GRAND DESIGN
Grand Design were formed back in 2006 by Pelle Saether, a Swedish singer and producer who recruited guitarist Peter Ledin and drummer Richard Holmgren to capture the “organic sounds of 80s rock” with a contemporary feel. This led to the release of ‘Time Elevation’ in 2009, the recording of which saw the capture of guitarist Dennis Vestman and bassist Anders Modd, both ex-Wolf, who completed the band’s line-up, a line-up that is still together for this latest release. The album was well received critically by “many of Europe’s top Rock Radio networks”.
So, what about ‘Idolizer’? Well, the press release provided with album states that Def Leppard were an inspiration and I can’t really get beyond that statement. Every single track has the Mutt Lange Leppard sound all over it; it’s one thing being inspired by a band or bands (Metallica were inspired by Diamond Head and Budgie to name but two but they didn’t sound like them for christ’s sake!) but to completely imitate a band’s sound isn’t really on. The tracks on this release are all competently played and a couple of them, ‘Change Me Up’ and ‘You’re Gonna Dig On It’ might just make it onto a bonafide Leps album (obviously you’d have to change the title of the second track mentioned!) but there is no real attempt by the band, in my view at least, to bring in elements of their own identity. If the formula works, and judging by the critical reaction to their first album release it does, then fair play to them and there seems to be a willing audience for their output. To my mind, however, this release would be improved significantly if the band tried a more original and less derivative approach. The title of the album is very apposite and it’s quite clear who is being idolised!
So, what about ‘Idolizer’? Well, the press release provided with album states that Def Leppard were an inspiration and I can’t really get beyond that statement. Every single track has the Mutt Lange Leppard sound all over it; it’s one thing being inspired by a band or bands (Metallica were inspired by Diamond Head and Budgie to name but two but they didn’t sound like them for christ’s sake!) but to completely imitate a band’s sound isn’t really on. The tracks on this release are all competently played and a couple of them, ‘Change Me Up’ and ‘You’re Gonna Dig On It’ might just make it onto a bonafide Leps album (obviously you’d have to change the title of the second track mentioned!) but there is no real attempt by the band, in my view at least, to bring in elements of their own identity. If the formula works, and judging by the critical reaction to their first album release it does, then fair play to them and there seems to be a willing audience for their output. To my mind, however, this release would be improved significantly if the band tried a more original and less derivative approach. The title of the album is very apposite and it’s quite clear who is being idolised!
LABEL:
FORMAT:
AOR Heaven
Album
IDOLIZER
Review by Dave Uphill
RUNNING TIME:
49:04
RELEASE DATE:
31st Oct 2011
TRACK LISTING
1) Get On With the Action
2) Change Me Up
3) OughtoGraugh
4) Your Love's a Runaway
5) Stealin' My Love
6) Let's Rawk the Night
7) Addiction for Love
8) Idolize Me
9) Rock Back to the 80s
10) You're Gonna Dig On It
2) Change Me Up
3) OughtoGraugh
4) Your Love's a Runaway
5) Stealin' My Love
6) Let's Rawk the Night
7) Addiction for Love
8) Idolize Me
9) Rock Back to the 80s
10) You're Gonna Dig On It
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"The title of the album is very apposite and it’s quite clear who is being idolised!"
