very unique sounding track that is like punky progressive melodic rock. "Am I Dreaming" rounds out this very impressive collection of songs with the same high quality hook making and songwriting. All of these tunes are FM rock radio bangers and deserve to be heard.

I've listened to all of the Khymera albums and I own two of them and this one is the best out of the bunch. This feels like next level Khymera. This album is a must have for 2023. 

(Album Rating 9.7)