New Release: SARACEN – “Redemption”

Release Date: 19th September 2014

Tracks:
Rocamadour / Reacher / Give Me A Sign / Geraldine / Swords Of Damascus / Road To Yesterday / Crusader / Catch The Wave / More Than Missing You / Redemption (on the 6th day) / You & I / Let Me See Your Hands / Ready to Fly

The Band is:
Steve Bettney – vocals / Paul Bradder – keyboards / Paul Highfield – bass / Tris Alsbury – drums / Rob Bendelow – guitar / Simon Roberts – Guitar

Words & music: Rob Bendelow. Special guests: Richard Bendelow / Karensa Kerr.

Life long pals Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow formed their first band “Lammergier” during the mid 70’s together with folk guitarist turned rock bassist Barry Yates. The name changed to “SARACEN” in the early 80’s, but the music remained the same; an ever growing repertoire of powerful guitar orientated rock, laced with lush keyboards and evocative vocals.

Escape Music have already presented you with the double CD Red Sky / Heroes, Saints and Fools (ESM124) which covers the band’s early years. The conceptual CD “Vox in Excelso” (ESM135) was released in 2006 to great acclaim and has earned the band more and more respect. In 2011 we were presented with the fantastic concept album “Marilyn” which was based on the life and times of Marilyn Monroe.

However, shortly after the release of ‘Marilyn’, Paul Bradder and Steve Bettney challenged Rob Bendelow to write a ‘back to our roots’ Saracen album. ‘Redemption’ is the result. A collection of ‘signature’ epic tracks, interspersed with heavy rockers and one beautiful ballad. It also includes complete re-works of two anthems from the 1981 debut album, ‘Heroes, Saints and Fools’ – namely – ‘Crusader’ and ‘Ready To Fly’.

Track no.2 on the album – ‘Reacher’ – was inspired by Jack Reacher, the fictional creation of best-selling author Lee Child. Lee heard an early demo of the song and felt that it captured the spirit of his 18-novel, 1-film hero!. It certainly is a great song and rocks along at a fantastic pace. Maybe it will be used on a film score at some stage in the future.

Saracen have used the expert talents of Tommy Hansen of Jailhouse studios in Denmark, a man who is no stranger to rock music circles. His work is world famous and his expertise shines through on this exciting new album.

British Rock never sounded better.

Source: Escape Music

SEVEN – “7” -Front cover, barcode and bio revealed

Tracklist: 1-Shoot To Kill / 2-Inside Love / 3-Diana / 4-Still / 5-Headlines / 6-Strangers / 7-America / 8-Thru The Night / 9-Never Too Late / 10-Don’t Break My Heart / 11-Say Goodbye

 

7 is: Mick Devine – Lead Vocals / Keith Mcfarlane – guitar, Vocals / Pat Davey- Bass, Vocals / Simon Lefevre – Keyboards, Vocals / Austin “Oz” Lane – Drums

 

Special guests

Lars Chriss: Guitars

Mark Mangold: Keyboards

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

Fredrik Bergh: Keyboards

Didge Digital: Keyboards

Tomas Coox: Piano and strings arrangement

Fretless Bass: Shuji Matsumoto  on “Strangers”

Bass: Andy Loos

 

Produced by: Lars Chriss

Mastered by: Mike Lind

The AOR scene in the late eighties was a thriving hive of activity. At the turn of the new decade, the likes of Mitch Malloy, Paul Laine, Firehouse, Tyketto and Talisman were all signed up and ready to make an impact on the genre. Everybody wanted an AOR band, and Polydor records were no exception. Having been fairly successful in the U.K with the likes of Magnum and Little Angels, the label had set their sights on 7 Seven, a relatively unknown act from Bournemouth.

