SARACEN - review added 6th October 2011
Album Review: Marilyn (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
Saracen was formed by long-term chums Richard Lowe and Rob Bendelow, who have been performing together since the mid 1970s when they formed their first band "Lammergier". Saracen itself evolved from that band in the early 1980s and has been releasing albums on and off ever since.
There are a few important things to note about this album before we go on. Firstly it's a concept album about...you've guessed it...Marilyn Monroe. Not the usual fare for rock albums but don't let it put you off. Secondly, there is a good dose of saxophone through the album, and in my book that is a damn good thing. More albums need big saxophone moments on them. Awesome doesn't even begin to describe it. Thirdly, there are some quality guests here. Issa Oversveen, Robin Beck and Steve Overland are not to be sniffed at.
Sound wise, Saracen play a good quality rock with nods to the epic vibe of the 1970s, and a good wink in the direction of early prog. There are keyboards galore, the aforementioned saxophone, and an overall feeling that the instruments are BIG. The guest vocalists work well, though I'm not 100% convinced about the voices of the main band members. They don't have bad voices, but there's nothing special like there is with, say, Robin Beck.
The song quality goes up and down like a rough sea, though even the worst tracks aren't terrible; they are simply a lot less interesting than the best moments. For me, the finest tracks include the sax-licious instrumental opener, 'The Dreamer: Hold On' with Issa on vocals, the vast 'The Forsaken: Feel Like Going Home' with Robin Beck, and the heavy 'The Witness: Unfinished Life'.
In Summation:
There is plenty to like on this album. The guest vocalists are great, and the musicianship rocks. Not so sure about the subject matter, but we'll let them off this once.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. The Girl: Norma Jean
02. The Orphan: Whither the Wind Blows
03. The Dreamer: Hold On (Issa)
04. The Model: Make This Body Work (Robin Beck)
05. The Actress: Who Am I (Beck & Overland)
06. The Wife: Love Like A Razorblade
07. The Patient: Break the Spell
08. The Mistress: Not For Sure (Robin Beck)
09. The Forsaken: Feel Like Going Home (Robin Beck)
10. The Witness: Unfinished Life
11. The Woman: Marilyn (Robin Beck)
Band/Performers:
Steve Bettney – vocals
Paul Bradder – keyboards
Richard Bendelow – bass, vocals
Paul Gibson – drums
Rob Bendelow – guitar
Snake Davis – Saxophone
Special guests: Robin Beck, Steve Overland, and Issa
Other Info:
Words & music: Rob Bendelow
Produced By: Rob Bendelow
Mixed and Mastered By: Martin Kronlund
Label: Escape Music
Artist's website(s): Saracen | MySpace | Facebook
