I didn't know that cult AOR-band Strangeways still existed. Nowadays, I still listen to their fantastic albums Native Sons (1987) and Walk In The Fire (1989) on a rather regular basis. However, when vocalist Terry Brock left the band I thought it was over and done with Strangeways. But on the Firefest Festival this year it became clear that a reunion was at hand and now Strangeways released a brand-new album. Perfect World begins where Walk In The Fire finished with a band finding an even more mature musical identity. The magical voice of Brock does the rest. The eleven songs are all honest melodic heart and soul rock music, with great melodies and that particular touch of AOR. Songs that could become true Strangeways milestones are the fantastic ballad Time and the overwhelming and superb song Can't Let You Go. The rest of the songs however, are not as good as the songs from the classic aforementioned Strangeways-albums! Brock's voice is less good than it used to be, but still, if you like great AOR then you should buy this album without further ado. Perfect World is a good album, but I prefer the first two Strangeways-albums. Check it out yourself! ***+ Martien Koolen (edited by Peter Willemsen) Where to buy? |
