Places of Power sounds like a failed Dream Theater wannabe prog band that ambled out of the mid 90s and disappeared just as silently and swiftly as they appeared. However, names are deceptive and this is something else entirely. First thoughts are how closely it sounds to Foreigner and that's the sticking point for the entire album. Bruce Turgon has been in both Lou Gramm fronted bands, Shadowking and the more famous Foreigner, and he is the central figure for this disc.
The other main player is Phillip Bardowell (solo, Unruly Child, etc) manages to make his voice ring with the same inflections and essence of Lou Gramm. So you combine music that sounds as if it was written for a new Foriegner disc, with a voice that is pretty much ripping most elegantly off of Gramm, and its inevitable that the disc would be compared to its primary influence.

There is also a close resemblance to the strange patterned moods of Don Dokken's excellent solo AOR offering "Up From the Ashes". You can also catch little glimpses of the solo efforts from both of these men, especially Turgon's "In the Cut". It's not the main point of attraction, but those are running beneath the scenes, giving depth and an edge of interest to the songs.

AOR/melodic rock through and through, "Now is the Hour" has a scattering of melty lovey dovey pieces and a few rippling rockers. There is a light progressive flirtation for the final "Places of Power" bit, but the rest is pretty much synthesizer driven 80s styled rock. It's big, arena stuff, lots of fluff, depth and bouncing rhythms. The opener, "In Your Wildest Dreams" is shamelessly addictive, a thunderous stadium rocker that has delicious harmonies and an absolutely knee weaking chorus. This is prime stuff here.
 
"Make Me Believe" is along the same lines but not quite as dazzling as that first track. The shadowy, "Up From the Ashes" feeling, "Secrets" has this mid tempo smokey pacing that sets it apart from the rest. Which is mostly emotion bubbling songs that graciously preserves that 80s AOR sound and pretties it up for a new audience and a fresh decade.

Places of Power is an accomplishment of a vision. Turgon manages all instruments (other than guitars which are handled by Scott McKinstry on a track) and the flawless, tingly channelling of Gramm by Bardowell is respectfully fantastic. Dennis Ward did the mastering and the mixing and he always makes albums under his watch sound like big budget, gigantic events, rather than just a mere tinny little disc. Those that have been craving a Foreigner fix post "Mr. Moonlight" will be pleased in the direction this disc has taken. No points for originality but atleast Bruce and Phillip are keeping a classic alive, even if it is only in respectful spirit.

Written by Alanna
Friday, February 20, 2009
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Alanna: 7.5/10

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Little Drummer Boy Rating: 7.5/10 As far as Frontiers Records go they have been distributing some great acts over the last c... · Read more ·

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Review by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Thursday, February 26, 2009

View Profile Comments: 166 Ratings: 46 As far as Frontiers Records go they have been distributing some great acts over the last couple of years. Stan Bush, From The Inside, House of Lords, Pride of Lions to name a few. In general one can expect a good release from this label. There has been some bumps (I am still traumatized by Survivor: Reach). But as a whole I have been pleased. Dennis Ward, what can you say about him. he has done no wrong, which is amazing as you would think he would be on burn out by now with all the CD's he has been mixing and or producing the past 18 months or so. As I was listening to this for the first time last week I thought this is what Foreigner should have continued to sound like. By all accounts this release sounds like it should have been released after Inside information replacing Unusual Heat in 1991. Beyond that I think you covered it. Talking about Foreigner, They are releasing another CD. Unfortunately it is yet another anthology release. So I hope "Places of Power" stays intact for another release to see where they go. As for Frontiers Records they have another release from a long time veteran artist Robert Berry. RB: The Dividing Line is definitely one to listen to. Rating: 7.5/10 Posted by Little Drummer Boy Thursday, February 26, 2009