For two albums now,
Lunatica have been firmly entrenched in the symphonic rock sub genre that includes Nightwish,
Edenbridge and a small number of lower profile European bands.
Accordingly,
'Edge Of Infinity' is clearly an attempt to widen the band's appeal and grab some of the market captured by Evanescence (14 million albums sold).
There's a problem there of course. Vocalist Datwyler's voice doesn't have Amy Lee's hard edged aggression, so
Lunatica will have a difficult task breaking into that arena.
Consequently, they have opted for a more pop styled approach, mixed and matched with their tried and tested formula.
There's a core of three designer label songs at the centre of the album, all of which are tailored to achieve the aim. Any one of these could conceivably see the band crossover into more lucrative markets.
'Who You Are', written by Swedes Carl Falk and Sebastian Thott, is the most overtly commercial of the three. No surprise there, given that the Falk/Thott partnership shot to fame writing and producing for Britney Spears, Westlife and Lindsay Lohan.
Written by producer, Sascha Paeth, '
Out' is probably the track that best combines the band's ambitions with their natural style.
'Song For You', a duet with guest vocalist, John (Asia/GPS) Payne, is more of a dark horse. It's not as immediately appealing as the other two, but Payne adds much needed grit and gravitas to what is already an achingly articulate melodic rock song.
Elsewhere, the galloping title track '
Edge Of Infinity' and
'Sons Of The Wind', a surging, neo classical/rock cut will have
Lunatica fans drooling. For the non partisan listener though, the band's clinical, precise approach fails to engage.
The musicianship is impressive, the melodies are sweet and the arrangements are awash with lush orchestrations, but it's often hard to find an emotional pulse.
Later in the album, the heavily romanticised ballad '
The Power Of Love' (not that one) and the harder rocking '
Emocean', a duet with Oliver
Hartmann (bonus Japanese track), go some way to making a connection.
You could easily argue that this third release from the band lacks direction, and if the crossover appeal fails, it's hard to know where they go from here.
Written by
Brian Sunday, August 20, 2006
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