AGURS WORDS is a German Melodic Rockband and they can be categorised in the list of bands like AXXIS, PINK CREAM 69, TRANSIT… There are 10 songs on the band's fifth album. Opener "Gloria" is the intro for "Song of hope". "Song of hope" is a great uptempo MHR song in a pure 80s style, although a little heavier. "Thanx" follows and is a good midtempo melodic rocker. Up next is "Decide", a nice semi melodic rocker a la AXXIS. The melodic acoustic ballad "What about" follows.

Then we get to hear a little experiment of AGURS WORDS, because the song "Hard rave" starts as a horrible house song, but then comes the chorus that is typical straight ahead Hard Rock song. This weird mixture reminds me of the last SCORPIONS CD, but this is definitely not my cup of tea, although I must say that it really has potential in becoming a major hit. Anyway, the next track of the CD is my favourite of the whole CD. The song is called "Seven years" and is a fantastic classic 80s hookladen uptempo melodic rocker in the DANGER DANGER/FRONTLINE style. I have to add here that this is the only song in this style, because the rest of the CD is much heavier melodic rock.

"Handwerker" is up next and features some German lyrics, the song itself being a nice midtempo melodic rocker. Then comes another acoustic ballad called "Still alive". The CD closes with a fatser uptempo melodic HR song called "All we've done" which sounds very German (RUNNING WILD style). This band can be labelled as a melodic hardrockband, but there are a couple of songs that show the band's diversity in musicstyles. Hopefully the produce more songs in the style of their tune "Seven years" in the future, because that song totally rocks melodic all the way!

Check out the band at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/111/agurs_words.html and e-mail them at: Agurs-Words@rz-online.de Hopefully I can get my hands on the band's four earlier records, because this is really an interesting band to discuss further.

Rating: 8/10

From Canada comes DAN JEFFERIES, another multi-instrumentalist in the AOR scene to welcome. Dan sent me his debut CD 'Century', a very enjoyable record filled with quality AOR/Melodic Rock. The beginning of the CD sounds very promising. "Real life" is the opener and this is a good midtempo AOR/Melodic Rocker in a late 80s style, kinda like GIANT, FOREIGNER and the late 80s records from BAD COMPANY. Up next is "New dream", a superb uptempo 80s AOR rocker a la STAN BUSH with more Glam typed vocals. This is definitely the best song of the whole CD and shows that we all should look out for DAN JEFFERIES.

Next track "Too young to sing the blues" is a weak blues song and changes the style 180%. "We got love" follows and is much better, this is a great calmer semi AOR ballad in the style of JEFF PARIS (circa 'Lucky this time' an 'Wired up'). "The fury" is up next and is a good uptempo melodic rocker. The semi melodic rockballad "Get away" follows and next track "Day by day" is a nice calmer AOR ballad.

The closing two songs can more be seen as fillers, because "Mr. Spock" is an instrumental song, while final track "Get up, get out" is a simple party MHR song. Nevertheless, this CD should be checked out, because there are some really good AOR/Melodic Rocktunes on it. Although I added that some of the songs show a late 80s style, I need to inform you that some of those songs were recorded about 20 years ago, so that they still sound so good and updated makes this CD even more interesting. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/DanJefferies

Rating: 8/10

WHITE LIES is a Californian band and they have that typical new-style mainstream melodic rocksound that bands like MATCHBOX 20, TONIC, GOO GOO DOLLS apparantly introduced a few years ago and is now starting to become quite popular. Actually I rather describe it as an updated 90s version of the popular Classy 80s Melodic Poprock/ Radiorocksound of acts like BRYAN ADAMS, THE OUTFIELD, DANNY WILDE, GLASS TIGER… The upbeat happy tunes, the hooklines, the catchy melodic choruses, the cliche lyrics and melodic harmonies… it's just all there! I really like this kind of rock and so I enjoyed the debut CD of WHITE LIES a lot, because between the 10 songs on their debut are a couple very good melodic poprockers.