 The roots of the band originally began in South Africa in an outfit called Face To Face. Both Keith McFarlane and Simon LeFevre (and his brother John) had enjoyed considerable success over an eighteen month period, releasing several singles and one album, before dissent in the ranks saw the young band split up. Meanwhile, a young Mick Devine was plying his trade as a drummer in the band UC27. With both McFarlane and the LeFevre brothers returning to the UK, it was decided after several months to put the band back together, but base it in the UK, as Mick Devine explains, “I took a brave leap leaving South Africa, as I hadn’t met Simon, John or Keith previously. We were originally based in Woking, but after meeting Mike Parker (our initial Manager – now deceased) at a talent show, we moved to Bournemouth. I was initially approached by John to drum with the band, but they thought I was a much better singer than drummer and realised I needed to come out from behind the drums and become the lead singer.”

 

A quick name change ensued and Seven was born. When John Wolff (The Who, John Parr) joined Parker to co-manage the band, they soon secured a support slot on the first nationwide tour of Brother Beyond. It was from here, via Phil Schofield and a record exec’s wife, that things took a turn for the better as Devine recalls, “Having picked up valuable live experience (and a sizeable fan base) on the Brother Beyond tour, we attracted Phillip Schofield’s attention who started to play our demo’s on radio one. Whilst on tour, the head of Polydor’s wife and kids came to one of the shows and the story goes that she went home and told her husband that he needed to sign us,” laughs Devine. “That combined with the touring, fans and Phil’s plugging, a deal was offered and as a bit of media hype, Philip Schofield was on hand to witness the record deal signing.”

 Heading out on the road, they supported an eclectic variety of acts that included the likes of Jason Donovan, Richard Marx, The Monkees and a second stint with Brother Beyond. It’s a time period that Devine is keen to reminisce about, “Even though they were out and out pop gigs, we loved the crowds and the noise. We went from pubs to opening to 3000 screaming fans in Southampton. It is a very addictive adrenaline rush. We got to play all the top venues, which were fantastic; including Wembley Arena, the NEC, BIC, SEC and even the Royal Albert Hall. The Richard Marx tour was definitely the best for us with a more grown up audience we were able to rock it up and truly be ourselves. It went down really well!”

Entering the recording studios, with John Parr at the production helm, they recorded two very strong singles in the shape of “Inside Love” and “Man with A Vision. One of the myths about Seven is that they recorded a full album, but that it was shelved by Polydor after the band were dropped. It’s a myth that Devine is quick to dismiss, “We never had an album deal. We were signed for two single releases and we were then dropped. We had more than an albums worth of material, mostly consisting of really good quality demos, having recorded at some great studios including a number of weeks at Rockfield.”

 Fast forward to the present day and bass player, Pat Davey, was working alongside Robert Hart on an Escape Music album when the name Seven cropped up in the conversation. It would seem that Khalil Turk was a big fan, as Devine explains, “Yeah, back in the day Khalil had really loved the band and he got in touch to see if we would be interested in finally releasing an album with the original line-up,” gushes the excited singer. “As we are currently living in different countries (Keith & Simon are in South Africa, Myself, Pat & Oz in the UK), Khalil put us together with Lars Chris (fantastic Swedish Hard rock guitarist and producer) who is producing the tracks from Sweden and then sending tracks to SA & the UK for each of us to add our individual parts.  The sound is definitely fresher and harder and more up to date, giving the band, the edge it needed back in the 80’s.”

 

This brings us up to the present day and we are all now waiting with excitement for the Seven album to finally be released. One thing for sure, it has been worth the wait.

Review: DEPARTURE – “Hitch a Ride”

Tracklist:
1. No Where To Go
2. You Don’t Need To This Anymore
3. Waiting For Rain To Come
4. Soldier Of Fortune
5. LuvSick
6. Roses
7. Travel Through Time
8. Fly 4:15
9. This Is My Time
10. Without You
11. Outside Looking In

Release Date: 20 April 2012 – Escape Music

Mike Walsh is back ! After nearly ten years multi talented Mike Walsh is starting again with his new project Departure. Again he ordered a first class vocalist for his new album „Hitch a Ride“, Andi Kravljaca of Silent Call. In this former albums there were Ken Michaels, Dave Baldwin and Timotheus Lewis…also masters of this genre.

