American Heartbreak's new self-titled album marks a new beginning for the band. This album deviates since it's the band's attempt to create an all electric record with catchy big stadium rock music.
The opener
Somebody take the lead for the album; melodic, well played rock with hooks and sing-along chorus. Overall the album has a very positive vibe even when the lyrics diverge -
Love Your Abuse has lyrics in contrast to the happy up-beat melody, where the ancient instrument of handclaps is frequently used.
The material is very strong and consistent. The record was actually recorded back in 2004 and
American Heartbreak aired most of the songs on their European tour in early 2005. Ever since I saw them in January 2005 I have been humming
Things Are looking up, so that definitely stands among album highlights.
Raise up Your Hands is a perfect live opener with solid chords and lyrics. The ballad
Girl Who Knows Nothing at All is catchy and has a twangy lead guitar.
American Heartbreak is inspired by the 70's scene (compare their salute on
The last of the Superheroes (of the 1970's) but always with focus on hooks and melodies. Guitarist Billy Rowe's Gretsch guitar has a pompous sound that reminds of Malcolm Young.
The album contains great material that primarily is simple 3 chord rock. Kix's Brian Forsythe makes a guest appearance on
Unhappily Ever After, which opens with Michael Butler playing a neat bass riff that sound inspired by UFO's
Cherry.
Former
Jetboy guitarist Billy Rowe is the band leader and he has gathered a great group of talent. Singer Lance Boone sounds great on the record, and he has a great tone to his vocals, which are melodic but yet a bit polished without losing edge.
The album fades a little bit quality wise towards the end with a couple of "in the middle of nowhere" tracks that won't offend anybody.
American Heartbreak certainly has the songs to introduce the band to a wider audience. Even though
American Heartbreak aims for a mass appealing catchy rock record they haven't sold out and still kept their street appeal.
Go check this record out!
Written by
Michael Sunday, June 4, 2006
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