Opener "Wasting my time" is a great uptempo 80s typed melodic poprocker that reminds me a lot of THE BABYS! Yes, that old band of JOHN WAITE (BAD ENGLISH), this WHITE LIES just keeps reminding me of that 70s Melodic Poprockband. Next track "Sound innocent" is the best song of the whole CD, because this song is a Classic early 80s uptempo Melodic Poprocker in the style of the old BRYAN ADAMS, THE OUTFIELD, THE BABYS and also some RICK SPRINGFIELD similarities can be heard. The song sounds very good and besides the lovely harmonyvocals, also the guitarsolo is very nice
and pure 80s influenced.

Unfortunately not the whole CD is in this direction, because it's still a band from the 90s (the CD was released in 1997) and so later on we also get to hear some weaker tunes such as "Lives in LA", "That look" and "Weapons" that actually remind of the 90s pop/rock of THE REMBRANDTS.

However, the CD also features a couple more interesting Melodic Poprockers (in the 80s style). Songs like "Walkin' on water" (semi melodic Poprocker a la JOHN WAITE), "Calling me home" (midtempo melodic poprocker in 1987 style of THE OUTFIELD, GLASS TIGER), "Find a place" (lighter 80s melodic poprocker like THE OUTFIELD again) and "Don't give up". This last mentioned song is a really cool uptempo melodic poprocker like DANNY WILDE, BRIAN SPENCE (his debut 'Brothers'), EDDIE MONEY…

Fans of mentioned bands should really check out this WHITE LIES. The band also sent me a new CD titled 'The truth hurts' which contains 4 songs. This CD is available through mp3.com and is clearly a more recent CD, because the songs are a bit weaker than their debut. I mean that the band has lost their 80s influences and can now more be seen as a 90s
poprockband. Nevertheless, there are still a couple of nice tunes on the album such as "Don't waste my time" (radio-friendly semi melodic rockballad) and "Dream" (midtempo lighter AOR/Poprock like GLASS TIGER, nice harmonies). Anyway, for all info on WHITE LIES, visit their website at: http://www.mp3.com/WhiteLies and e-mail them at: BKClarkPro@aol.com

Rating: 7/10

We had a band called THE REIGN some time ago, but this REIGN is a new Christian band from the state of Georgia, USA. They sent me a demo tape that included 4 songs. The female fronted melodic rockband has a late 70s/early 80s melodic poprocksound that reminds me of early PAT BENATAR and early HEART. The first song "Plans to prosper" is a very good opener, because this is classic early 80s AOR/Poprock in the style of early PAT BENATAR and RACHEL SWEET. A great little tune, sadly the other 3 songs are sounding very different from this first song.

Up next is "Gave us life", weaker poppier 70s styled song with acoustic guitars and a very soft touch (a la early HEART), though the song features some very good vocals from lead singer Jeannie Johnston. "Wait" sounds bit too poppy for my ears, while closing track "Savior joy" is a blues rocker. The first song of the tape really sounds great and I hope that a possible CD release in the future shows more songs in this style, because the other 3 songs on the tape are less interesting for me and most melodic rockfans. Still, this REIGN needs to be heard by fans of early HEART/PAT BENATAR. Check out their site at: http://www.reigns.org and e-mail them at: reign2000@mindspring.com

Rating: 7/10

PIOGGIA SPORCA is an Italian band and they were kind enough to sent me a tape with a bunch of their songs, including some demos and live recordings. Musically they play good 80s typed melodic hardrock. Like many other Italian bands, they sing in their own language and actually I really like this difference with all those English singing bands. The best songs I heard were "Osessione" (uptempo melodic hardrock), "Strada ultima nemica" (uptempo melodic rocker) and "Virus" (good uptempo melodic rocker, best song). Some of the other songs are a bit weaker HardRock orientated songs, a bit like KROKUS. Anyway, this is another Italian Melodic Hardrockband for you to check out, their website is located at:
http://www.mp3.com/PioggiaSporca and e-mail them at: pioggia_sporca@iol.it

Rating: 7/10

Out of Nantes, France come WILD WEST. This is really a strange band, because their bio says they play pure Southern Rock a la LYNYRD SKYNYRD and MOLLY HATCHET. They also look like such a band and even the songtitles on their debut CD 'One' show Southern Rock references. But the starnge thing is that after listening to the CD I was doubting if I really had heard something close to Southern Rock, because 'One' is filled with pure Melodic Hardrock, with some references to 80s DOKKEN, HEAVENS EDGE… I really don't understand the Southern Rock references.