Line Up:
Duey Ribestello Drums
Ryan Walsh Bass
Mike Walsh Gituar/ Keybords
Andi Kravljaca Vocals

All starts with „Nowhere to go“. A well done opener that points with catchy melodies and keyboard inputs. Also the two follow up’s has to be counted into the category, likeful AOR songs to shake your legs. The vocals of Andi Kravljaca fits best and can be highly remembered. He owns a big, variable voice. Also the guitar solos of Mike Walsh are totally listenable. You can hear out his multi talent.
„Soldier of Fortune“ is a brilliant rock song. Showing the knowledge of every single musician. Andi’s voice appears harder here…all is in a well line, vocals, solos, tempo changes.
„Luvsick“ is a real ladies song, ha ha. A little overloaded with sugar but for me as a girl a great song.
The perfect track for partys „Roses“ is a wonderful love song that is appearing a little harder. That’s the right sing for that.
More atmospheric song comes with „Without you“. If I listened to it, I thought I will know the song from somewhere…but I can’t remember.

„Hitch a Ride“ is a classic AOR album. Those who like Journey, Saga or Kansas cannot do anything wrong with this release. I liked the first rockin’ part of the album more than the second which is a little to silent and doesn’t really kicks your ass .
You can hear the class of the musicians for sure but the last little thing for making „Hitch a Ride“ an upper class album is missing. As I said….the rockin’ parts are the best. But they are reduced to radio orientated 3 minute songs. The second parts are a little longer. It would have been better if this parts were changed in their length.

Summary….AOR lovers will like that album and we will find that album hopefully in their CD racks. And that’s the only thing that counts.

Points: 8/10

Review by Angel

Review: PHENOMENA – “Awakening”

Tracklist
1. Smash It Up
2. Reality
3. Homeland
4. Going Away
5. Gotta Move
6. How Long
7. Shake
8. Fighter
9. Dancing Days
10. Stand Up for Love

Release Date: 23 March 2012 – Escape Music

You can read the new Phenomena album „Awakening“ as a who is who of the rock business.
The project of Tom Galley and Wilfried F. Riemensberger began back in 1985 with the first Phenomena album, that was engaged with the most considerable musicians of that time.
There were Glenn Hughes, Mel Galley, Cozy Powell and much more. The album earned lot of great critics and was high standing at the music fans….a big success. Til now Phenomena albums were published with different musicians and unsteady intervals.

The line up this time:

Musicians:

Martin Kronlund: Guitars, and Bass
Tom Harlan: Guitars & Keyboards
Imre Daun: Drums.
Henrik Thomsen: bass
Per Aronson-Andersson: Hammond, keyboards
JAVA Gospel on “Stand up for love”

Additional Musicians:
Carl Anthony Wright – Guitars
Christian Wolff – Guitars
Tommy Denander – Guitars
Mike Slamer Guitars
Magnus Karlsson – Guitars
Mat Sinner – Bass
All COLDSPELL members
Steve Newman – Guitars and backing vocals
Fredrik Bergh – Keyboards on “Smash It Up” And “Gotta Move”

The first song „Smash it up“ starts briliant with the voice of Lee Small (Shy, Skyscraper) that owns a high recognation value. Great voice in a great midtempo track. The next number „Reality“ is also a good handmade one, which honours the legendary Queen. Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lion) and Mike Slamer (Steelhouse Lane) are a strong combination and the guitar solo warms you up.
„Homeland“ then with Rob Moriatti (ex-Saga) is a mix of slow and fast parts with sweeping effects.
„Going Away“, performed by James Christian (House of Lords), who’s voice will be known at once, is a more rockin’ track than the others before. And like on the others we find guitar players here with absolutely knowledge in what they do…a real pleasure.
„Gotta Move“ with Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) is a melodic rock song combined with heavy influences.

