This is album number twelve from these veteran melodic pomp rockers, released in 2020. The only surviving early member is vocalist James Christian, and he is joined here with killer guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Chris Tristram, and BJ Zampa on the pots and pans.
The title track opens up Side 1 and it is a slick, well produced, killer tune. Great vocal and melody, and as usual Jimi Bell brings the rock. Changes sounds epic right from the get go with the orchestral keyboard intro and we are dipping our toe here in progressive waters. Melodic Prog indeed! One More is up next and this a straight up kick ass rocker. Mr. Bell provides the right amount of riffage, and I love the swing of this one. Ballad number one is next with Perfectly (You And I) and as usual with ballads, the solo is the high point for me. Side 1 closes out with The Both Of Us. Nice riff and a four to the floor groove.
Chemical Rush opens up Side 2 in fine rockin’ style at the intro with a nice fat riff, and I have to say this song feels so familiar. We’re All That We Got follows and is a slick aor melodic monster, with a great hook and chorus. Better Off Broken starts with the usual killer riff and the hook and chorus are really cool, plus it’s my favourite track. $ Bucks Of Gasoline follows and is the only track to have Tommy Denander on guitar. A nice busy riff and groove, with an added earworm chorus. The Chase feels like Aerosmith at the intro and the verse for sure. The album closes out with The Summit and gets the award for most rockin’ track on the record.
A good album that has been spoiled somewhat by a very noisy pressing.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