Anyway, the CD contains 13 songs and there are some really good songs to be heard. "Boothill" is the opening intro. The CD really kicks off with "Outlaws", a typical straight-ahead HR song a la CINDERELLA and BRITNY FOX (a little bit the Southern Rock influences on this song). Up next is "Headhunter", an 80s melodic rocker like DOKKEN and HEAVENS EDGE. Next track "Rocky mounts way" is pretty cool early 80s AOR/Melodic Poprock a la TOMMY TUTONE.

Then comes one of the best songs, namely the cheerful 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker "Full time lover" (a bit like DANGER DANGER). "Secret dream" follows and is a nice MHR song. The following three songs are a bit average, these are "Freewheelin" (uptempo HR like old GOTTHARD), "Six shooter" (weaker groovy HR) and "Mary's song" (nice calmer ballad). Then comes another wonderful melodic rocker. This one is called "On the riverside" and has a really catchy chorus with many melodic harmonies. "On the riverside" and "Full time lover" are definitely the best songs on the whole CD.

Up next is "She's my rock'n'roll", a nice early 80s melodic pop/radiorocker a la BILLY SATTELLITE and TOMMY TUTONE. Final two songs are weaker HR songs. WILD WEST is an interesting French Melodic Hardrockband to check out. Forget the Southern Rock references, because they are hard to find.

Rating: 7,5/10

Out of France comes SILENCE, a one-man band, because multi-instrumentalist Bruno LeVesque basically did everything on his own on 'Trouble in paradise'. I must admit that it all sounds very good and professional. The only thing I regret is the fact that this is a full instrumental CD. Nevertheless I really enjoyed listening to the album, because there are some great tunes on it. You can hear two styles throughout the CD.

First there are the very melodic AOR songs (like THE STORM) and secondly there are heavier edged progressive metal songs (a la STRATOVARIUS). My favourite songs are the AOR songs "Freedom" (midtempo AOR/Melodic Rock with lovely keys and a very melodic guitarsolo), "The day after" (superb classy 80s AOR a la THE STORM), "Open road" (classy AOR ballad) and "The last free man" (midtempo AOR/Melodic Rock). Put vocals on those 4 songs and you can simply get AOR classics. Now they are lovely instrumental songs and very pleasant to listen to.

Most of the other songs can be labelled as progressive melodic rock/metal songs with as best ones "No amn's land", "The forgotten legend" and "Life in black". This is one of the better releases in the instrumental rockgenre. For more info, check out the French label Brennus Records at: http://www.musearecords.com

Rating: 8/10

Another isntrumental release on the French label Brennus Records. M.Z. consists of Marc Fortunato (Bass/Keys, Programming) and Zan Dang (Guitars/Keyboards). Their CD 'Blood is life' didn't impress me that much, it's not bad or something, but a bit boring to go through a CD filled with mostly progressive (melodic) hardrock/metal. The best songs are "Killing tale" and "Tears of hate", both showing a very melodic M.Z. Nevertheless I would like to hear some more diversity on a future CD. For people who like instrumental fast progressive rock/metal, this M.Z. is worth checking out.

Rating: 7/10

THE REVOLVER PROJECT is coming out of Los Angeles and they sent me a 6-track CDR called 'Control'. Musically they combine 80s and 90s melodies. The first two songs ("She" and "Lead man") are both slower tempo melodic rockers with an updated 90s sound but also featuring great melodic 80s typed choruses. The following track "90 miles away" is a lovely hookladen classy 80s uptempo melodic rocker like NELSON, VU, SURE CONVICTION… and features a very melodic chorus.

