'Outside looking' is the third CD from AOR/Pomprockers MESSAGE. The debut CD, originally released on Long Island Records, will be re-released through Escape Music very soon (with the addition of two bonustracks). I still think the debut is the band's weakest effort, although it featured the Classic "Where were you?". The second CD featured some excellent tracks, but after hearing the new CD 'Outside looking in' I have to admit that this new record is the best one so far. The album contains 12 songs and musically we can hear a mixture of pure 80s AOR and Pomprock, kinda like WHITE SISTER/PROPHET.

Members of HEARTLAND and CHANGE OF HEART are featured as guest musicians. Opener "Love comes in its own sweet time" is fantastic classic 80s pompous AOR a la WHITE SISTER and PROPHET. Next track "Outside looking in" is great 80s AOR, like early FM meets WHITE SISTER. Then we are surprised by a Franke Previte (FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS) co-written tune called "One step away". This song is a lovely midtempo AOR ballad that reminds me a lot of ALIAS. "Play forward" is another 80s AOR tune (FM 'Indiscreet' style). Up next is "The beat before heartbreak", a good 80s AOR songs, similar in style to the previous track.

The CD continues with "For your love", a nice midtempo AOR tune. "All I feel for you" is much calmer and although it is compared to KANSAS in the band's bio, I didn't think much of this song, it's actually the only weak song on the CD. Following track "Secrets in the night" is a nice semi AOR ballad. Just as I thought the CD was slipping away into 'ok, but nothing special', Dean Fasano and company throws in some excellent AOR Classics. First there is "Right on the line", a superb midtempo AOR song like ALIAS, SIGNAL and HEARTLAND at their very best.

A big suprise is up next, because we get to hear a cover of the band AIRBORNE from 1979. Their only effort from that year is an instant AOR Classic and MESSAGE put their version of AIRBORNE's "That's where my love goes" on 'Outside looking in'. This is such an incredible Classic late 70s Pomprocker a la TOUCH and I think MESSAGE did a very good job. Then comes another highlight in the shape of "Moment in time", a terrific classy 80s AOR song that sounds very much like the last FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS ('Makin' the point'). The CD closes with "The last time", a very nice semi AOR ballad, reminding me of ROBBY VALENTINE. This new record of MESSAGE is a must for every fan of 80s AOR/Pomp (in the WHITE SISTER, FM, PROPHET, CRYSTAL style). Definitely one of the best releases on Escape Music so far this year.

Rating: 9/10

I don't where they got their name from, but what I do know is that this NAPOLEON SOUP from Canada is a great new Melodic Rockband. Their debut CD 'Size ten shoes' is pretty much a wonderful 80s styled AOR/Melodic Rockalbum. Sadly, there are only 4 songs on the album, because after the last song, I just wanted to hear more and more of this great band. NAPOLEON SOUP consists of Darren Bougie (bass, keys, vocals), Shawn LaRonde (guitar, vocals) and Martin Denis (drums, vocals). Darren and Shawn both handle the lead vocals, so this band has two singers and both can sing very well actually.

Opener "Size ten shoes" is a great 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker/radiorocker with some great harmonies and a sound comparable to HONEYMOON SUITE, 80s LOVERBOY, 38 SPECIAL, MESSENGER, SANTERS… So this is basically the Classy 80s Canadian Melodic Rocksound and performed at a very high level. Next track "Let me" is a bit weaker, a ballad like POISON, BRETT MICHAELS.

