Inspired by the age of classic AOR / West coast such as early Toto, Chicago, Michael McDonald, etc, “Timepiece” is DOUG BRONS‘ new album featuring phenomenal musicianship from Grammy award winning artists, great songwriting, and fantastic production – You will be keeping this one on your top shelf. Inspired by such timeless artists as Michael McDonald, David Pack, Toto, Michael Sembello & others, the CD delivers with a soulful, classic westcoast vibe, but also with a modern sensibility and direction. This release is definitely worth your attention and is a slam dunk for anybody who enjoyed first half of the ’80s smooth AOR and the artists mentioned above.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1LM5VHTSdk

If you have legendary Jay Graydon as guest player in your album then there’s two certain things: first, your songwriting / musicianship is very good, and second, you play AOR / West Coast music. This is the case with this Swedish combo BEYOND IMAGINATION and their full length, self-titled debut album, inspired by the late 70s FM rock and the first half of the ’80s commercial, smooth AOR. Many years in the making, “Beyond Imagination” is immaculately arranged and produced to detail. This is ‘elegant’ AOR on the Scandinavian ‘West Coast’ vein, clearly inspired by the US golden years of the genre, but with that unique Swedish touch for the genre. You better hurry up with your order, cause the band only pressed 300 units of this gem!

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiwdLHIQnvM

In the last couple of years FAIR WARNING's debut album has become a little rarity. Fortunately the album get re-released now. No doubt, it's one the best Melodic Rock albums that ever came from Germany. No wonder that it was originally released via a major label in 1992 and was produ-ced by Rafe McKenna (GIANT, BAD COMPANY). Compared with the later album, the debut doesn't feature that much bombast and pomp. The guitars and Tommy Heart's powerful voice rule songs like “When Love Fails”, “Hang On” and “The Eyes Of Rock”. The rest of the album is Melodic Rock on its highest level. This “Fair Warning” remastered reissue sound quality is amazing, and the album, A MUST HAVE.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TLcQ28cK24

“N.2.O.2.R.“ is top class heavy rock. Female vocalist Jacky Coke and the guys are able to even top the 2017 debut “Licence 2 Rock“. They rock, deliver riffs and groove in finest eighties fashion through out the thirteen songs sounding like ACCEPT and the likes. Check out the mighty “Hot4Ever“. Mix and mastering by none other but Achim Köhler (e.g. PRIMAL FEAR). What a remarkable voice, Jacky!

MARTIN STARK

watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPiOguTsaCk

Uriah Heep keyboardist Phil Lanzon (Grand Prix, John Lawton, Sweet) has announced the release of his new solo album, "48 Seconds". As with his first album Phil has teamed up with producer Simon Hanhart (Marillion, Waysted) and arranger Richard Cottle. With his love of film score he has created a sometimes cinematic backdrop to his songs enabling drama and emotion to fly hand in hand. With a journey from orchestral instrumental to hard rock, from ballad to the epic title track 48 seconds which commemorates the 1906 earthquake of San Francisco, the listener is in for a treat. The album features a long list of great guest musicians incl. the mighty John Mitchell (Arena, Kino, It Bites) amongst others.

listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfFQQWi7LbQ&t=20s