This is definitely the best song on the CD. "Hand on your heart" follows and is a nice calmer semi melodic rockballad. "Ever more" is a bit weaker, a 90s influenced melodic poprocker (nice chorus though). Closing track of 'Control' is Touch my soul", a pretty nice semi melodic rockballad. Check out this band at: http://www.angelfire.com/ca/filmwriter and e-mail them at: jimcirile@aol.com

Rating: 7,5/10

This is the second album from vocalist/bassist Robert Murdock, now under the bandname THE ROBERT MURDOCK BAND. His solo-debut from a few years ago was a very enjoyable AOR record a la STAN BUSH, JEFF PARIS, MARK FREE… The new CD is definitely a change in style, because 'Horizontal hold' is filled with Westcoast orientated Melodic Poprocker with a 90s attitude, kinda like the change BRETT WALKER did after his debut. In fact, BRETT WALKER is the best comparison for this band, because the two sound almost identical, although I don't think they know each other's work.

Anyway, the CD starts with two westcoast influenced semi rockers ("How much more must I take" and "If there really is a God") that both sound very updated for the 90s radio and are almost a 180% switch in style compared to the AOR CD from Robert a couple of years ago. Anyway, the other 3 songs on this mini-CD are much better. First there is "Behind closed doors", a good uptempo melodic poprocker like TIM KARR meets DANNY WILDE. "Your day in the sun" is a step into AOR, because this AORish tune reminds me a bit of DAKOTA (!) actually.

Closing track "Heartbeat" is a nice early 80s typed poprocker like BON JOVI meets RICK SPRINGFIELD. The new CD of ROBERT MURDOCK is a very diverse record and the AO is sometimes pushed to the back, but fans of mentioned artists really need to check it out. More info at: http://www.home.att.net/~docksidemusic/RMurdock.htm and e-mail them at: docksidemusic@worldnet.att.net

Rating: 7,5/10

Out of Illinois, USA comes vocalist/guitarist Don Mackie. He sent me his CD 'The mack attack' and this is definitely an attack of 80s melodic (pop) rock. Vocally Don makes the poprock sound a bit quirky, but happily the songs are much maturer and sometimes pure melodic rock. There are 8 songs on the disc. Opener "That's just the way" is a pure early 80s (quirky) melodic poprocker. Next track "8:30" is much rockier, a fine uptempo melodic rocker. "Takin' it to the top" is also pure 80s, but this is midtempo melodic party rock (a la RATT).

The following two songs are the best ones on the CD. First there is "Politicians promises", a late 70s typed rocker with a very melodic chorus, sounds like a cross between PHIL VINCENT and RANDY CALIFORNIA (how can I make up such a mixture!).

"Movin' and shakin'" is definitely the best track of the whole CD, because this is classy early 80s AOR/Melodic Poprock (very much like BERNIE LABARGE). Following track "On the run", a nice 80s party melodic rocker like KEEL, KIX, RATT… DON jumps back to the early 80s melodic poprocksound of EDDIE MONEY on the song "Fallin' in love", a very nice little tune. The CD closes with "Title town" and just like the opening tune "That's just the way", also this song is quirky poprock and so these are the only two weaker songs. Check out DON MACKIE at: http://www.mp3.com/donmackie1 and e-mail him at: donmackie@music.com

Rating: 7,5/10

Some time ago I discussed this AGAPE LED, a Melodic Rockband from Texas. They sent me a demo recording and were then named AGAPE. They have now changed it to AGAPE LED, because there's another band called AGAPE on the mp3.com. Anyway, musically they changed a bit, but are still sounding very melodic.

There are two new songs on this tape and they are called "With all my heart" and "You will be the reason". Both songs are nice calmer progressive AOR songs with KANSAS influences, while the 80s typed melodic guitarsound remind me of DOKKEN. I really like the melodic vocals of lead singer Dennis Russell on both songs. The two songs are unfinished recordings, so expect more in the future.

