FROZEN RAIN - review added 20th July 2009
Album Review: Frozen Rain (self titled) (2009)
For fans of: Soft Rock... and big AOR melodies
Frozen Rain is a project of Belgian composer Kurt Vereecke. He wrote or co-wrote every track on the album and contributes keyboards and backing vocals (plus the odd bit of drumming) too.
Playing alongside Kurt are artists like Tommy Denander, Steve Newman, Daniel Flores and a bucket load of others. The singing is split between Johan Waem, Ollie Oldenburg, Maurice Saelmans, Peter De Zutter and Dirk Cauwels. You barely notice the varying line-up as they all have similar-ish voices. A lot of albums with a pick'n'mix approach suffer from awful continuity. Not this one.
As you can imagine, having artists like Tommy D, Steve N and Daniel F involved, the musicianship comes from the top shelf of the rock newsagents. Some of the soloing and drumming is exceptional, as is the depth of the underlying rhythms. Kurt's keyboard musings are impressive too, but the most noticeable aspect is the indulgent use of sweet harmonies. They're way too flowery in places but there's no denying their effectiveness.
'Waiting For You' kicks the album off in a smiling fashion. It's a sunny sounding track with a touch of oomph to drive it along. Tommy Denander's soloing, and this goes for the whole album, is ridiculously impressive and full of feeling. 'Wire Of Love' turns the flower dial up a couple of notches. The quality of writing and performances are undeniably good but there's barely an ounce of evil downtuned riffage on show. This is music that's so nice it probably looks after foster children and brings injured squirrels back to health in its spare time.
'My Heart Believes It's True' is a mellow ballad that's more effeminate than a pink poodle with a handbag... but it's hard not to like. The rhythm is slow and plodding and, whilst the song never really goes anywhere, with the right person in the right situation this is a bona fide 'get lucky' track. 'Red Light Zone' is more like it. It rocks things up big time and sounds all the better for its fast pace and pounding rhythms. The song's underbelly is wonderfully melodious and the overall effect is like the sound Mecca were pumping out a few years back.
'On the Run' starts with a grinding guitar riff. The combination of Ollie Oldenburg's and Dirk Cauwels' vocals gives the track a testosterone-fuelled nature, whilst the majestic guitar soloing is again top drawer stuff. 'Park Café' is a mixture of Don Henley's 'Sunset Grill' and the Kim Wilde track 'Four Letter Word'. There are a few pronunciation issues but not enough to detract from the strong chorus and generally positive nature.
'Never Be a Fool Again' sounds a touch like an old Heart song to begin with but quickly shoots off down a different path. Maurice Saelmans' eccentric voice adds a shovel load of character to the track. The chorus isn't as massive as it could but still catches your attention. 'Your Love' sits amongst the strongest tracks on the album. It chugs along at a fair old lick, but has slower moments that contrast nicely. 'Little Angel' is an okay track with a memorable chorus, whilst final entry 'Tomorrow' is as wet as a haddock taking a shower.
The stars of the show on this eponymous album are Tommy Denander with his fantastic soloing and main man Kurt with his fanciful keyboard musings. The end result is good, great even in places, but it's as fluffy as a long haired cat wearing a fur coat and a merkin. If you like rock with attitude and grinding oomph, this really won't be for you. If you like genteel AOR wrapped in cotton wool with an itsy bitsy hint of metal poking out the top, this'll be right up your street.
Check out... Tommy Denander's amazing guitar skills. The man is awesome.
Track List:
1. Waiting for You
2. Wire of Love
3. Music Keeps Me Alive
4. My Heart Believes It's True
5. Red Light Zone
6. On the Run
7. Park Café
8. Never Be a Fool Again
9. Your Love
10. Say That You Love Me
11. Little Angel
12. Tomorrow
Label: Avenue Of Allies Music
Artist's website(s): Frozen Rain , MySpace