The closing two songs are the best tracks on the CD. First there is "Ecstasy", a song with a classy late 80s melodic guitarsound a la DOKKEN and DANGER DANGER, with some influences of POISON ("Ride the wind" songstyle). Last track is "Alone", a wonderful 80s Power AOR ballad like REO SPEEDWAGON meets SHERIFF. This song also features those classy 80s AOR keys and I really like the superb melodic harmonyvocals during the classy AOR chorus. This band is really good and needs to be heard by the AOR/Melodic Rockfans. Check out their site at: http://www.mp3.com/napoleonsoup or http://www.oocities.org/sunsetstrip/balcony/5891/ and e-mail them at: stryder@nt.net

Rating: 8/10

SOWER is a Christian Rockband from Cochranton, PA, USA and they have released two CDs so far. The first one is called 'The path' that was released back in 1997. Musically the band is playing a mixture of 70s Pomp, Pop and 80s AOR/Poprock. On the first album, SOWER's line-up consists of 8 musicians and features a female fronted vocalist called Sandy Staudt. There are 12 songs on the band's debut CD and it all sounds pretty nice. Opener "Reckless survivor" is a good midtempo AOR/Melodic Pomprocker a la FIGHTER. The following two songs ("God so loved" and "He is risen") are very pop orientated and less interesting.

"Blessed are" is a nice late 70s typed AOR/Pomprocker like HEART, JET, early MARGARETH BECKER. "Give me comfort" is a soft ballad in the AMY GRANT style. "Be holy" follows and features male vocals, to me a weak rocker. Much better is "Works or faith, law or grace", a good 80s typed AOR/Poprocker like LESLIE PHILLIPS. "Pure heart" features male vocals again and is a forgettable folky pop tune.

Then comes the best song of the whole CD, namely "Whisper of a prayer", a bit calm at first sight (a la 70s HEART), but the chorus is very strong midtempo AOR (a la FIGHTER). Up next is the semi melodic rockballad "Far beyond". The calmer Westcoast AOR song "Crown of silver" follows and has a lot of similarities to JAIME KYLE and CHALLENGE. The CD closes with the good midtempo AOR/Melodic Pomprocker "Grand ascension" which takes us back to the days of GROUNDSTAR and JET. A worthwile
release to pick up, but their next CD (review below) is much better.

Rating: 7,5/10

'Something gold, something true' is the seond CD of the American Christian Rockband SOWER. The album was released last year and features 13 songs. Although not the whole record is AOR/Melodic Rock, still the album conatins some fantastic classy early 80s AOR/Melodic Rockers. The vocals of female singer Sandy Staudt are actually pretty good and with her husband Randy backing her up and playing the melodic guitar hooks, this band is a interesting one for you to check out asap.

Especially people who like the sounds of long-lost bands such as 1994, THE STORM (the female fronted band), JET, GROUNDSTAR… will most definitely like this SOWER too. The album starts a bit weak with the songs "Opportunity" (midtempo rocker, 70s HEART/CLOUT), "Oh Bethlehem" (praise type song) and "The blood of Jesus" (another
Praise/Worship type song, with male vocals). But the rest of the CD features some excellent AOR rockers such as "The crucifixion", a great melodic rocker with a lovely chorus and a sound comparable to late 70s/early 80s PETRA.

"I believe" takes us right back to the early 80s, this is a great uptempo Melodic AOR rocker in the style of HEAD EAST, 1994, THE STORM… Following track "Winter of my sin" is a good uptempo melodic rocker a la PETRA (early 80s). The following three songs are the best ones of SOWER. First there is "You said", a pretty good late 70s Pomprocker like
JET/GROUNDSTAR/VXN/TANTRUM.

Next up is the best track of the whole CD, namely "Jet black". This song is a superb pure early 80s Classic female fronted AOR/Poprocker which sounds somewhere like a mix between TORONTO ("Your daddy don't know") and PAT BENATAR ("Hit me with your best shot"). "Jet black" was recorded in 1999, but wouldn't be out of place on a 1983 record from acts like PAT BENATAR, WIDOW, SPIDER, ELLEN SHIPLEY… Also following track "Things unseen" is a wonderful piece of early 80s AOR/Melodic Rock. This song reminds me of THE SHERBS with female vocals.

"Put your trust in the Lord" follows and is a weaker rocker. "Judgement day" is up next and can be labelled as a good quality melodic rocker with a midwestern typed late 70s approach (like PETRA and HEAD EAST, yet with female vocals). "The king of glory" is good Melodic AOR rock, but the song has a weak chorus. The CD closes with "12, 000 were
sealed", a weaker rocker.

