Shadowman's
"Different Angles" is a typically smooth collection of
AOR-esque tunes which flirt with the Westcoast sound. This is not an unexpected turn of events for the band since its core consists of the beautiful pipes of FM's Steve
Overland and Heartplay's Steve Morris on guitars, both who are bent in the direction of softer music. It is a much more relaxed release than the previous debut by the band which was pure
AOR without the marshmellowy filling. There are also light brushings of the blues present which help seperate it from the debut.
The rhythm section is all Thunder: that being the duo from that British band, Chris Childs and Harry James. Little to no issues with the production, its tight and clean, giving the album a nice rounded sound that is quite warm.
Learn to Live Without You still has some kick and punch, especially in the guitars.
Take Me Home features a powerful delivery by
Overland and comes close to colliding with the structuring and feel of the latter day FM.
Chains also rocks out a good bit but with a strong armed
AOR twist but lacks any spark, making it seem like a hollow fluff piece.
Cry Wolf is a highlight, bluesy and kicked back til the chorus which dials it up considerably. The guitars have a knack for flowing nicely and then biting down hard when you least expect it.
I adore the silky smoothness of
In the Shadows. It has a slickness in the hook that other songs here seem to lack. The rhythm is prominent and propels the music forward, providing a strong backbone for the gloss of the vocals and guitars to shine over. Morris' guitars are lovely and he balances the solo with the music nicely.
Dreams Die Hard sports a powerful chorus that comes as a surprise when the remainder of the track is put into context. The verses are accompanied by acoustic and lulling vocals that border on the comatose. Without that added boost in the chorus this one would be tagged Dead On Arrival, but as it is, manages to squeak by with a dual personality.
Shine On ends the album on a lingering note. Nice use of acoustics for texturing and electric guitar for that metallic buzz that conveys a sense of urgency before bursting into the melodic goodness of the chorus. That chorus of course sees
Overland pumping it up a few notches to just blast it. A neat, precise and rather fitting guitar solo tops it all off.
Shadowman is a pleasant listen, especially with Steve behind the microphone - he is always a joy to hear fronting any band - yet there is not alot here that solidifies it as a 'killer' album. Perhaps it is because the songs are too similiar sounding, a few more surprises or changes of pace would have been appreciated. Plus many overstay their welcome by nearly a minute or more. The inclusion of keyboards would have been an appreciative touch as well. Not that
AOR must be keyboard laden, but these songs could use a dash more pep and added texture. They flow into each other and few can truly stand on their own without the support of the rest of the album.
"Different Angles" is a far from essential addition to the
AOR purists libraries. It sails by without much fanfare and leaves little impression afterwards. A shame really, because Steve
Overland is one really talented singer and deserves better. A decent effort, but it leaves you believing it could be so much more than it actually is.
Written by
Alanna Friday, April 14, 2006
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