STEPHEN CRANE used to play in a band called Baby at the end of the 70’s but his opportunity as solo artist arrived in 1984 by the hand of the major MCA label. CRANE’S debut "Kicks" was produced by Jai Winding (Le Roux) who also played keys, and no-other than the great Steve Lukather. In fact, all TOTO guys were involved in the recording including groove master Jeff Porcaro on drums. We also find Richard Page (Mr. Mister, Pages) and AOR guru Tom Kelly (I-Ten, Van Stephenson, Survivor) doing backing vocals, together with brilliant session guitar players such as Duane Sciacqua, Joey Brasler and Ray Pannell. The multitude of guitarists has an explanation; "Kicks" for the most part is a guitar driven AOR / Melodic Rock album with a 1984's radio friendly sound. And on most tracks, we found three different six-string axemen playing together in the same song. There's not a single weak track here, going from hooky and catchy numbers like "Headed For A Heartbreak", "Joanne" or the urgent "Victims Of Love", to more AORish cuts such as the Toto-esque "Back On My Feet Again" (featuring a killer Lukather solo) and the Van Stephenson sounding "I'll Take Care Of You". Criminally ignored not only by MR / AOR fans in general - but also by the industry as it never was released on CD - "Kicks" is one of the best records in the genre from that era.

Digitally remastered  edition incl. liner notes by Dave Reynolds, limited edition of 500 copies.

Listen: https://youtu.be/I416jb63wcY

THE TREATMENT were able to develop from album to album and number five is no exception to this rule. They are an hardrock institution from the UK these days. Lots of seventies vibes in the sound of the Britons that is full of energy, groove and fun for sure. And they definitely never sound old-fashioned, just authentic and raw. Lots of AC/DC, some THE ANSWER and bits of THE WHO - What an album! It’s pure Rock’nRoll.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/s4c9n4wKSXU

Produced by longtime associate Julian Raymond, "In Another World" sees CHEAP TRICK doing what they do better than anyone — crafting indelible rock 'n' roll with oversized hooks, mischievous lyrics, and seemingly inexorable energy. Trademark anthems like "Light Up The Fire" and "Boys & Girls & Rock N Roll" are countered by more introspective — but no less exuberant — considerations of times past, present, and unknowable future on such strikingly potent new tracks as "Another World" and "I'll See You Again". "In Another World" — which marks CHEAP TRICK's first new album since 2017's double-header of "We're All Alright!" and "Christmas Christmas".  Pure class !

Listen: https://youtu.be/nWiDivIUxIA

INFINITE & DIVINE, that’s Swedish musician/songwriter/producer Jan Åkesson (STONELAKE) and his female singer Tezzi aka Terese Persson (EPYSODE) who is also from Sweden. Pretty melodic and quite contemporary sounding melodic rock with mighty keyboards but also powerful guitars that highlight the sweet and dreamy but also rocking and at times aggressive sounding voice of Tezza. Only the artificial sounding drums dim the light or the very positive impression here a little bit.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/_sKkY23jo6I

This Italian five-piece seems to have studied ACCEPT, METALLICA, ICED EARTH and JUDAS PRIEST foremost and offers a remarkable debut. “ScreaMachine“ contains almost no surprises but very solid songwriting, a powerful production and with Valerio “The Brave” Caricchio they have a frontman who sings (almost) without accent. There’s also a little bit of SAVATAGE and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN to be found in the song material. Melodic metal of the better sort mostly.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/nbYKQ084slw

Geoff Tate (ex QUEENSRYCHE) sings on the second output of SWEET OBLIVION, too. It’s an Italian project with, well, of course lots of QUEENSRYCHE vibes. “Relentless“ is, like the debut “Sweet Oblivion“ (2019) a great piece of music even though the magic of the four or five first QUEENSRYCHE records can’t be found over the whole distance but it’s definitely closer to the classics than the original band these days. Check out “Strong Pressure“ and “Wake Up Call“. Tate did some songwriting for the first time here and sang one song in Italian! Thumbs up!

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/tlpHNGDva5Q

DOKKEN without Don Dokken (v) but with Robert Mason (v, WARRANT). The second album of this band/project is typical US hard rock. Pretty solid songwriting but without real “hook-monsters“ whatsoever. A versatile production, cool bass lines by Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER) and a beautiful artwork are positive, though. George Lynch plays great as always but nevertheless, the magic moments are missing on “Phase2“ for the most part. 

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/Ts2mJ2JPyek

Project of Swedish drummer Johan Kihlberg with yet another record. Melodic metal with great melodies and quite a collection of guests like John Leven (b, EUROPE), Lars Chriss (g, LION’s SHARE) or Snowy Shaw (d, ex SABATON, KING DIAMOND) to name only a few. Pristine and powerful sound and sharp guitars as well as interesting songwriting all over the place make “Spirit Of Alchemy “ a cool choice for lovers of the genre.

MARTIN STARK

Watch: https://youtu.be/5gmYq2WWjZw