Blog Post
LeBrock - 'Fuse'
Iain McArthur • 8 July 2021
Album Review
If you have ever enjoyed any 80s movie then you should definitely give this fresh and quite unique album a chance. The band describe their sound as ‘a retro cinematic experience’ and they originate from what I believe the young hipsters call the ‘synthwave’ scene, but by adding rockier guitar and vocals it really hits an undiscovered sweet spot where AOR meets EDM. The only thing I can think of that’s even close was the recent Levara album.
LeBrock are Shaun Phillips (vocals/lyrics) and Michael Meadows (production/guitar) from Peterborough. I don’t know for sure where the name comes from but, given the 80s cinema vibe, it might be a nod to the iconic Woman in Red / Weird Science actress Kelly LeBrock? They’ve been making a name for themselves in synth-world for a while now with a string of singles and some touring but it’s the gradual progression towards that 80s rock sound that intrigues me.
As you would expect from a ‘cinematic’ band, they already have a really strong You Tube presence with some high quality mini-movies. Of the new tunes, the video for “Interstellar” might be your best gateway into the band. If this was an 80s movie it would be Robocop or Terminator as it focuses on the machine with the beating heart and soul. There’s nothing synthesized about Shaun’s emotional vocals and lyrics on this or any of their other songs and they rip out some great love songs too, such as “Heartstrings” and “Takes All Night”.
Their basic template is a classy sonic mix of dreamy synth lines, guitar chords and electronic drum rhythms, but all with a rock pulse and embellished with classy vocals and guitar solos. It is a very sharp modern digital production but deliciously analogue and retro in its themes and delivery.
Take the anthemic opener “All or Nothing” – a similar title to a Vega song and there are passing similarities in the music too but, as I said, it’s quite a unique blend. I also really like the electro hand-claps on the fuzzed-up “Hollow” which is probably the most ‘Miami Vice’ of the songs and the guitar solos on “Bright Lights” and “Hangin’ on” are lush.
It might take a leap of faith for some rockers to accept synth-riffs over guitar but if you free your mind and your ears these are gorgeous, sumptuous tunes that you can really immerse yourself in if you open up the box and expand your range. It almost had me flash-dancing round the Man Cave; what a feeling!
The Fuse UK Tour is booked for Autumn this year and Rockfiend will be attending the Glasgow show at The Classic Grand on Friday 10th September. It should be a banger. See you there?