So, this is album number one from New Jersey’s finest underground pomp rockers and it was actually released way back in ’85. If you haven’t heard these guys before, think Styx mixed with Kansas and you get the vibe. The only person you may have heard of is drummer Ted Poley, who would later go on to be the front man of Danger Danger. He does actually get to sing here on the more aor sounding tunes.
High points for me are opening and favourite tune Street Secrets, which at times is close to Prog territory with a killer arrangement and some superb soloing. Next, Heart Of The Night is one of the more melodic tunes with Ted singing as the hook and chorus are huge. And lastly, the hard rockin’ vibes of Sail Away where the vocal harmonies are killer. I’m sure they were big Yes fans as some of the keyboard intros are akin to what Rick Wakeman does.
Quite frankly, this is an AOR fan’s wet dream and if you are that way inclined, then you should definitely track this down.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