The only thing that could be polished up are the drums and some more uptempo material couldn't hurt either, but this is due to the fact the drums aren't recorded yet and these two songs are just unfinished versions. Anyway, check out this AGAPE LED at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/99/agape_led.html and e-mail them at: jambread@houston.quik.com

Rating: 7/10

Polish female fronted melodic rockers AVALANCHA sent me a copy of their new demo. The two songs performed were also on their previous effort that I reviewed some time ago. The difference is that the production sounds much better now and the CD jewel case contains a very nice layout.

"Bedziesz" is the best song, this song has a very good melodic chorus a la CHALLENGE. Check out this Polish band at: http://www.mp3.com/avalancha and e-mail them at: akondr@ec.opole.pl

Rating: 7,5/10

DR. MARTINI is a Californian band. They sent me a copy of their second CD, entitled 'In your head'. This CD features 12 songs and is musically very diverse, because we can hear classy 80s AOR, but also 90s pop/rock. The CD starts with the best song of the whole CD, namely the classy early 80s AOR/Melodic Rocker "Lonely". This superb song is very much in the style of the Classic AOR/Radiorock band PREVIEW. I fell in love with this song and was really hoping the whole CD sounded like this, but unfortunately the rest of the CD has nothing to do with the opening tune. I am not saying the rest is bad or something, but the high class AOR sound of "Lonely" isn't reached anymore.

Next track "Step into the light" is a nice semi melodic poprocker in a 90s updated sound. "Enters my mind" and "Lately" follow and arre actually pretty weak and quite poppy.
"Enters my mind" is a funky song a la DAN REED NETWORK. While listening to the band, I hear that vocalist Rob Visconti sounds very much like PETE PRESCOTT (if anyone remembers that English singer). Anyway, back to the CD, although it never gets as sensational as that first track, I still enjoyed semi melodic rockers (and ballads) such as "She and me", "For today", "Say now" and "Common ground".

Also very good is the classy 80s melodic rocker "Grooverbox" that reminded me of HONEYMOON SUITE and SERGEANT. A good band and I only hope to hear some more songs in the style of their tune "Lonely" on a future record. Then we could easily speak of something sensational. For now, you can check out this band for yourself at: http://www.drmartini.com and e-mail them at: drmartini@drmartini.com

Rating: 7,5/10

If you love classic keyboard driven AOR with great singalong lyrics in the tradition of Survivor, FM, John Waite, The Storm, Valentine and Bon Jovi then you won't be disappointed by Storyteller's long awaited debut.

Raging from soaring heartfelt ballads like "Hello Heaven", "Corridors Of Windows"and "Where Is Daniel", to brilliant rocking numbers such as "What She Want", "In Your Arms", "She Sherea", the excellent "White Liar" and "Never" to smooth pure AOR like "Wait Till You Find Me", "Why Cry", "Like It Or Not", Storyteller is a joy to listen to from start to finish. The production is awesome and the songs just hit hard and you ended up singing along without realizing it. "Corridor Of Windows" is a very classy album to adore, I'll be addicted to this one for months to come, already a contender for one my top 10 albums of the year Nice one MTM.

Rating: 10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

I had to stop for a breather this afternoon, I have to say that I'm spoiled for choice with the latest high quality releases from MTM. Take a look at their releases over the last three weeks, Brian McDonald, Raine, Storyteller, Von Groove and the soon to come House Of Shakira record that is reported to be the best thing the band have ever recorded.

Now Kharma are another superb band oozing of star quality, well I mean Goran Edman is on the album so need I say anymore?

Every AOR and melodic rock fan will adore this, each song is just so damn catchy and reminds me of Europe, Zeno, Queen and Frontline. Check out the pompy keyboards on the Queen sounding "Wonderland", an awesome song with some tender piano playing from Atilla Szabo. Now this song is slightly progressive to, but it's so sweet and juicy, a very powerful song that slightly leans towards the sound of Zeno, Roadmaster and Rathskeller.

The opening track "Free Yourself" is a cheerful and very catchy song a'la Europe and Frontline, whilst "Knowing You", opens up with some sharp shooting guitars, this song reminds of the riffs to Sammy Hagar's "Returning Home" and "Eagles Fly" from his "Never Say Goodbye" album, the whole songs rocks and is destined to be played in the rock clubs the world over.

