Saturday, May 21, 2016

SUNSTORM: "Edge of Tomorrow"

Rating: RR
Label: Frontiers 2016
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

On the Edge Of Tomorrow? Bloody 'ell. I've seen the future and it's all watered down? First things first. The instrumentation is uber smoothly performed and the vocals by true rock legend Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc.) have this wonderfully gentle and relaxed tone to them that fits in with the AOR. However, there's just something about it all that lacks that special spark and edge (no pun intended).

Ten out of eleven tracks - the handy work of Alessando del Vecchio and a majority are sadly stuck in second gear. The sole update since last is the clearer production job. Otherwise, it's the same story of semi decent music and knocking out those European riffs, and paint by numbers AOR. You're more likely to be surprised by your daily soap opera than listening to these throw-aways. Not even Jim Peterik and his "The Sound Of Goodbye" leave a lasting impression or imprint. What if you're completely new to the genre and just starting out listening to soft rock? Well. Be happy knowing that there are literally 1000's of better AOR albums out there to go through and enjoy.

You certainly can't ignore this completely or simply chuck it in the bin. JLT is such a professional and his voice alone, elevate the material a notch or two up the ladder of success. But, for fecks' sake. JLT! Get yer ass off the wagon and start writing your own material. What about taking the 'Rescue You' line-up in the studio for another go and album at Frontiers Records? Pure heaven in my books.

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