A
Ted Poley (
Danger Danger, Melodica) and Vic Rivera (Adriangale) combination is going to naturally sound like some criss crossing of
Danger Danger and Melodica, unsurprisingly featuring a hefty dose of Adriangale's slickness in the mix. Amazingly there are only two performers on the whole album. Poley is vocalist and Rivera handles everything else. They also collaborate on the songwriting process, so naming the outfit
Poley/Rivera could not possibly be more descriptive. With that in mind, this is an amazing feat of talent and excellent musicianship. The two work so well together, they make every song flow so effortlessly. Take the lovely
"Breathe Deep" for instance. Lush vocal harmonies, beautifully dancing guitars, and a richly relaxing melodic flow that's as happy and soul satisfying as cool spring raindrops or blue painted sunny summer skies. It's a fluffy
AOR cloud of pleasurable fulfillment, guitars like butterflies and Poley's voice bringing personality and passion to the music. It's a catchy piece that's brilliant in its streamlined execution.
Ted Poley's unique voice serves the music well, endowing it with a unique quirk that makes the album come to life. His tone and texture are completely his own and makes him an instantly recognizable personality.
"Crossing the Ocean" is soft subtlety. Drifting as sails unfurled and prepared for a gentle drift wherever the wind decides to guide on its changing whims. The midtempo melodic wash of the sugary
"Delirious", delivering a feel-good love connection is the cheesy upbeat blaster
"Did We Just Have a Moment?" that shines with its bouncy chorus and sing-a-long nature.
"Fire At Will" has a few
Def Leppard nods mostly in the chorus while
"Insanity" is cocky, clever and all bounce and shine.
"NWS" (No Win Situation) breaks out into a heavier mindset and that darker side of Melodica mixed with Harnell fronted
TNT and a splash of the ultra
AOR of
Danger Danger.
"Only Human" is the most wondrous spot of the album(and the oldest track, it has been circulating since 2006), and pours over the brim with maybe too much heart. A modern take on the rock ballad and done with sheer class. Bleeding beautiful and wept dry, Poley's voice turns this ballad-esque track into a gorgeous glimpse of the emotional state of human nature's most painful and tender affairs.
A few songs are borderline alright, such as the still catchy but rather typically produced
"The Bigger They Come" and the cliché filled,
"Top of the World" which is self satisfied and blissfully happy enough but lacking that necessary punch.
"Only Human" is a fine disc of solid music with scattered moments that are true melodic rock highlights, although it seems destined to be an overlooked gem. Not every song is absolute bliss but the few that are, are certainly worth seeking the disc out for. The running time has a natural feel and the execution is all top notch. An
AOR album of Melodica/
Danger Danger sentiments that has a definitely summery rock feel and should appeal to fans of the duo's other works.
Written by
Alanna Saturday, January 24, 2009
Show all reviews by AlannaRatingsAlanna: 7.5/10Members: 8/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
Member ratings
 | Tommy
Rating: 8/10
I'm getting a bigger fan of Mr. Poley by the day, as Alanna stated his vocals are truly un... · Read more · |
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