Now the operatic charm of "Burn Forever" heads into Fair Warning and Zeno territory and gives Goran the chance to really push his voice in a similar style to what Tommy Heart did on Uli Jon Roth's "Bridge To Heaven", this is a HUGE and glorious ballad.

"In Chains" is heavier and more progressive, check out the keyboard work on this superb song. "Standing Alone", is very melodic with a groove, "Part Time Lovers" drops in pace, the songs kicks off with an accoustic guitar before the whole things explodes into your face, this is just so spontaneous, Goran's voice is just so cool, I think we can now delete Jeff Scott Soto and concentrate on this incredible singer instead, Goran's voice like Soto, can scale any vocal heights and is quite sensational to listen to on this record.

"Angel Eyes" is another passion filled monster ballad, "Ray Of Sunshine" takes on many twists and turns, "Spell On You" is much more of the same "Don't Close Your Eyes" like the first track "Free Yourself" is cheerful and catchy, so is the excellent "Hold On" with it's tasty keyboard action and Malmsteen style hard rock, which leaves us with the final song "Wings Of History" again a song that heads into Fair Warning territory.

This dare I say it is almost a classic rock album full of hugely inspiring songs. Another essential release from MTM.

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

AOR's latest release "L.A. Concession" features such noted journey men Richard Page, Steve George, Carlos Vega, Michael Thompson amongst other L.A studio players.

AOR live up to their name and punch out superbly constructed pure west coast aor numbers that bare comparisons with Richard Marx, Aviator, Mr.Mister, TOTO, King Of Hearts, L.A. Cowboys, Mark Spiro and even George Michael in the vocal department.

The man behind this project is guitarist/keyboardist Frederic Slama. Frederic wrote and produced all the material. Frederic many years ago was one of the journalists responsible for bringing aor to the attention of the French public, he himself interviewed over 300 bands (including Foreigner, Heart etc..) and additonally wrote two books on aor in his native language. He is currently working on a third publication which will be in English thankfully.

Over the years he became friends with some of the musicians he interviewed,and in turn these guys helped out with Frederic's demo material in the late eighties. Anyway according to the man himself "My new project "l.A concession"reunited very good musicians who are now mostly working on new projects and films.the "AOR" concept is a project turning around different musicians for this cd and maybe the next or eventual tours."

What we have on offer is twelve west coast aor and power pop influenced songs, some are slightly more light weight than others but all are full of supreme quality and great lyrics a'la Richard Marx. We get three superb ballads "Love Is On The Way", "On Dangerous Ground" and "World's Away". "Love Has Found It's Way" is the best of the bunch, this track is very well sung, Frederic comes over really well and the arrangement is very smooth and sophisticated, then we get the classic sweet AOR songs "Caught Inside Your Heart", "From L.A. To Tokyo", "Lost In Your Eyes" and "Don't Let Her Go". "Caught Inside
Your Heart" is the best of these, slick polished and built for radio exposure.

The best songs of the whole record are the opening keyboard sound of the Richard Marxesquiste "Never Gonna Let Her Go", a pure summery breeze of aor tenderness that strikes more than one chord with yours truly, "In My Crystal Ball" is full of power
pop and the Richard Marx comparisons come into full view again on "The Way Of The Night" a great song that almost has a slight Eric Martin feel to it. "Leave Her To Heaven" reminds me of Bad English, this is a lovely smooth exquisite rock/aor song to drool over and the albums BEST track by miles. All in all "L.A. Concession" is cracking stuff. Get it bought pronto. Recommended. EMAIL: fredericslama@hotmail.com or http://www.cdbaby.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This is a very interesting realease that came as suprise to me. I hadn't heard of Amanda Easton until now, reading her bio I'm left very impressed with her background,add to the fact that she has taken the time out to work with me on this Amanda Easton comes across as a very humble and likeable person, considering the situation that she is in.