It’s not possible to write about all songs, cause it would go beyond the scope. But maybe we have to talk about „Dancing Day“. This song was complete done by the swedish band Coldspell. And „Stand up for Love“ is the best love song I’ve heard for a long time. It brings emotions of big pleasure. If you have had a bad day…listen to this song and you will suddenly feel better.

The album „Awakening“ is a felicitous one all around. It impressed me from the first seconds. A mix of melodic, heavy and bombastic rock. Also the producers Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund did the rest for a phenomenal release. Anyone who likes good rock music will love it. Supporters of the old Phenomena can cheer up…all the others, take a listen. It’s more worth doin that.
Maybe the album could have been any longer….but this is a matter of taste.

Points: 9,5 / 10

Review by Angel

Upcoming Release: POLUTION – “Beyond Control”

Track List:
1-Rising Danger
2-Fire
3- Live until you die
4- Forever and a day
5- Follow me
6- Prefix
7- The Band
8- War
9- Flying
10- RIP
11- Bite me
12- All-in

Release Date: Release date: 25th May 2012 – Escape Music

Marcel Betschart– Lead guitar / Andreas Betschart Bass Guitar / Armin Betschart – Drums / Matthias Betschart – Rhythm Guitar / Pascal Gwerder – Vocals

Polution was founded in 1997 and has been playing in today’s music scene since 2005. The band are used to playing their music in various `rock-cellars` right up to renowned clubs such as the Rohstofflager in Zurich, the Treibhaus in Lucerne or the Transsilvania in Erstfeld. Polution have acted as support for bands such as Krokus, Sideburn and John Coghlan (formerly of Status Quo). Being placed third at the Emergenza Bandcontest `06 in Zurich currently ranks among the band’s greatest success story.

While originally having focused on cover-versions of bands like AC/DC, Metallica and Motörhead, the band has started to continually include more and more of their own songs into their repertoire. They have developed a style based on supportive melodies and hard guitar riffs. This music style has gained large approval amongst listeners and has gained them a following beyond the local area for their outstanding instrumental communication on stage.

In spring 2007, Polution took the chance and ventured into producing a CD at the New Sound Studio. The debut CD “Overheated” (ESM172) by Polution really made people listen with its quirky approach to rock music. “Overheated” was full of great catchy songs with an energetic sound.

Its now 2012 and Polution are eager to unleash their new recording on us, and what a cracker it is. Razor edged riffs and aggressive hooks are abound, they certainly know how to hit the right notes, and with a more polished sound than before they smack of Nickelback in places. However, they still retain that hard edged sound that fans of Gotthard, Krokus and AC/DC will love. What we have here is 12 tracks of pure entertaining rock music and it can only attract more fans to their ever growing popularity.

www.Escape-Music.com

Upcoming Release: PHENOMENA – “Awakening”

Tracklist:
1.Smash It Up (Lee Small on Vocals, Mat Sinner Bass, Magnus Karlsson Lead Guitars)
2. Reality (Toby Hitchcock on vocals and Mike Slamer on Lead Guitars)
3. Homeland (Rob Moratti on vocals and Martin Kronlund on all Guitars)
4. Going Away (James Christian vocals and Tommy Denander Martin Kronlund on Guitars)
5. Gotta Move (Ralf Scheepers on vocals and Christian Wolff &Tommy Denander on Guitars)
6. How Long (Lee Small on vocals and Martin Kronlund on Guitars)
7. Shake (Mike DiMeo on Vocal and Martin Kronlund on Guitars)
8. Fighter (Terry Brock on vocals and Steve Newman on Guitars and backing vocals)
9. Dancing Days (Niklas Swedentorp on Lead Vocals with all Coldspell members)
10. Stand Up For Love (Chris Antblad with JAVA Gospel Choir)

Release Date: 23. March 2012 – Escape Music

People should learn to expect a little awe and mystery. Phenomena take us upon a journey where there is nothing pretty about the protagonists of the story that we shall meet along the way. The subject is good against evil.