Anyway, this band has some great tunes on their CD 'Something gold, something true' and everyone who likes that good old early 80s female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock (read: HEART, JET, PAT BENATAR, WIDOW, SPIDER…) must check out this band as soon as possible. Their website is located at: http://sower.iuma.com and http://www.mp3.com/Sower and e-mail them at: rstaudt@toolcity.net

Rating: 8/10

Out of South Carolina, USA comes BYRE QUEST. This band is playing 70s influenced melodic rock with some symphonic influences. There are 3 songs on this demo tape they sent me and it sounds pretty nice. "I remember" and "Ode to the magician" are both good 70s typed melodic rocker a la URIAH HEEP.

"Ode to the magician" is really an amazing song, because it features about 16 Uriah Heep song titles. The song is an ode to David Byron (original lead singer for Uriah Heep 1970-1976... and is about the years Byron was with his fans, before he died in 1985.The final track "Harvest of sorrow" is much weaker, a 90s typed rocker. For more info on BYRE QUEST, visit their site at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/78/byre_quest.html and e-mail them at: bat125@sccoast.net Hopefully more music from this band in the near future.

Rating: 7,5/10

This band from Colorado, USA sent me 3 CDs. The first one, 'Back in the fight' contains two songs. The songs are titled "Back in the fight" and "Loosing ground", both good melodic rocker in 80s style. The second track is sounding like a cross between
TYKETTO and WINGER.

The second CD is called 'Moonlight calling' and shows a little more from this band, because this disc contains 4 songs. Opener "Time of your life" is a good late 70s Pomprocker in the style of HEAD EAST, AXE, PRIOR PARK, PEACE AND QUIET, a surprisingly great tune to start off. Next track "Keep keepin on" is a nice early 80s rocker like TROOPER meets ALEXIS, but unfortunately the song is slightly disturbed by some Trombones. Next up is "Sally strutt" and this short tune is a weak rocker. Closing track is the 70s typed melodic rocker "The west is best".

The third CD the band sent me is the best one. The CD is titled 'Deep in the night' and contains again only 4 songs. "Be my guest" opens this CD and is a great uptempo melodic rocker in early 80s style, kinda like DIAMOND, ACE LANE and some TRIUMPH. "Long legged high heeled women" follows in the same style, only a bit weaker. Then comes the calmer melodic ballad "Sunny skies". The CD closes nicely with "American dream", very much in the same style as the opening cut. MIDNITE JAMMER BAND has done 3 good releases, recommended if you like that Midwestern Rocksound from the early 80s era. Check out this band at: http://www.mp3.com/midnitejammerband and e-mail them at: jammer01@uswest.net

Rating: 7,5/10

This is a very interesting new Progressive AOR/Pomprockband from Arvada, Colorado, USA. They sound very professional and have some fantastic songs on their debut CD 'Exchanging truth for a lie'. The CD contains 10 songs of which 3 are instrumental. The band is best comparable to other recent newcomers such as STONE ANGEL, MARIAH'S TRENCH, CHAPTER 23, MYSTERY (from Canada) and there are also some SHOTGUN SYMPHONY references. Opener "Truth For a Lie" is a nice heavier midtempo progressive melodic rocker. The instrumental "Seven trumpets" follows.

Up next is the best song of the whole CD, namely the 80s influenced uptempo AOR/Pomprocker "More than a Carpenter". This superb song is in the same style as bands like WINTER'S REIGN, RATHSKELLER and WHITE SISTER, PROPHET (first), so this is a gem for the fans of mid 80s Pomprock. Following track "Yamiso" is a good midtempo melodic rocker, a little like TRIUMPH. Next track "Good and Faithful Servent" is a great semi melodic AOR/Pomprocker with some STYX and KANSAS harmonies and songstructures, while the melodic guitarsound refers to BOSTON. Overall this wonderful tune reminds me of RETURN TO ZERO and ORION.

