FAIR WARNING - review added 10th July 2009
Album Review: Aura (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and really cool tracks about Disney characters
Fair Warning is a German hard rock band that released their very first record back in 1992. They've since put out more than 10 other albums (including live, best-of and EP releases). Aura is the follow-up to 2006's Brother's Keeper, which in turn was their first release since 2000.
The line-up consists of Tommy Heart on vocals, Helge Engelke on guitars, Ule W. Ritgen on bass and C.C. Behrens on drums. Ritgen and Engelke handle writing duties... and you'd have to say they've done a bloody good job.
Tommy Heart's vocals are as sweet as a honey bee soaked in molasses. He has has a wonderfully smooth tone with an edge of roughness which adds the perfect dose of character. He comes across with a strong hint of Johnny Gioeli in places, at other times he sounds like Jon Bon Jovi. Whatever he does, he is always from the top branches of the vocalist tree.
Helge Engelke's guitars are impressive too. Every pick of the string or tap of the finger heightens the experience of the album, he never shouts LOOK AT ME, although the naughty man does occasionally make your jaw crash to the floor. The drums and bass are less standout, but that's only because they are so close to perfection. They do a sterling job of making the album what it is. With lesser players the band wouldn't have hit the highs they do.
Opening track 'Fighting for your love' is an upbeat and pleasant way to start. It's a grower and, whilst not mind blowing, it's enjoyable and has a classic 80's feel with a modern vibe draped over the top. 'Here Comes The Heartache' is an amazing track. From the very first note you know it's going to be a stormer and it doesn't let the side down. This is a song that would do Def Leppard or Giant proud.
'Hey girl' slows matters down considerably. There's a hint of The Scorpions in it's structure, although it's arguably better than anything that other German band have produced for years. The way the song builds in volume and depth as it plays through is wonderful, and that chorus is just phenomenal. Definitely one of the top ten ballads of the year. 'Don't count on me' is a happy groovy track that's almost disco in the underlying rhythms. Again, the chorus is breathtakingly good. The lyrics may not be as happy as the sound, but it barely seems to matter as you tap along.
'Hey Girl' may be one of the ballads of the year, but it isn't alone. If 'Falling' is anything to go by it may not even be the best ballad on the album. 'Falling' is a slow but rocking track I guarantee will send shivers down your spine. It's a slow paced bass-led number that's so heavily beautiful you might be forced to cry in joy. 'Holding On' is also a slow track, but with more of a blues-driven approach. It isn't in the same league as the other starring love songs, but it's still better than most music you'll ever hear.
'Walking On Smiles' commences with a synth version of Tommy's vocals. It's thoroughly mesmerising and I really hope, in a non illegal way, other bands copy Fair Warning's approach here. This could be a whole new genre of rock opening up before our ears. The remainder of the song is bouncy, fun and hugely memorable. The chorus and guitar solos are sublime and Tommy's Johnny Gioeli vocals are so on the money he's probably got a 10 Euro note stuck to his butt cheek.
'Someday' is a mid paced number caught somewhere between a ballad and a rocker. Again, it's a great track with a noticeably sparkling vibe to the chorus. 'As Snow White found out' has an offbeat title. To be honest, it's an offbeat song. It's like a sing-along number from a musical mixed with a funky rocker and a moody ballad. The result is quite unlike anything I've heard for ages and could lay claim to being the most memorable track on the album. Maybe more bands should record tracks about Disney characters?!
Aura finishes with one more fantastic track, 'Station to Station'. It shows yet another side to the band with a lovely up tempo feel, bright sounding guitars and very funky bass. It hints slightly at reggae in the way the rhythms interact with each other. I guess you could call it German Caribbean rock...
Well, this is looking odds on for album of the year at the moment. You just can't say anything bad about the album - the production, the writing, the performing, everything is nigh on perfect. Few albums ever boast a line up of songs this good and even less manage to squeeze this amount of variety in whilst remaining fluid and fun. Even if you only like death metal, R'n'B or Tibetan monk chanting, you have to buy this album. That's the law!
Check out... 'Hey Girl', 'Falling', 'Walking On Smiles'... Oh heck, all of it!
Track List:
1. Fighting for your love
2. Here comes the heartache
3. Hey girl
4. Don't count on me
5. Falling
6. Holding on
7. Walking on smiles
8. Someday
9. It takes more
10. As Snow White found out
11. Station to station
Label: Metal Heaven
Band websites: Fair Warning , MySpace