The story began in the year 1983, when Tom Galley wrote a couple of short stories with a transcendental background. Backed by record label Bronze, the recordings for the album “Phenomena” started soon which finally hit the stores in 1985. Besides the extra-ordinary concept story both musicianship and the names involved with the project are highlights to mention. Names such as Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, HTP), drum legend Cozy Powell (RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE a.o.), Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE), Neil Murray (WHITESNAKE) – the elite of the British Hard Rock scene had joined the project. “Phenomena” received high critical acclaim in the press and extremely good sales.

The second PHENOMENA album “Phenomena II – Dream Runner” was released in 1987 and was welcomed with a similarly warm response. The musicians around the Galley brothers had changed slightly, so that this album in the end featured contributions from Ray Gillen (BADLANDS, BLACK SABBATH), John Wetton (ASIA), Scott Gorham (THIN LIZZY) and Max Bacon (GTR), amongst others.

With new label Parachute involved, in 1991 the time was right for “final part” of the conceptional story; Phenomena III – Inner Visions”. Besides Brian May (QUEEN) and Keith Murrell (AIRRACE), you’ll here also find performances by Michael Sturgis (A-HA) and Scott Gorham (THIN LIZZY). The Complete Works were released in a triple fold out Digipack by Escape Music (ESM142).

However, the PHENOMENA concept continued in 2006 under the banner “PsychoFantasy”, (ESM125 ecolbook and 125r regular version) which strictly follows the traditions of its three predecessors. Besides the concept story background, you will once again will find a whole bunch of amazing artists performing on this record: Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE), Keith Murrell (MAMA’S BOYS) – and Mel Galley (WHITESNAKE, TRAPEZE).

In September 2010 a new chapter began with a whole host of musicians, and “Blind Faith” (ESM216) was born to explosive effect. With new Vocalists like Robin Beck, Terry Brock (Strangeways) and Rob Moratti (Saga) a whole new world was unveiled and the concept became so fresh again. The rock audience once more were thrilled to hear the latest in this timeless story.

In 2012 we will all hear the new Album “Awakening”, an album chock full of new ideas and featuring James Christian (House of Lords), Lee Small (Shy) and Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lions) as well as familiar faces like Rob Moratti, Terry Brock and Mike DiMeo. Powerful songs executed by some of the finest rock musicians make this a hugely enjoyable album and it boasts a fine production from Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund. Here you will find straight ahead rockers with powerful melodies along with up-tempo ballads and beautiful choruses.

Awakening is a fantastic way to start 2012, it is another chapter in the engaging story that Tom Galley began in 1983. In Short, a must.

http://www.Escape-Music.com

line-up:
Martin Kronlund: Guitars, and Bass
Tom Harlan: Guitars & Keyboards
Imre Daun: Drums.
Henrik Thomsen: Bass
Per Aronson-Andersson: Hammond, keyboards JAVA Gospel on “Stand up for love”

Additional Musicians:
Carl Anthony Wright – Guitars
Christian Wolff – Guitars
Tommy Denander – Guitars
Mike Slamer Guitars
Magnus Karlsson – Guitars
Mat Sinner – Bass
All COLDSPELL members
Steve Newman – Guitars and backing vocals Fredrik Bergh – Keyboards on “Smash It Up” And “Gotta Move”

Produced by: Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund Recorded and engineered by Martin Kronlund / Executive Producer: Khalil Turk

Upcoming Release: DEPARTURE – “Hitch a Ride”

Track List:
1 No Where To Go 5:14
2 You Don’t Need To This Anymore 3:39
3 Waiting For Rain To Come 4:46
4 Soldier Of Fortune 3:51
5 LuvSick 3:10
6 Roses 4:52
7 Travel Through Time 4:14
8 Fly 4:15
9 This Is My Time 4:16
10 Without You 3:47
11 Outside Looking In 3:31

Release Date: 20th April 2012 – Escape Music

Mike Walsh: Guitars, Keyboards
Duey Ribestello – Drums
Ryan Walsh – Bass
Andi Kravljaca – Lead Vocals

Produced by Mike Walsh
Mixed and Mastered by Martin Kronlund at JM Recording Studio Gothenburg,
Sweden.