"Revelation 101" follows, but is the only real weak song on the album, because this song is a very 90s typed rocker and has not much to do with the melodic rock of the other songs on the CD. The CD continues with the midtempo melodic rocker "Better Man", a song with some progressive elements. The following two songs ("Prelude" and "This Present Plague") are both instrumental. The CD closes with "Through a Glass Darkly" a very long song which leaves you quite impressed actually. The song has many different songstructures and instrumental parts, but is very melodic all the time. The chorus sounds very very good and sticks pretty much in your head, there are some STYX influences in this tune.

Concluded, this AMERICA GOMORRAH is a very interesting band and really worth checking out, especially fans of heavy Melodic Pomprock need to pay the band's website a visit at: http://www.americagomorrah.com and e-mail them at: gene@americagomorrah.com

Rating: 8/10

This is a very heavy groovy 90s Metal inspired band that really is sounding different than what I usual review. SUPERCONDUCTOR comes out of Atlanta and on their debut CD are 8 songs. Opener "Naked shelf" is a bit too 90s for my taste, but next track "Firecracker" has a melodic edge to it. This song has a very good melodic chorus and although the song sounds very updated, the melodic rocksound can be heard over here and shows the band's capabilities to mix a heavy guitarsound with very melodic parts.

"Trapped" follows and features distorted vocals (something which I actually hate) and has really nothing to do with our musicstyle, though the chorus isn't bad at all and sounds pretty melodic. "Soul" is up next and has a METALLICA typed guitarsound, this song enters an alternative progressive 90s metalsound. The 90s continue on "In my head" and "Disguise" that both are more akin to ALICE IN CHAINS than any of our acts.

"Take a seat" is much better, this song has a very late 80s melodic hardrock feeling that reminds me of early SKID ROW. The harmonies are pretty good and the song itslf is a nice uptempo melodic hardrocksong. Closing track "I am I" is back in the 90s Alternative rockstyle and leaves me rather cold. E-mail SUPERCONDUCTOR at: superconduct2000@mindspring.com

Rating: 6,5/10

It's fair to say that 1999's "Test Of Faith" opus lacked the sweat and sinew of Von Grooves previous efforts which upset quite a few of Von Grooves fans, including yours truly, especially when 1998's "Chameleon" showed so much power and genuine melodic rock hits. Before "Chameleon" Canada's best export offered us the dissapointing "Rainmaker" album in 1995 and their 1992 debut album, the one which most fans of melodic rock and AOR hold close to their hearts. Earlier this year we saw guitarist Mladen's collaboration with Phil Naro on the satisfying 24K album for Z records.

Talk of Z records, it looks as if "Driving Off The Edge Of The World" will be the final album for MTM Music, having recently just linked themselves a deal with Z records, one wonders why MTM have decided to let them go as with this record Von Groove MTM with their BEST EVER recording.

Thanks to their debut on Chrysalis records, Von Groove gained themselves a healthy reputation in the grunge stained music world of the time. They even managed to record a video for "Once Is A Not Enough". They breathed a gust of fresh air into the scene and like fellow countrymen Harem Scarem they became one of the most respected indy melodic rock bands of the mid-nineties melodic rock and AOR genre's.

If there is any criticism to be made about this marvelous record then the it must be asked who's decision it was to put an instrumental tune called "Jack The Riffer" onto the record? It's a good tune actually, but feels slightly out of place amongst the actual songs themselves.

Michael Shotton is on fantastic form, his voice is a huge and towering, almost scary as he rips through each song pushing his magic lungs to the limit, if you have any doubts then listen to his superb performances on ""I Can't Find My Groove", "Control", the eastern flavored "Cold To You" which are the albums cats amongst the pigeons, these songs will make every melodic rock fan cream his/her pants with joy, the songs are very exciting to listen to and bare comparison with your usual run of the mill rock bands like Damn Yankees, Whitesnake, Hardline, Velocity, Giant, Dokken, Europe, Motley Crue etc, the album also has
potential hit's singles in the form of "Stone Soldier" and "Blue Murder", these two have a very singable commercial edge a'la Bon Jovi, Winger, especially "Blue Murder", this songs has some great cruchy riffing as fluffy AOR/melodic rock.

