Tuesday, August 21, 2012

PHOENIX RISING: "Give It A Name"

Rating: RR
Label: Phoenix Rising 2012
Review by Kimmo Toivonen

Phoenix Rising was marketed to us as a "new sensational melodic rock band". Well, there's one word in that sentence that doesn't quite match to what I'm listening...

I'm sure that the band has all the right intentions to become the next AOR sensation, but that's not going to happen with these songs. Yes, they have learned a few Journey trademarks and created some melodies which are in the same ballpark, but they also have some clumsy lyrics, strange arrangements, peculiar drumming and some offkey vocals. No homeruns yet.

The first three songs have the strong Journey influences, while the ballad "It's Up To You And Me" has a slightly proggy vibe. The title track is heavier than the others with touches of vintage Dokken and guitar solo that owes a bit to Neal Schon (again). Bear in mind that these influences and touches do not mean that the band would be ready to compete with the big guns yet or anytime soon.
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