SHORTINO - review added 16th June 2009
Album Review: Chasing My Dream (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and Spinal Tap, but in a good way
Shortino is the 'band' name of singer Paul Shortino's latest project. In reality this is a collaboration between Paul and guitarist Michael Voss, with contributions from various musicians including bass players Roland Bergmann (Mad Max) and Michael Mueller (Jaded Heart).
Paul Shortino has been performing since the 70's, but his first big work was with Rough Cutt in the early 80's. Amongst other projects he has recorded an album with Quiet Riot and even had a small part in the film Spinal Tap, playing 'Duke Fame'.
The man's voice is hard to pin down. Sometimes he sounds like a gravelly version of Joe Lynn Turner - a smooth sensualness with a Marlboro-tinged edge - other times he goes all gnarly and rough 'n' ready. Regardless of the style, he always sounds characterful and great - rarely beautiful, but often soulful and memorable.
First track 'Remember You' is a fabulous effort. It opens the album with such panache it'll blow your mind. The guitars are as melodious as sundown in a tropical rain forest and heavier than a lead coated boulder. Paul Shortino's voice carries the track along but the guitars are the real stars. Full credit to Michael Voss, they sound iconic.
'To The Cross' starts in an uninspiring fashion but suddenly changes direction with a modernistic keyboard foray into the unknown. The vocals bound along with a bouncy yet sultry sound. The chorus, in fact the whole song is a contagious experience. 'Missing' is preceded by a minute-long intro with sublime acoustic guitars and wandering vocals. The song itself is a masterclass in ballad construction. There's an erotic feel to the track, even if the overwhelming tone is downbeat.
'Nocturnal' is a hard hitting track with more than a hint of Sabbath in the guitar sound. The song lifts the pace up a notch or two and, whilst the track isn't up to the standard set by the first few, it's still a fine addition to the album. 'Side FX' comes across like a heavy metal dance track. It's very modern and synthy, but still has that feeling of oomph behind it. The lyrics are especially fantastic and deserve special praise for their scene-setting storytelling.
'Alone They Ride' has a Journey feel to it. The rises, falls and the build-up to the chorus (and notably the chorus itself) have a definite ring of Schon and co... although this song has a more manly edge than the sometimes oestrogen-rich ditties of Journey. What I guess you would describe as the title track, 'Chasing Your Dream' is a laid back affair with a riff-heavy central theme and heartening lyrics. It's a wonderful track that gets better every time you hear it, even if it does go all nutty towards the end.
'Great Dreamer' is halfway between a ballad and a hard-hitting metal track. The chorus is kind of flowery but there's a brooding power beneath the surface. Can't work out if I like it or not but it's certainly growing on me. 'Take My Heart And Run' is another song I can take or leave. It has a tinge of country in its bones and, on this album, it comes across as a trifle weedy. As a standalone song it would arguably be brilliant. Last of the non-bonus songs 'Promises' sees another slower number rear its head. I'm torn between it being brilliant and inexorably awful. The vocals are a touch too slurred for my ears, but it's quite possible other people may find this the best track on the album.
There are no two ways about it, Chasing My Dream is a bloody good album. It loses the plot towards the end, but it's a small blemish on an otherwise excellent release. Full marks to Paul Shortino for offering such an emotional performance, but for me Michael Voss (just) steals the show with his exemplary guitar playing and production skills.
Check out... All of it, apart from the last couple of tracks (although YOU may love them!)
Track List:
01. Remember You
02. To The Cross
03. Prelude Missing
04. Missing
05. Nocturnal
06. Side FX
07. Alone They Ride
08. Chasing Your Dream
09. Great Dreamer
10. Take My Heart And Run
11. Promises
12. Plan Of Attack
Label: Metal Heaven
Artist's websites: Paul Shortino , MySpace
