HARD - review added 28th March 2011
Album Review: Even Keel (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
HARD is a hard rock band from Hungary boasting a lead singer from Sweden. We've already had the pleasure of reviewing their last two releases - "Traveler" (2008) and "Time Is Waiting For No One" (2010). Both albums were good, with the latter especially enjoyable.
The good news is that this band are getting better with every release. The even better news is that they've done it again here.
The sound is harder rocking than before, boasting a metallic edge and much stronger low end. Where the first album was a small tubocharged four cylinder, and the second a creamy straight six, this is a big potent V-8 with chromed manifolds and anodised pipework.
The overwhelming sound in HARD is Björn Lodin's singing (which we'll get onto in a minute), but it's worth forcing yourself to push past the vocals and have a listen to the musicianship. The two Zsolts and Gabor are stunningly talented and it's a shame they don't shout about it more. The guitar work is often phenomenal, and that rhythm section is as mighty as a Norse god. The fact the instrument-twiddling often plays little more than a supporting role is something of a crime, but as a whole (and forgetting just how good the musicians are) the production is perfectly balanced for what it is...which is good solid honest hard rock with a bluesy aura.
Björn is an interesting chap. He has a voice like nobody else I've heard. I don't think everyone will dig his raspy style, but if you can get used to his inimitable ways he's an absolute star. It's hard to know what else to say about him. He's simply one of those people you need to hear yourself and pass your own judgement.
Song wise, opener 'Truth Or Dare' is a straight ahead rocker with a bassy groove. 'Bitten By You' is a seriously catchy little number with a 1980s vibe. 'Pretty Little Liar' races away, again with that 1980s feel. It's a speedy entry...and the guitar work is mighty fine. 'Promises' is a mid tempo rocker with a cool feel. 'I Wanna Rock You' is a similar idea - it doesn't do anything special but what it does do is first class.
'Speeding Into Slow' has a seriously bout of cool bubbling beneath the surface. I could imagine it playing in a seedy sexy film set in the 1970s. 'Somewhere' slows matters right down. It's not your typical ballad, but it's arguably the best track on the album. 'Keep Out', on the other hand, is one of the heaviest tracks. It isn't far away from full-house metal. 'Scream Out To Be Heard' is pretty damn loud too, and that's a good thing. Final track 'In Your Arms' is another ballad. It's not as good as the first, but it has its charms.
In Summation:
Quality wise, the performances on "Even Keel" are a few notches ahead of the songwriting, but that's only because the performances are so damned good. By any normal measure this is a bloody enjoyable album with loads to recommend it. And it's HARD's best yet.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Truth Or Dare
02. Bitten By You
03. Pretty Little Liar
04. Promises
05. I Wanna Rock You
06. Speeding Into Slow
07. Somewhere
08. Keep Out
09. Scream Out To Be Heard
10. In Your Arms
Band/Performers:
Björn Lodin - vocal
Zsolt Vamos - guitar
Gabor Mirkovics - bass
Zsolt Borbely - drums
Other Info:
Album produced by Björn Lodin
Artist's website(s): HARD | MySpace | Facebook
