Okay, there is nothing amazingly new here, but why should there be? The album is what it is and it's good at it. The songs stick and that's the whole point of melodic songwriting, isn’t it?
“Live For Tonight” has more than a hint of Kiss and “Crazy Crazy Nights” about it. “Caroline” offers with a nicely-paced breather highlighting Lundgren’s good, but not very Bon Scott, voice.
“Million Miles,” “Hold Me,” “Livin,” and “Stop Crying” all draw on various influences providing a strong midsection to the album. “Chains” is lifted nicely by Lars guitar work. “Evil In Mind” opens powerfully taking us back in time even further.
“Traitorous” leads into the highlight closer, the strangely titled “Oulbemi Vampire," a melodic ballad. This is eighties AOR done very well indeed.
Neondaze is a highly competent, easily digestible, radio friendly, and promising debut album. It leaves you knowing that there is plenty more where that came from and in the meantime gives us some well-crafted, well-played songs that stick in your mind. A promising debut.
You can visit band's official website or their Myspace profile for a listen.
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