Her self titled debut record combines dance rhythms with poppy aor with lots of guitars. Amanda Easton is a beautiful singer/songwriter/model/actress from Sydney, Australia. You can currently find her appearing in a small role with Tom Cruise in the fourthcoming "Mission Impossible 2" movie. She has also appeared in various episodes of the hit tv series "Home And Away" as well as numerous other movie and TV apearances.

She has just also just got the lead real for a new movie called "Second Best Bed", of which Amanda will also contribute some new material. Amanda has also done her fair share of musical work, having recorded on records with the award winning "Powderfinger", "The Shauna Jensen Band" and six piece rock and soul band "The Ultraband".

Even though this album contains dancey beats, I'd sooner hear Amanda's sexy music in the clubs than the techno garbage we are currently forced to listen to, Amanda blends in the afforementioned styles into each song, and the result is very rewarding album that is worth investigating, what Amanda has is layered out deep in her lyrics, so sit back and enjoy, if Richard Marx can get away with this then I'm sure you will enjoy Amanda's music.

One advice I can offer to Amanda though is, if she can take out the dancey beats then this will be a pure aor pop album that would find itself sitting in the far reaches of the charts the world over, think Radar, Alyson Avenue, Pseudo Echo and maybe even Amaze Me and you'll now where Amanda's music could lie if she remixed this marvelous record without the inclusion of dance beats, this is defintley the market she wants to concentrate on and I advise her to go and listen to the afforementioned bands.

Of the ten tracks I really enjoyed track number seven "Shiver", this is a fast moving pop song that is very addictive, "Infatuation" is also very catchy, her voice is a little like Kylie Minogue and Pat Benatar, only a little more powerful. and the brilliant "Not Enough", which is perhaps my fave song.

Final verdict, a nice album full of variety and sexy singing from Amanda, fresh and very summery. RECOMMENDED.

http://www.amandaeaston.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

"...And Other Romantic Delusions" is a wonderful album full of excellent jazzy rock and pop songs with a hint of soul n' blues.that bare comparisons to Fiona Apple and Baby Animals.

Lead singer Laura Diamond is from New Jersey and it was a very nice suprise to discover that Norway's Marty Brasington is behind the drum kit on this record.

The music as I said is nowhere near Norway, but it's still a pleasant and enjoyable record. It pains me that when I'm in work and the guys have the radio on, that I have to sit and listen all this techno boom boom boom nonsense when real talent like Laura Diamond deserves to be heard much more than those one hit wonders, it's ridiculous isn't it?, not only does rock get ignored by the radio over hear but all sorts of other great music too, are people seriously actually buying that rubbish or is all a big con?

Anyway this is a marvelous album and my favourite song is the loose and sultry "Can I Be You", followed by the Fiona Appleish "Stupid", John Waite did something similar to this style of material on his last few albums so if you like that, then you'll like this, it's pure, shes sings like an angel, check out the sensuous "Crush" a delicate piano ballad with tender arrangements, Laura's voice is very smooth and creamy, she can also hit really high notes, I love this record to bits, it's not exactly rock, but as this record has Marty Brasington on it, one can only appreciate his talents alot more. Thus the quality remains consistent all the
way to the end and should Laura decide to make a full on hard rock album a'la Norway then the world will be waiting for her with open arms. Until then enjoy.

http://www.lauradiamond.com or Email: mail@lauradiamond.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

From the Welsh Valley's of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales UK, comes Paul Harris' project where he has disguised himself as Paul Davies (his real name). Anyway what we have here is eleven melodic/aor songs that are a pleasure to listen to.

"Lost" is a dreamy song a'la The Alarm with a touch of Gary Hughes, "Sing For Me" is slightly more up-tempo with a catchy chrous, "Nothing Really Matters" is a calmer song a'la Phil Vincent and Manic Street Preachers, "Stay" is similar to Timothy Lewis, "Thinking Of You" is a calm ballad with some nice guitar and reminds me of Gary Hughes and Dare, but alot calmer.