Departure is the brainchild of American Multi-instrumentalist Mike Walsh who
has a vast experience in the music industry. Over the years he has worked on
numerous projects, such as Mark Thompson-Smith (Praying Mantis) and Dean
Fasano’s Message. Mike has also worked with Bon Jovi over the years as well
as having produced, scored, written and arranged several New Jersey Bands.
To ice the cake Mike has had the privilege of playing alongside such greats
as Glen Burtnick and Aldo Nova.

In 1998 Mike gave us “Departure” (ESM028) which featured Ken Michaels on
vocals and with special guest Dave Rosenthal (Red Dawn). This debut caught
everyone’s attention as it combined the sounds of Saga, Journey, Toto and
Tour de Force. The pressure was on to follow it up and so came “Open Your
Mind” (ESM050) a year later with Dave Baldwin (Tradia / Voices / Solo) on
lead vocals. Dave brought in a more pomp rock element and the band sounded
more like a hybrid of Styx and Kansas. The album was beautifully arranged
and boasted huge guitar solos, and immense layered keyboards. Dave Rosenthal
once again guested on keys and also Duey Ribestello (Joe Lynn Turner) joined
in on drums. At this time Departure were gaining popularity and their brand
of melodic rock soon spread. At the end of 2001 the third Departure CD
“Corporate Wheel” (ESM082) was released and, once again, Mike used a
different vocalist, namely Timothy Lewis, a man who had an unbelievable
vocal range. Mike’s guitar and keyboards were simply awe-inspiring and it
really put Departure into the melodic rock hall of fame. “Corporate Wheel”
has often been regarded as their finest release.that is..until now!

To follow these three masterpieces would prove to be very tough and it has
taken a decade to unleash a fourth CD “Hitch a Ride” onto the eagerly
awaiting melodic rock community. But boy it is worth the wait..a release of
epic proportions. Andi Kravljaca (Silent Call) has taken to the mike stand
to deliver an outstanding vocal performance. The calibre of his vocals
coupled with fine musicianship brings us a powerful array of tunes that
stand out as Departure’s most powerful outing to date. Songs like “No Where
to go”, “Soldier of Fortune” and “Roses” are just simply forces to be
reckoned with.

Departure are back with a vengeance, there is no finer way to start 2012

www.escape-music.com

Upcoming Release: HUMAN TEMPLE – “Halfway to Heartache”

Track List:
1-I will follow
2- Bleeding through
3- Like a beat of a heart
4- Our world our time
5- Almost there
6- Run away
7- Little lies
8- Because of you
9- Misery
10- Some things are never long time ago
11- She talks to angels

Release date: 24th February 2012 – Escape Music

JANNE HURME : Lead Vocals
PETRI LEHTO : Drums
JORI TOJANDER : Keyboards
HARRI KINNUNEN : Bass
Special guest musician: Emppu Vuorinen from Nightwish

Finland’s premier melodic hard rockers Human Temple are back and bring us a brand new release “Halfway to Heartache”. Their 2004 debut “Insomnia” received rave reviews, and the 2010 release “Murder of Crows” (ESM202) set pulses racing. Two years later and the wait for the third CD is over, so get ready for this fantastic new release.

