ROB MORATTI - review added 22nd June 2011
Album Review: Victory (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
I first came across the work of Canadian singer Rob Moratti when he was in Final Frontier, mainly through their achingly catchy (and crazily high-pitched) track 'High Tension Wire'. He also made an excellent turn in prog rock band Saga, replacing Michael Sadler for their superb 2009 album "The Human Condition". Now, however, it's good to hear what he can do without the constraints of a band. The answer is rather a lot.
Alongside a stellar line-up including Reb Beach, Tony Franklin and Brian Doerner, Rob is in fine form here. Yes, he always has and always will sound a trifle cartoonish, so if you haven't liked him before this probably won't change your mind. But if you do like him (and I think he's awesome), this is a great showcase of what the man is capable of.
The songs range from rocking ballads 'Take It All Back' to big rock numbers that wouldn't have been out of place in the 1980s chart like excellent opener 'Life On The Line'. In between there's an AOR ballads like 'Lifetime' and 'I Promise You', speedy rockers like 'Power Of Love', prog-influenced rockers like 'On And On' and more. The overwhelming sense is of fabulous musicianship (especially those guitars), great singing and a really 'together' album.
In Summation:
Hard to believe this is just a project. it's a great release that really showcases Rob's brilliantly unique voice. As already said, if you don't like him you won't like this. If you do or you've never heard him before, give this a try, you won't regret it.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Life On The Line
02. Everything But Good Bye
03. Lifetime
04. Power Of Love
05. Hold That Light
06. On And On
07. Take It All Back
08. I Promise You
09. Standing On The Top Of The World
10. Jennie
11. Now More Than Ever
Band/Performers:
Rob Moratti - Lead and Background Vocals (Final Frontier, Saga)
Reb Beach - Lead Guitars (Winger / Whitesnake)
Christian Wolff - Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars and Keyboards
Tony Franklin - Bass (Blue Murder / The Firm)
Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards / Brian Doerner - Drums (Saga)
Other Info:
Produced by - Rob Moratti
Mixed by Richard Chycki (Rush / Aerosmith / Gotthard / Pink)
Label: Escape Music
Artist's website(s): Rob Moratti