Anyway Von Groove don't mess about on this album, each track is exactly what their fans have been waiting for, and I for one cannot wait to watch their headlining performance at Z Rock 2201, get the tickets bought pronto as this show will sell out simply on the strength of this modern classic. I absolutely love albums like this, and so will you BYE OR DIE!!!

Rating: 10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Line up: Brian McDonald (Vocals, Acoustic/Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards, Bass)
Reb Beach (Guitars, Rhythm Guitars, Solo Guitars)
Alex Masi (Guitars)
Abe Laboriel Jr. (Drum Kit)

Well guess whose back in circulation, here he is look, the welcome long awaited return of good old Brian McDonald. Mr McDonald released a semi legendary album called "Desperate Buisness" in the late eighties on CBS/SONY. Since then Brian has basically been involved with composing and performing piano and orchestral works, whilst melodic rock and AOR fans have been waiting with huge anticipation for the release of this album, but was it worth the wait? read on...

On "Wind It Up", ex Winger and current Dokken axe man Reb Beach plays on the majority of the tracks, whilst legendary Italian guitar virtuoso Alex Masi appears on the song "The Hope One Child Can Bring", according to the liner cd notes he also played on a song called "Some Hearts", which doesn't actually seem to be on the album, so I guess MTM must be including this one on the Japanese version of the album which is incredibly annoying, considering Masi's status in Europe, anyway "The Hope One Child Can Bring" is a fantastic pure AOR song a'la Journey, The Storm and is very good.

The rest of the albums songs feature Reb Beach and Brian himself handling guitar duties, and they tend to lean towards polished commercial choruses a'la Def Leppard, check out the title track "Wind Me Up" and "Head Back Home" for proof of the Leppard comparisons. Still it's very well put together, of the twelve songs on "Wind It Up" four are brand new songs having been written last year, but all have been recorded this year.

The rest were written between 1988 and now. So let's start off with those early songs which go back to when "Desperate Buisness" came out, why "The Night Heaven Falls Down" was left over from the final selection of that album is anyones guess, the song reflects the current state of rock music at the time, this is a mixture of Def Leppard, Richard Marx and Journey, so had it been added to the final selection of "Desperate Buisness" then I think Brian would have found himself with a huge hit, the song is a soothing summery ballad typical of the late eighties era, but it's a very good song never the less. Spin on four years to 1992 and we get the track "Head Back Home" with it's distinctive layers of Leppard inspired harmonies, this also sounds like The Storm's "I've Got Alot To Learn About Love" and is pure AOR/Hard Rock.

"Just A Heartbeat Away" was written the following year and shows maturity in Brian's songwriting, this is great song and has a touch of originality about it, but those Leppard harmonies still soak through, so obviously Def Leppard must have been a huge inspiration on the man. Next up is "I Don't Wanna Want Your Touch", written back in 1994 this breaks into a pompous melody and is another Journey tinted song to die for.

"If I Could Only See You Know" is more of the same and was penned in 1996, this has a great bouncy melody running through it and is most addictive, especially when Brian hits those high Joe Elliot tones. A very commercial song that deserves to be a hit.

"The Rhythm Of Money" and "Somewhere On The Highway" are from 1997, the former is typical bouncy radio fodder, but the latter is quite a special tune and one of the albums standouts. It's a great fun melodic rock song that shows why bands like Push are doing it so wrong. This is hugely singable, yet still more pure and gutsy than some of the other material.

"Amnesty" from 1998 is pure melodic rock, listen to those melodies and vocal tones and you will be stunned. Onto the more recent material the opening title track "Wind It Up" is typical Leppard inspired hard rock, fun and catchy as hell, perfect for radio and in-car stereos, "Words Come So Easy", follows in style and has a nice guitar tone, "When The Lightning Stikes Down" kicks off with some astronaut jargon which works really well, the song then explodes into a big hard rock anthem and is another of the albums standout tracks, however, the afforementioned "The Hope One Child Can Bring" with virtuoso Alex
Masi is the winning track, Masi sits back in the mix but his talent makes the song the albums winner.

