A year on from it's original major label release (Universal), China's 'Light Up The Dark', gets picked up and pushed by a minor. All very perverse.
Yes, another legendary name among European rock aficionados gets thrust back into hard rock radar range.
This new recording gives you the distinct impression of arena rock having come of age, as written and performed by experienced craftsmen. Yes, simmering below the surface, there remains an underlying urge to punch the air and shout it loud. But maturity and the wisdom it brings encouraged them ultimately to embrace a more satisfying path.
And what an accomplished affair it is.
The songs are muscular, but sleek; the melodies tuneful but sturdy; the playing tough but full of tender moments. There's an elegance running through this music.
On songs like 'Hey Yo', and 'Deadly Sweet' you can see a rich weave of contemporary guitar driven melodic rock threading its way through the album.
'Gates of Heaven' and 'Stay' are the blue collar songs of open spaces, of heartache and of human frailty.
That's not to say tracks like 'Girl On My Screen' and 'On My Way' don't clang and clatter with barely suppressed energy, but it's the classic hard rock of the freewheeling 'Lonely Rider' and 'Right Here Right Now' - given a contemporary guitar spin - that really get under your skin.
Recommended.

Style: Melodic hard Rock

Rating: 7.5/10

Posted by Brian - Sunday, March 20, 2011



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