The foundation of the Temple was laid way back in the late eighties, when vocalist Janne Hurme and drummer Petri Lehto formed their first band. The guys were highly influenced by Kiss, Dokken, Crüe and such bands, so the style of the music just had to be hard rock, yet always with a keen ear for a good melody.

Fast forward to1995… Janne was signed as a solo artist, and given an album’s worth of more pop type of material to sing. He sang it with conviction, and once the album was released, he became a major star almost overnight. Among other hits, the album spawned “Kirje”, one of the biggest hits of the nineties in Finland. One could say that it’s nowadays “an evergreen”, played regularly on the radio stations, while Janne’s solo career was blossoming, he didn’t forget his roots, and kept writing hard rock songs. In 1998 he and Petri formed Human Temple, determined that this band would take the next step and become something bigger than their previous bands.

After an initial buzz created via local gigs and the Internet, Human Temple were signed to the German label MTM Music, and their first album saw the light of day in the summer of 2004. Marquee Avalon released the album later that year in Japan.

The next years passed quite fast, and the band went through a few line-up changes. In the summer of 2009, they felt that the time was right for album number two. They entered the Noise camp studio in Turku, chose the best 10 songs from their selection of new tracks, and started the recording process. The resulting “Murder Of Crows” stays true to the sound of the debut, while adding some new elements to it. It has since become a firm favourite amongst melodic hard rockers.

The brooding “Halfway to Heartache” is an extension of the Human Temple sound, and they bring us 11 tracks of brilliant tunes that range from quirky rockers to powerful ballads. Songs like Run Away, Misery and Bleeding Through just ooze with class. This is a new age in the history of Human Temple and its going to set 2012 off with a bang.

Discography: Insomnia (2004) / Murder of Crows (2010) / Halfway to Heartache (2012)

www.Escape-Music.com

Review: SARACEN – “Marilyn”

Tracklist
1. Norma Jeane
2. Wither The Wind Blows
3. Hold On (Issa)
4. Make This Body Work (Robin Beck)
5. Who Am I (Robin Beck & Overland)
6. Love Like A Razorblade
7. Break The Spell
8. Not For Sure (Robin Beck)
9. Like Going Home (Robin Beck)
10. Unfinished Life
11. Marilyn (Robin Beck)

23 September 2011 – Escape Music

With this the british (progressive) hard rock band Saracen publishs their fifth studio album.
I have to say that I didn’t hear about the band ever before…shame on me. And yes…it is definetely a shame. The band offers best bombastic rock and I hope the band can make it this time to reach a wider public. Saracen was formed in the 80’s and since this time the band had to survive several line up changes…and we all know that is not the best thing for the degree of popularity.

This album is once again a kind of a conceptional one with a storyline, like the album title suggests, about Marilyn Monroe…one of the top icons of the 50’s. She was a dream girl for millions, a pin up star and actress.

As I heard female voices for the first time on this album I thought…No..not again !! But I was positive surprised. You must know that I don’t like rock music where women think they have to perform like in operas…that makes me creep. Either rock or opera…not both in one, cause less people can do that. But on this album it is a great pleasure that Saracen recruited several guest musicians. With Issa, the rock sensation from norway, Robin Beck, Steve Overland (FM) and Snake Davis on sax.

The actual line up is as follows:

Steve Bettney Vocals
Paul Bradder Keyboards
Richard Bendelow Bass, Vocals
Paul Gibson Drums
Rob Bendelow Guitar

with guests:

