AOR Heaven (2012)
The third album from this cross continental hard rock band ( guitarist Andy Susemihl and drummer Rene Letters live in Germany, guitarist Curtis Mitchell and bassist Danny Greenberg live in Nevada, and vocalist David Reece resides in Minnesota) proves that in today’s technological landscape, professional product outcomes can be outstanding even with logistical distance factors. Originally hitting the scene with their “On Target” debut album at a time when grunge/alternative music took over the mainstream, Bangalore Choir received a second chance after an 18 year hiatus through their 2010 “Cadence” comeback release.
This set combines a series of up tempo, European style energetic rockers like “Civilized Evil” and “All The Damage Done” with bright, street oriented anthems such as “Trojan Horse” and “Don’t Act Surprised”. Bangalore Choir benefit from the distinct riffing technique and interplay between Andy’s smooth German guitar hero licks and Curtis’ seasoned American knowledge. Stripping down to acoustic guitars and bluesy harmonica for the musical accompaniment on “Never Face Ole Joe Alone”, vocalist David Reece gets to showcase more of his versatile old school pipes on this number that has ZZ Top sassiness with Chickenfoot-like musicianship.
One of my favorite songs “Catch An Angel Fallin’” has quieter, more introspective guitar parts during the verses and then an addictive, heavier riff pattern during the chorus that falls in line with many of the classic German hard rock acts like Victory or Letter X. “Silhouettes On The Shade” features some killer quick hitting shred licks and an arrangement well suited for fast highway cruising, the vocals and music classic Van Halen. You just feel “Metaphor” reignites the hard rock scene, placing the primary emphasis on writing tight, engaging songs within the verse/chorus/solo formula while leaving the commercial pandering to other, lesser experienced musicians.
Sometimes you need stripped down hard rock like Bangalore Choir to ease your worried mind and let the troubles of your day to day life roll away.
www.bangalorechoir.com
www.aorheaven.com
Rating: 4 / 6
Composed by Matt Coe