MECCA - review added 3rd November 2011
Album Review: Undeniable (2011)
For fans of: Melodic Rock
Follow-up to the 2002 self-titled debut, "Undeniable" is one of the most anticipated albums in melodic rock circles for a long while. Joe Vana, the man behind Mecca, created something widely considered a masterpiece 9 years back. I have to say it didn't quite do it for me. There was no doubting the subtle beauty of it all, the performances were breathtaking, and there were plenty of catchy tracks...but the result lacked fire in its belly.
This new album comes across in the same way. Again it's a stunning production, boasting near perfect sound and a mellow charm that defies words, but again that fire isn't there. Joe's voice is wonderful, but he's so sublimely chilled I constantly want for a bit of adrenaline to get my blood flowing.
I think this album misses Fergie Frederiksen, and I'm not sure the songs are quite so catchy this time round either. There's nothing bad on the album, but where there were hooks last time, there is cleverness, experimentation and smoooooooooooth song styling this time. 'Perfect World' hits the mark, as does 'Ten Lifetimes', but everything else is more of an experience than an actual song.
In Summation:
"Undeniable" is stunning - there's no denying it's technical merits - but it's also too clever and self-absorbed. That first song is genius, and if you like your albums to be meandering flights of fancy you'll love it, but I definitely prefer the debut.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Perfect World
02. Closing Time
03. Ten Lifetimes
04. Life's Too Short
05. I Know
06. Did It For Love
07. From The Start
08. Deceptive Cadence
09. W2W
10. Undeniable
11. As I walk Alone
Band/Performers:
Joe Vana: Vocals
Joey Vana: Guitars
Brian Moritz: Keyboards
Paul Pisciotto: Synthesizers
Wally Hustin: Bass
Rick Vitek: Drums
Mark Alano: Guitars
Other Info:
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Facebook