Issa Vocals
Robin Beck Vocals
Steve Overland Vocals
Snake Davis Sax

The album starts with „Norma Jean“, a wonderful progrock instrumental. On top the sax of Snake Davis. With „Wither the wind blows“ the first song appears, brilliant worked out and arranged. Saracen know how to build an plug in a great chorus.
„Hold On“ is a ballad sung from Issa. She owns a great sonorous voice and the insert of the sax is not interrupting the scene.
„Make this body work“ is the first real rock song….and it is really first class rock. I like the voice of Robin Beck here, smokey and a little dirty.
In „Who am I“ we can hear Robin Beck and Steve Overland performing. Starting innocent as a ballad. You have to take care not to lose your red line, cause suddenly the song speeds up. The best song for me of the entire album.
„Break the Spell“ – the next rockin’ track. One of those where cannot do anything else than bang and stomp your feet. If you want it or not…your feet are whipping.
The song „Not for Sure“ with Robin Beck brings us a wonderful acoustic ballad. The vocals totally fit here perfectly.
Against that there is „Feel like going home“. Too sweet and I think not everyone’s cup of tea.
„Unfinished Life“ remembers me to prog bands of the 70’s and 80’s. Sometimes I felt listening to Pink Floyd or similar here. With „Marilyn“ the album finds a felicitous end.

I have to say now…I really like that album. The choirs are effective and terrific. You can find out that every musicians know his work and how to play and so it is a real pleasure to listen. In some parts the band arranged too much of all…spheric bombast, chorus…simpy too much of sugar, ha ha.
But this doesn’t bring the album down. Also the sax is integrated well.
For all that cannot hear christmas rock anymore…here comes the alternative.
Ok…the album has nothing to do with christmas but it brings you in a good mood and for that it has to find the way in your album racks.

Points 8/10

Review by Angel

LEE SMALL – Jamaica Inn (from SHY / Phenomena Lead Vocalist)

Escape Music Press Release

Release date: 20th January 2012

Guests Musicians:
Martin Kronlund: Guitars (Gypsy Rose)
Imre Daun: Drums (Don Patrol, Gypsy Rose) Paul Bradder: Keyboard (Saracen)

Track List: Jamaica Inn / The Captain’s Quarters / Black Bess / Walk the
Plank / Shine A Light / Dead Man Walking / Voyager / I am the sea /
Smuggler’s Blues / Waiting for the Hangman / End of the road / The Renegade
Accordion Player

Lee Small hails from the West Midlands in the U.K, a place that has brought
a wealth of talent in rock music & heavy metal gentry, such as Black
Sabbath, Judas Priest, Robert Plant, Magnum, John Bonham, Slade, Mel & Tom
Galley & the voice of rock, Glenn Hughes to name just a few.

Lee started out originally as a bass player in bands at just the age of 14
years and was playing the midlands pub scene at 15. He took up guitar in
1986 and became a vocalist fronting a band for the first time 3 years later,
then, quite by accident as the band he was playing in at the time kept
losing the vocalist, they all decided to have a go at singing and he ended
up getting the job!!

Since then, Lee has been quietly climbing the ladder to success. In the
1990’s Lee fronted UK Melodic Rockers “Pride” and had the opportunity to
tour with up and coming bands at the time such as Winger, Skin and Thunder.
In the late 90’s he formed Native Cain with ex-Pride members and released
the album “Primitive Soul” with them in 1998. During 2000 he has been
involved with Rock legends “Budgie” and Eric Bell’s “Thin Lizzy”. It was not
long before Escape Music recognized his vocal talent and Lee features on
Escape Music releases Surveillance (“Angelstation” ESM132) and Cloven Hoof
(“Eye of the Sun” ESM133), not forgetting Tom Galley’s Psychofantasy project
ESM125 where Lee sang alongside such people as Tony Martin, Keith Murrell
and Glenn Hughes.

More recently Lee took to the mike stand for legendary UK melodic rockers
SHY, and has helped create a marvellous piece of music which has
received reviews of epic proportions. Lee Small is a name at the forefront
of the rock scene at present and what a time to unleash his very own solo
outing, an album which is full of surprises. Lee has given us a bluesy rock
album that features contributions from Martin Kronlund (Gypsy Rose), Imre
Daun (Don Patrol, Gypsy Rose) and Paul Bradder (Saracen). This is Lee at his
finest, and this solo outing will see him take his talent to new heights.

www.Escape-Music.com