SORA - review added 26th January 2010
Album Review: Desire And Truth (2010)
For fans of: Heavy Rock... and 1970's/early 1980's bluesy sounds
Sora is the band name of skilled Canadian guitarist Erol Sora. Desire And Truth is the group's 2nd album and follows 2006's Demented Honour (released by the now defunct MTM Music). The line-up for this release is Erol on all vocals and guitars, Jay Solyom on drums,
Brendan Mooney on bass, and
Gregory MacDonald on keys.
Erol describes his aims on Desire And Truth as, "...to recapture the spirit and sound of great bands like MSG, Whitesnake, Rainbow, UFO..." He's certainly playing music in that general area. There's a definite hard rocking, blues orientated vibe of 30 years vintage. There are also nods to the older work of heavier groups like Saxon, Iron Maiden and Motorhead.
I have to say I'm not completely convinced by the album as a whole. There is no doubt Erol is a fantastic guitarist. Just listen to any solo (and there are plenty) and you'll hear what superb speed and control he has. However, as good a guitarist as he is, his skills don't extend so far in the vocalizing department. He hasn't got a painfully out of tune voice, but his overly-relaxed tone doesn't sit well with the heavy nature of the music.
Song-wise...the opening track 'Taste Of Rock & Roll' is arguably the strongest, 'Diamonds In The Wind' (which borrows heavily from REO Speedwagon's 'Riding The Storm Out') is good, as is the speedy 'Invitation'. The remainder vary in quality - some good, some bordering on anonymity. You could point a finger at the songwriting and, to an extent, some of the blame should be apportioned there. In the end though, with a more out-there singer, this album could have been great.
Desire And Truth is okay...but there's a strong feeling of what might have been. The overwhelming feel is of erring on the side of caution - mainly because of Erol's chilled vocal performance. I definitely want to hear more of this guy playing guitar, but I really hope he plonks someone more potent behind the microphone next time.
Check out... All of it, but don't necessarily expect to be totally blown away...
Track List:
01. Taste Of Rock & Roll
02. The Storm Has Just Begun
03. What's It Gotta Do With You And Me
04. Winter
05. When You're Gone
06. Diamonds In The Wind
07. Invitation
08. Stop Messin' Around
09. Rock & Roll Dog
10. When You Gonna Love Me
Label: Avenue Of Allies
Artist's website(s): Sora , MySpace
