LOS ANGELES - review added 19th November 2009
Album Review: Neverland (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and west coast cities
Los Angeles first came together in 2007 for their self-titled debut album. The backbone of the project was singer Michele
Luppi (Vision Divine) and bassist/producer Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, From the Inside, Vertigo). That first album had guests such as Tommy Denander and Gregg Giuffria.
This, their 2nd album, comes back with more of the same. Michele is still there, as is Fabrizio. Joining them this time round are Tommy Denander (again), Joey Sykes and Roberto Priori on guitars, Eric Ragno on keyboards and Tony Morra on drums. There's more 'internal' songwriting this time, although Eric Ragno, Joey Sykes, Roberto Priori and even George Lynch add their respective talents.
The sound is dominated by Michele's unique vocal stylings. He really is a very characterful singer and comes across well here. It's not long since we heard him on the Trick Or Treat album - see the Rock Realms review here - and he does more of the same on this release. He reminds me, from an enthusiasm point of view, of Toby Hitchcock from Pride Of Lions. Michele has more of a fruity edge, but the similarities are there.
The title track is a lively number, maybe a tad forgettable but the performances are above par. 'Nothing To Hide' is considerably more bouncy and contagious. It's a real feel good song that'll have you punching the air and singing along like a deranged karaoke wannabe. The slower 'City Of Angels' is pleasant in places, although ultimately more damp than steamy. 'Promises' does the dawdling ballad thing with real panache. It's not as big as it could have been, although it wouldn't be fair to knock it as it's still a fine effort.
'Wait For You' is little more than standard rock with not a lot to make it stand out. 'Nowhere To Hide' is better, especially in the chorus, but overall it's still too understated. 'Tonight Tonight' is the same. It's another step up, but it's still not a mind blowing track (although the chorus is very catchy). Same for 'Higher Love' - better, a good track even, but not amazing. Sadly my promo for 'Living Inside' cut out after 20 seconds so I can't comment on it. 'Welcome To My Life' is much more like it - more like the bright upbeat songs from the start of the album. Final track 'Paradise' is a nice and friendly, if middling finish to the album.
I'm only mildly impressed with Neverland. It's got some great performances on it, especially from the golden voiced Michele Luppi, but it's mostly way too safe and obvious to stand out from the crowd. There are only a few semi-decent tracks, and the overall vibe is little more than okay. Unfortunately, Los Angeles are looking like an also-ran from the Frontiers Records stable this year.
Check out... The artwork.
CD Track List:
01. Neverland
02. Nothing To Hide
03. City Of Angels
04. Promises
05. Wait For You
06. Nowhere To Hide
07. Tonight Tonight
08. Higher Love
09. Living Inside
10. Welcome To My Life
11. Paradise
Label: Frontiers Records
