SERPENTINE - review added 2nd September 2011
Album Review: Living And Dying In High Definition (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
The debut Serpentine album came out in early Spring last year. Featuring TNT singer Tony Mills on vocals, it was a fine record only a few notches away from greatness. For their second album, although they now have a new singer in the shape of Matt Black, original man Tony performs studio duties.
The sound is much the same as first time round, meaning catchy keyboard-led melodies and big flowing tracks with plenty of character. The quality doesn't differ much from first time either, meaning the best tracks are very enjoyable, and the remainder are good but not ground breaking. It's a shame in some ways because this is definitely a band with a huge release inside them. Perhaps when Matt Black comes fully onboard with writing and performing they'll find their true groove.
Song wise, the best moments on "Living And Dying In High Definition" are the Stateside-chasing 'Philadelphia', the speedy 'Dreamer', the 1980s cheese of 'Cry', and the racy 'Forgotten Heroes'.
Shame there are no unnecessarily good cover tracks this time as the debut really benefited from the brilliantly mad version of 'Unbreak My Heart'.
In Summation:
I'd put this just behind the debut if pushed, but on a similar overall standing score-wise. It's good, and definitely worth a purchase, but I'm a hundred percent certain these guys can do better.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Deep Down (There’s A Price For Love)
02. Philadelphia
03. Dreamer
04. Love Is Blue
05. Where Do We Go From here?
06. Cry
07. Best Days Of Our Lives
08. Heartbreak Town
09. Nuremberg
10. Forgotten Heroes
Band/Performers:
Tony Mills - Vocals
Chris Gould - Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Gareth David Noon - Keyboards
Gareth Vanstone - Bass Guitar
Roy Millward - Drums
Other Info:
Label: AOR Heaven
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
