PHENOMENA - review added 2nd November 2010
Album Review: Blind Faith (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and moving in the direction of brilliance
Phenomena is a musical project built by Tom Galley and his brother Mel (who sadly passed away in 2008) and populated by a bunch of the world's most talented rockers. It started back in the 1980s, with the first release making an appearance in 1985. That album featured artists including Glenn Hughes, Cozy Powell, Don Airey and Neil Murray. A few more releases followed over the years - featuring Ray Gillen, John Wetton, Scott Gorham, Brian May and more - leading to this...what can only be described as a fine addition to the legacy.
"Blind Faith" has a very impressive roster of names. Anyone who is into their AOR, hard rock, power metal or prog should find someone they know and like here. The main contributors are down the page alongside the songs, and the album also features Martin Kronlund on guitars and bass, Jim Kirkpatrick on guitars, Imre Daun on drums, Dan Helgesen on keys, and Henrik Thomsen bass. Martin Kronland handled recording and mixing.
The sound throughout is unsurprisingly varied. This style of release often sounds like a compilation, and "Blind Faith" is definitely tarnished with that brush. However, there is a continuity throughout that surprises. Maybe it's the production, maybe the cleverness of the writing, maybe the players who add their bit to every song, I'm not sure, but as a whole the album does work - not as cohesively as one by a 'band', but better than you might imagine.
The songs themselves are tailored to the individual artists. Phenomena is not a project that has songs written and gets names to do as they are told. Each singer throughout has been given the chance to stamp their own personality on their song, and the results are often spectacular. In fact, many of the songs here would have been amongst the best tracks on the last album released by the featured artists. The quality here is that high.
'The Sky Is Falling' opens proceedings. it's not the strongest track on the album, but has an appeal of sorts. The title track has an understated Celtic feel and is frankly genius. If Rob Moratti can take his work here and apply it to the next Saga album, I don't think you'll be hearing too many complaints. 'Fighting' is the song with a style most disparate from the usual approach of its guest contributors. Fancy hearing Ralf Scheepers doing some retro cheesy rock? You know what? It works really well. Can't imagine Primal Fear doing a song like this, but it's nice to hear the guys experimenting.
"Liar" sees a fine performance from the awesome Tony Martin, although the song perhaps doesn't give him enough scope to truly kick ass. Robin Beck pastes here sweet voice all across 'It's Over'. Lovely song. 'Angels Don't Cry' could have come straight off a Last Autumn's Dream album. Can Mikael Erlandsson actually sing a song badly? 'If You Love Her' is a wonderfully moody track with a real epic vibe.
'House Of Love' sees Saga's Rob Moratti popping up again. After repeated listens, I still can't work out if the song is sensational or way too over-the-top. I think it's the former, but my mind could change any moment. You'll just have to have a listen yourself... 'Don't Ever Give Your Heart Away' sees Steve Overland applying his typical soulful sound in abundance. If you like him you'll love it. If not, you won't. Works for me though. 'One More Chance' is a catchy upbeat end to the album, and really recalls the time when the first Phenomena album was released.
In summation...
I recommend this album in a big way. It doesn't quite flow like a really exceptional album should, but the quality of songs is such you can more or less forgive any lack of slickness.
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. The Sky Is Falling - Mike DiMeo, Stefan Lindholm
02. Blind Faith - Rob Moratti, Ian Crichton
03. Fighting - Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner:
04. Liar - Tony Martin, Stefan Lindholm
05. It's Over (I Was Gonna Tell You Tonight) - Robin Beck
06. Angels Don't Cry - Mikael Erlandsson
07. If You Love Her - Chris Ousey, Tommy Denander
08. House Of Love - Rob Moratti
09. Don't Ever Give Your Heart Away - Steve Overland
10. One More Chance - Terry Brock, Steve Newman
Label: Escape Music
