Yet another one and they’re done record. All I know about these guys is that they were from the US, were featured on CBS, and the band revolved around the amazing talents of guitarist/vocalist Gene Marchello. This album came to light in ’89 and I had heard one track, which I do believe was the single Brown Eyes. A great song with the customary huge hook and chorus, but with some epic axe playing that wouldn’t be out of place on some shredder record. Vocally there are parts to Gene’s voice that reminds me of Steve Perry. Couple that with some EVH style virtuoso guitar playing and you get the picture as to what these guys sound like.
Brown Eyes opens up the album, and is followed by the tongue in cheek Tight Pants. Crap title, but a great tune. Killer riff, hook and chorus, and that guitar is epic. Destiny is up next and I would say this song has a heavy Journey vibe, that is until the very heavy riffing that leads to the ripping solo section. First Love is AOR heaven for all you soft rock lovers, and Gene can certainly hit those high notes. What If closes out Side 1 and that riff is straight out of the 70’s, whereas the hook and chorus and main melody are AOR by numbers.
Living For #1 rips open Side 2 with a nice guitar effect and riff that would do a heavier band proud, although those Journey vibes are strong with the vocal melodies. It’s big ballad time next with Love Begins Again, and it’s obvious to me this is where Gene’s vocal talents lie. He has a perfect tone and range for these type of songs. Great intro to Heavy Weight Champ Of Love. Killer riff and melody, and the only thing I’m hearing here is a heavy Journey. The guitar sound and playing are just awesome. Killer riff and opening to She’s Magic. This would have been so good on American Radio. Winners Never Lose follows and it’s power ballad central, you will be struggling to get this earworm hook and chorus out of your head. The close out tune is Rock N’ Roll Rumble and joy oh joy it’s an instrumental. This is where Gene lays it down large and gives all the shredders of the time a good run for their money.
Now, you may be thinking like I am, that someone as good as Gene obviously must have recorded more things. Unfortunately that’s not the case. The band recorded a follow up that never came out, that is until 2012 when it was released on AOR Heaven. I think Gene played on an album by the Good Rats that came out in ’96. I’m sure this will have passed most of you, but but it’s definitely a forgotten melodic rock classic.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
