Does Tommy Denander really need an introduction anymore? Perhaps for those just getting in on
AOR he does... Denander is a great guitarist and an even better songwriter. His projects are many (he claims over 1,000 album credits... amazing) and massive. Nothing is ever done on a small scale. It's all big bombastic melodic rock that often pushes boundaries, and if not, he's settling on a comfortable, familiar sound that just lets the music deliver a crafty collection of tunes. The latter is what this project is all about.
"Baptism By Fire" is not going to change your view of
AOR, but it certainly is a platter that will deliver everything you crave in melodic rock music.
Great vocals by Fergie Frederiksen who re-emerged not too long ago in Radioactive, another Denander guided outing. Fergie was known as the voice of Trillion and also for Mecca and Toto's "Isolation" album. His return to the fold has been quite acclaimed and its heavenly to hear him belting a full album's worth of music that suits his voice and style. A disc which is chockfull of huge harmonies, sleekly structured songs, and choruses you could die for. No it is not mindblowing, but is well prepared and a treat to listen to. Sometimes its hard to put your finger on exactly what makes this album tick so well, so its best to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Derivitative it might be, but that special something is buzzing within here and compels you to come back for more.
Instant love for the opener,
"Let Him Go" which is a fantastic piece of melodic rock. It has that certain feel that gets you from the instant it begins and keeps you trapped in by its charms. Big choruses, lovely verses sung by the magnificent voice of Fergie Frederiksen, it just leaves traces of
AOR perfection all around. Reminiscent of Tour De Force,
Frontline and a Trillion other bands from the genre. Yet, with all the comparisons spinning around your mind like a kaleidoscope who's who of melody infused rock, there is still plenty of definition to set it apart and allow it to create its own mark.
"Right Heart Wrong Time" has the Denander magic touch. The chorus surges and doubles upon itself, a heartsong that conveys the tragedy of the situation with a powerful sorrowful sting and wistful vocals that softly close out the booming synergy from the chorus. Frederiksen has a fabulous voice that is perfectly matched with Denander's instant guitar riffs and addiction inducing melodies. This is richly melodic music, something Denander is a master at creating.
"Crossing Over" has the fevered energy of mid 80s Foriegner and the melodic moods of Toto. The dark guitars in synch with the keys and percussion punctuate the happier tones like a knife through butter. Smooth, effortless but catching you offguard by the razor sharpness bite of the blade.
"Silver Lining" has the typical arena rock 80s sound and chorus that is drenched in bombast and marvelous lead vocals.
"Written in Stone" sends sparkles of hope and determination wrapped in a tight melodic package. Piercing guitars leave little punctuation marks scattered through the uptempo rocker of
"Saving Grace". The title track is a builder that climbs with each verse and then sets off like a rocket for the huge hook-filled chorus. The chorus catches in your throat and soars in your heart. And as quickly as it climaxes, it is is abruptly cut off with a purr of
"baptism by fire", leaving a heartskip's moment before burrowing down for another round of verses and riffing. A dark and voluptuous song that fits nicely in, surrounded by all this power pop.
"Can't Get Enough" is atypical hard rock, a bit of Def Leppard/Winger lurking in the shadows here. The verses slink and slide and the backing vocals are big and unapologetically bold.
"Never Try to Love Again" has a moody undercurrent of doubt, a pulsing pain from love's betrayal and the powerful conviction that he will never love again. Pure 80s, caught and released for the here and now and polished to perfection in that production. So slickly structured, visions of
Night Ranger dancing in their heads. Thickly striking and flaunting a dose of attitude,
"Dead End" is rough and daunting, like an animal backed into a corner. Then there's the chorus that explodes out of nowhere and rains melody down in torrents.
"Keep a Light On" joins the cream of the crop from the cd. Superb melodies, biting guitars lending a heavier thickness behind the fluffier curtains. Another velvety chorus that is as immediate as a chorus can be. It clicks on and grabs you instantly. An expert example of the
AOR craft. The disc ends on the slinky, lonesome vibes of
"Left With Nothing". A chorus kicks you right in the soul, anguished and coming to terms with utter sense of the solitary. A little jazzy and more profound than might be detected at first listen.
Frederiksen/Denander's
"Baptism by Fire" leaves the listener with nothing new. This has all been heard before, BUT the musicianship and the way the songs are composed are so expertly done, you can tell that these men are absolute masters of their craft. Denander's songwriting borrows from dozens of bands that came before and even so he manages to whip those influences into instantly likeable and addictive tracks. Songs that somehow keep their own identity and the recognizable stamp of Denander intact. Regretfully there are no true ballads, the tempo is kept running on
AOR adrenaline, and there are a few songs that could have been cut and never been truly missed.
No boundaries are pushed, no ballads are presented, but its a whipping journey through twelve uptempo tracks, with few moments of boredom. So these small issues can be forgiven. Big choruses, inviting verses and harmonies, and unexpectedly thick guitars keep the interest ticking high. For anyone that has ever loved
AOR, including Denander's extensive work or the voice of Fergie Frederiksen, this is a disc that will win you over in a heartbeat. Its low on originality but huge on style and even substance. Immediately desirable and eternally catchy, this makes for a great listen over and again.
Written by
Alanna Friday, June 29, 2007
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