When Marcus Lundgren appeared on Swedish TV talent show Star Search he decided to be the late, great Bon Scott of AC/DC fame. He lost, but sometimes good can come from even the most disappointing defeat.
Watching television that night was Lars Boquist. The former Reptilian and Pole Position guitarist was mightily impressed and quickly invited Lundgren to audition for a new band he was putting together with bass player Jesper Lahn and ex-Miss Behaviour drummer Hampus Landin. When the three heard Lundgren, the final piece of Neondaze fell into place.
The plan was to perform powerful, riff-driven, melodic rock and they set out to write a set of hook-laden songs. Sweden has a thriving melodic rock scene and to make any impression their band would have to be very good indeed. The eponymous debut from the group achieves both goals, hitting most of the right targets in the process.
Neondaze rocks out with twelve solid tracks filled with enough hooks to reel in plenty of instant admirers. From the opening of “Intoxicated,” one of the most effective tracks on the album, you know this band is capable of making an impression.
Guitarist Lars Boquist is quite exceptional. In Lundgren they have found a vocalist with enough presence, voice, and talent to carry the band forward. With Landin and Lahn driving the band's tight and powerful rhythm section, Neondaze have delivered a highly effective first album. Never overstated and never overplayed, they write high quality rock tracks that showcase their indubitable talent and promise.
“Critical Mass” picks up where “Intoxicated” left off with a powerful piece of catchy, hard-edged rock. Who do they sound like? The band themselves describe their as containing "the power of Hardcore Superstar, the hooks of The Poodles, and the songwriting talents of Brother Firetribe."
Now maybe it’s just me having had too much vino collapso or too many late nights, but isn’t there just a hint of Autograph, a splash of Def Leppard, a brief dash of Kiss, and, dare I say it, The Darkness guitar mixed down in there too? Whatever it is, on a power melodic rock level it works.
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