So the final verdict is that this album features a variation of expertley crafted hard rock and pure AOR, so was it worth the wait? Most certainly, fans of the genre will be foaming at the mouth, this is a seriously good record. RECOMMENDED.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The Moon Gypsies are a four peace three guy, one lady pop/rock band from Winconsin USA. This band are very very sleek and classy, their musianship is of a very high standard and their songs flow with elegance, character and passion.

"The Moon Gypsies" is a thirteen track album structured for the enjoyment of the more musically aware fan. The music bares similarities to ZZ Top, Bryan Adams, Vaughn, Little Feat, Sting Aretha Franklin amongst others. The singing duties are shared by Mary Gaines and the rest of the band which consist of Robert J. (guitars, harmonica, vocals), Chris Wagoner (viloin, electric mandolin, guitar, vocals), Tim Schmidtt (drums, vocals). Mary Gaines has voice that reminds of Michelle Howes from Blue Moon Junction amongst others.

The band have toured with such noted artists as Ray Charles, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Koko Taylor, Willy Porter, The Mighty Bles Kings amongst others.

There is so many songs to choose from on this album, it's hard to make any critical judgements, each song is note perfect, I found myself getting into almost every song as the style ranges from rock, jazz, blues and folk music and keeps you interested right the way to the end. The way the band blend in those influences into the songs astounds me, the best song are "Rockin' The Full House" and "A Million Miles Away". The former catches the essence of ZZ Top and Bryan Adams and is very catchy, whilst the latter blends in a sexy atmosphere of jazzy rock and blues, which is mainly due to Mary's superb vocals.

Just close your eyes when you listen to this album and let yourself go. RECOMMENDED.

Contact: robertj@jvlnet.com
http://www.moongypsies.com

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Aris are from Germany and play sophisticated aor a'la Saga, Marillion, Passion Street, Arena and Asia. The package this cd comes has been professionally made, i'm not sure who the lead vocalist is as Aris are basically a duo team with various guest musicians, the team however are brothers Sven and Carsten Gallinsky, the brothers have written, produced, mixed, arranged and performed everything themselves, and considering they have payed for everything themselves both Sven and Carsten are proficient musicians and their material is very passionate and straight from the heart.

For instance the piano ballad "Love Calling" is a jaw dropping love song, the vocals are sung with genuine heartfelt passion which leads into "Dancing", another truly excellent calm song with some pretty instrumentation. The singer reminds of a mix between Passion Street's Rick Cartey and the lead singer from pop group Wet Wet Wet, so as you can imagine the vocals are crystal clear, and very very good to listen to as he has a wonderful affectionate style that could help Aris link themselves a deal. "Dancing" is perhaps one of the albums best tracks.

Also worth a listening to is "Wonderland". This song has a groovy beat, "Friendly Face" is pure power pop a'la Saga and the instrumental song simply called "Instrumental" is a beautiful piece of music soundng like a movie theme.

Overall the care and attention these two brothers have put into the music of Aris is very encouraging an satisfying and goes to show that you don't need big bucks and a big label. Another Recommended purchase.

Email: svgain@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/svgain

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

30 year old Cherylann Hawk comes from Pittsburgh, she began her career writing poems, she then took piano, guitar and singing lessons and started writing her own songs before graduating from Marshall High school in 1988.

Cheryl started "The Clay Band" in 1996 after being inspired by Sheryl Crow and No Doubt.
Her music is for the more mature rock fans, the song bare smooth folky tinted pop/rock songs that are beautifully arranged, the songs have a powerful way of making you feel relaxed and at peace, from "Casting Earth" the best songs are "Part Of Me", "Rays That Shine", "It's All Good", "Whatcha Gonna Do" and "Better Birthday", she could be the female version of the singer from The Black Crowes, her music has a soft rhythm and soul feel to it as well and features some nice guitar playing a'la Eric Johnson, from Nathan Wilson.

