Oddly enough, despite the name of the band there is not the slightest bit of resemblance to Styx. Per Svensson and Peter Sundell share the vocals to give the band a reach that many such acts don't have. Check out the vocal workout "Believe in Miracles" for a good example of why it works. The soaring "So Faraway" combines a heavy take on AOR with a great singalong aspect. This consistency of the album suggests while this band have endured through the ups and downs of the AOR music scene.
It's no wonder these guys continue to be lauded in AOR circles from Japan to the US. If you like classy AOR that never manages to get to mushy and wimpy then check this bunch out.
In Progress - Work of Art
Work of Art is yet another band with a name ripe for a backlash. And yet again it would be unwarranted. This bunch produces a variety of music that reminds the listener of House of Lords and their ilk. Its big choruses with lashes of keyboards and soaring vocals. In fact Lars Sarsfund sounds a bit like an amalgamation of Mark Free and James Christian's voices. "Eye of the Storm" could have appeared on Unruly Child's debut with ease.
This is a very slick trio who are not afraid to produce radio friendly AOR at its highest quality. Most of the band met at yet another college of music, this time in Sweden. There is a clear sound of Scandinavian AOR on here. Sweden seems to be able to produce this sort of quality AOR like the Sunset Strip of the LA produces sleaze rock.
There is no denying the quality of the music and now you can see why Melodicrock.com gushed so much about this band. Work of Art is a great AOR band that deserve all the kudos they get.
You Want It All EP - Sons of Icarus
Normally I don't review EPs because most don't have enough meat on the bones to make it worthwhile. This is a very big exception, as it features a bunch of young up-start British hard rockers itching to give bands like Rival Sons a run for their money. Well actually that is a bit lame because Sons of Icarus sound like they come from the LA strip and Rival Sons (from LA) sound like they were part of the London scene in the 70s. Not surprisingly, this bunch of hard working young rockers have opened for Rival Sons as well as the other hard rock hope The Answer.
Article comments