"Devil In You", is very catchy and actually reminds me of Mick Jagger especially on the vocals, this is a very catchy song with lots of "NA NA NA NA" Bon Jovi style choruses. "Heartache And Pain" is similar to Little Richard with some nice keys and harmonica. "Maybe" is Paul's keys song, this is a strong atmospheric track that sits nicely alongside Gary Hughes and Phil Vincent, listen out for the lovely keyboard work on this soothing song.

"Eryri" is a piano instrumental and very effective it is to., the guitar crashes in after a couple of minutes and reminds me of Eric Clapton's music in the Lethal Weapon movies. I didn't really like "There Will Come A Day" which was a little bit to left field, but "Die For You" is a nice song which shows alot of maturity and experimentation in Paul's writing. Overall a really nice album from one of Wales' finest.

Email: phd_axe1@hotmail.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Call Me Daddy are a power metal thrash band from Tennessee, home to one (Danny Vaughn). Anyway C.M.D are a four piece outfit, I read some of the reviews enclosed with their press kit and they mention White Zombie etc.. I can't see the W.Z references but what I can hear is Testament, Guns N' Roses and King's X but with alot more power and heavy riffs.

My favourite song from "Kiss The Freak" is the truly excellent "Forbidden Eyes", I haven't heard this style of music for a good few years, but I can honestly say that C.M.D are original and refreshing and have huge amounts of potential that will appeal to both
die hard power metal/thrash fans and of course the modern genre of metal. Dean Havlik pours out some shit-hot riffing, I haven't heard riffs this cool since Metallica came onto the scene, singer Travis King sound similar to James Hetfield and the singer from King's X (I forget his name). All in all a riveting release from an exciting new band. Recommended.

Email: camedaddy@aol.com or http://www.callmedaddy.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Y2K are a Californian melodic rock trio with indy grooves and great vocal harmonies from singer Don Dunham. I almost dismissed this band as Nirvanaesque fodder until track six burst into gear, now this is the type of rock I prefer to hear, and it is from track six through to track eleven that the dirt really starts to show under Y2K's nails.

"Love To Burn" has a very distinctive riff a'la John Sykes circa 1987 Whitesnake, imagine W.Axl Rose signing this but with more of an AOR slant and you'll get the picture, this is a great song, next is ""Restless Heart", now this is a nice ballad that has a U2/Harlan Cage flavour about it, the G'N'R influences come into vouge again on "Showdown" and the excellent boogie rock of "Big Black Car" made me think of Sammy Hagar's last album and is a very catchy song, and peerhaps the albums best cut. Another ballad pops up in the shape of "Love Will Set You Free" which reminds me of Vision 180 and the last track "The
Millenium Bug" is just instrumental internet jargon that I could have done without.

I sense that Y2K are trying to test which style audiences will take, by covering both sides of the rock genre, the one we hate and the one we love, I strongly urge to follow in the paths of the latter as thats where they seem to be enjoying themselves the most. Unfortuantley we get half an album of kick arse songs, a pitty because a full album like this and we would have been looking at this band in a different light, but still I from track six on this album rocks.

http://www.cdbaby.com

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Baring cover artwork that is similar to Balance Of Power's "Book Of Secrets", Twilight are a five piece progressive hard rock band from the US.

This is an eight track cd, all the songs are well-structured and arranged mixing the best of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Fates Warning with great vocals that belt out like a mix of James Hetfield, Bruce Dickinson and Hugo believe it or not. Check out track four "The Occurance" and you will hear what I mean. Twilght are a good band to listen out for, top songs go to "Fire" and the afforementioned The Occurance". "Fire" is all screaming guitars and old school metal a'la Maiden/Priest/Accept, the balance is just right and with the current ressurection and popularity of Iron Maiden don't be to suprised to see major labels looking at bands like Twilight to sign. Nice effort guys.

Email: petepom@superior.net or http://www.superior.net/~petepom/

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Californian glam mob, not much of interest here I'm afraid, a fourth rate Hanoi Rocks and Motley Crue with indy edges sums this album up, six tracks of sex, drugs and rock and roll sums it up to.. It's ok but not maybe my cup of tea, maybe you'll think different. Next please
apollorecords@hotmail.com

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