THE RADIO SUN

Three years ago I was doing what I always do ahead of Hard Rock Hell AOR, I gathered the line ups and day splits and with all the band lists in front of me proceeded to do a little homework to help me decipher who I would put on my list to watch over the busy musical weekend in Wales.

Apart from the obvious inclusions of bands with a long track record one band really stood out for me and as I listened to what was the bands second album “Heaven Or Heartbreak” I knew I had a winner for the weekend away.

I have to say I was totally new to the band at this point even though they were already established back in their home country of Australia, the reaction to them that year at the festival was great and over the last few years their following has gathered momentum.

So to “Beautiful Strange”, their fifth album in as many years, Rockfiend Publications Scotland talked at length with Jason and Steve at this years HRH event and it was there they revealed the new album detail and also release date, it was great even at that point to feel their enthusiasm for the new material and having now heard it in it's entirety I know why.

Album opener ‘Hold On Tight’ is the first to show the bands intent and right now I'm hearing a slightly heavier version of the band, melodic and dynamic...what's not to like? There's a sense of the familiar but at the same time also a real feeling of progression.

Jason Old has never sounded better handling vocal duties, Steve Janevski effortlessly peeling off platinum coated guitar solos and riffs, Gilbert Annese laying down solid drums and Anthony Wong providing the flowing bass lines that bring together the magic of the band, the fact that they all sing is evident too and obviously this makes the transition between studio production and the live environment an easier journey.

Of the 12 tracks on offer here the band have chosen the tracks that belong with each other if you get what I mean, ‘Should Have Listened To My Heart’ opens and I'm hearing keys that remind me of Cheap Trick in their golden era, it's upbeat and rolls along at a relentless pace.

‘As Long As You Want Me’ hints at melodic 80's radio hit, Jason talks of magical chemistry through multi layered vocals and I find myself singing along with it.

‘Miss Wonderful’ has a different groove and I hear Anthony's bass all over it, an atmospheric mature track, ‘Have You Got What It Takes’ again taking the band in a heavier direction and I can already hear this played live, always a good sign believe me.

‘Hearts On Fire’ continues the theme, familiar heavy hook laden melodies with a production that's second to none.

‘Standing Tall United’ closes out the album, it's upbeat and is destined to be a surefire live favourite...anthemic and guaranteed to get you nodding along, horns held high!

There is not a filler on the entire album and also no need to go deeply into each track, the proof is in the listening.

Paul Laine has done a wonderful job in production alongside ex Danger Danger bandmate Bruno Ravel mastering the release, it's a winning formula and I see no signs of this fine band from down under slowing down anytime soon, great news for us punters.

Be sure to catch The Radio Sun at HRH AOR 2019 and also on tour around the UK, March cannot come around soon enough!

SF