Before "Casting Earth" Cheryl recorded "Bare Earth", this album has more commercial values than "Casting Earth", some of the songs bare comparisons with Jaime Kyle, No Doubt, Tori Amos and Two Piece Puzzle. I prefer this album myself, the song "Lucid Dreams" is a beautiful and sensitive piano led ballad that has a slight Jouney "Faithfully" tone, Cheryl's voice is very heart warming on this great song. Her material is also quite similar to Mark Mangold's solo album "Mirror Image" and follows many musical paths and topics.

Overall these two albums are a joy to the listeners ears if you are looking for something a little different to listen to. Great for late nights in with your girlfriend over a glass of red wine.

http://www.cherylannhawk.com/
email: CherylannHawk@aol.com

Rating: 7,5/7 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Not to be confused with the mid -eighties AOR band Airborne, this Airborne is a five piece band from Southern New York and play infectious pop/rock a'la Enuff Z' Nuff, Cheap Trick, Boston and a hint of Bon Jovi.

The first album (released in 1995) has eight tracks that feature lots of different styles of melodic pop rock. The best tracks from "Airborne" are "Aron", a heavy AOR song, I may go as far as saying that "Aron" is progressive AOR, due to it's huge melodies, "Pink Song" is also very nice, (the end clash of musicality made me jump out of my skin), the song then
fades out with a piano melody. "Circle Of Life" and "Believe" are the best track though, both are very infectious.

Then last year Airborne released a new four track album that bares as a natural progression from the debut, only the songs are more vibrant and meaningful. The best song is the guitar crunching"Soothed", this song is in tune with Enuff Z' Nuff and is very sexy and very infectious, possibly the bands best song to date."Lights And Thunder" and "Goodnight, Goodnight" are both cool pop songs, the former is in tune with The Beatles, whilst the latter deals with the subject of nightmares and is more of a serious tune.

Overall this band have alot of variety, the albums are varied and thoughtfully played out. I think Airborne are one of those bands who are going to mature musically with each album.
Email: muse@pronetisp.et or visit http://www.mp3.com

Rating: 7/7,5 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

From light weight pop rock songs through to pieces of piercing classical music and Celtic elements "Evolution" is ten songs of breathtaking haunting musicality, built for the more mature rock fans.

Minnesota's Pamela West is a hugely inspiring lady, her voice is almost operatic, I can't make alot of comparisons as she has an original style, but if I was to say any artist then it would have to be Kate Bush and perhaps Liz Larin for the more poppy edge songs like "Dust Devil Man" and "Wilderness". Her music is almost spiritual and there is one piece of music on track six which is called "Red-Winged Blackbird" which I totally fell in love with. "Red-Winged Blackbird" is a stunning piece of music that sounds like a movie theme, the song is based around a lovely piano melody, it's a slow soul searching and very haunting, piece that evokes pure emotion and will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

She has also released an album called "Dweller On The Threshold". "Evolution" is an enticing collection of original music from this unique singer/songwriter.

For more information on the music of Pamela West email her at pimpamjam@aol.com or visit her website http://www.hookmeister.com/angel.html

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Formed in Iowa in 1995, Measure are led by blonde haired Amy Gustafson, her voice has a powerful range and the bands musical style lies somewhere between King's X and Soundergarden, guitarist Jon Chamberlain and bassist Dan Colten pour out some dark riffs which gives the band their edge,Amy has a very sultry voice a'la Kate Bush, Lisa Dalbello and Fiona Apple.

This is the bands follow up to "Measure Spins Their Top Hits" realeased in 1997, this was a four song cassette which gained gratifying exposure in various music magazines across Europe and the US.

Songs to listen out for are the excellent "Bridge", the riff heavy "Godspeed" and "My World", these show the band at their best. Measure are a nice band with excellently structured songs, both melodic rock and indy rock fans should be able to enjoy Measure as their music lies somewhere in the middle. A great little diverse album, simple and very effective.

Email: themeasure@aol.com
http://www.mp3.com/measure

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)