GRAND ILLUSION
The three core members of Grand Illusion, Peter Sundell, Per Svensson (both vocalists) and Anders Rydholm (bass, keyboards and guitars) have worked together since 1986 when they formed the band Promotion. For this release they are joined by Greg Bissonette, who has recorded and toured with David Lee Roth, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, on drums and legendary session guitarist Tim Pierce. The album opens with three up tempo tracks. The first, ‘Never Find Her Alone’, is on the heavy side but also melodic with a catchy chorus and includes a first rate guitar solo. ‘All Out of Love’, which has a great riffed intro, follows and is succeeded by the strangely titled ‘157th Breakdown’. On all three tracks there are ‘massed’ vocals. It is not clear who has the main vocal duties in the band but it sounds like both vocalists appear on all tracks and this makes for a rich and full sound. The first of only two real ballads on this release, ’Emily’, is next up and is fairly typical of its type, with piano prominent. The album reverts back to a rockier feel with the next track, ‘I’m Alive’, whilst the sixth track, ‘Burning Bed’, has a slightly funky feel to it. The album’s title track follows and is somewhat strange as it has a brief recorded quote from Churchill in the middle which seems unrelated to the lyrics of the song. Perhaps I’m missing something! The vocal arrangements on this track are reminiscent of Toto, which is perhaps unsurprising as Bissonette has worked with the band during his career. The remainder of the songs on this release, with the exception of the last track which is the second piano led ballad, follow pretty much the same formula, being up tempo and on the heavy side but with plenty of melody as well. In essence, this is a fairly strong release. There is nothing particularly original here but it is well crafted and produced nonetheless. If you like reasonably heavy AOR, you will probably enjoy this album.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
AOR Heaven
Album
BRAND NEW WORLD
Review by Dave Uphill
RUNNING TIME:
51:43
RELEASE DATE:
24th May 2010
TRACK LISTING
1) Never Find Her Alone
2) All Out Of Love
3) 157th Breakdown
4) Emily
5) I'm Alive
6) Burning Bed
7) Brand New World
8) Evil and Pain
9) Warning Signs
10) Playing With Fire
11) Sacrifice
12) Forever With You
2) All Out Of Love
3) 157th Breakdown
4) Emily
5) I'm Alive
6) Burning Bed
7) Brand New World
8) Evil and Pain
9) Warning Signs
10) Playing With Fire
11) Sacrifice
12) Forever With You
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"There is nothing particularly original here but it is well crafted and produced nonetheless. If you like reasonably heavy AOR, you will probably enjoy this album."
