KENNY MCGEE AND LEFTY:
KENNY MCGEE played in the band
JULLIET. This great Melodic Rockband released an excellent album in the
early 90s with Frankie Sullivan as producer. Lead Vocalist Kenny has now
this new band with whom he released a new CD. I heard 5 tracks and they
all sounded pretty good and in the same classic 80s melodic rockstyle of
his former band JULLIET. Especially the song "Baby Jane" is a very cool
catchy tune. When I get my hands on their CD, this will get a great review
on our website.
WASTE LAGOON:
A Norwegian Progressive Melodic
Rockband comparable to TREASON, KANSAS and late 80s SAGA. I heard two good
songs titled "Fallen angels" and "Two different worlds". When I get more
info it will be printed on our website.
LEE SCOTT HOWARD:
LEE SCOTT HOWARD is the new AOR
sensation on the scene. Lee appeared on the ROBERT MURDOCK album 'Don't
quit your day job' as guitarist, producer and co-writer of a few songs.
That great AOR album of Robert Murdock is reviewed
on this website. Now LEE SCOTT HOWARD is working on a solo-album on his
own. I heard one song called "Never too late" which is super 80s AOR in
the style of STAN BUSH, AVIATOR, JOURNEY, LANCE POWERS... This song has
great keys, a catchy chorus, superb harmonyvocals and a pure AOR sound.
A killer AOR song! I believe we can expect a CD of LEE SCOTT HOWARD through
the recordlabel Dockside Music Records. Lee comes out of the New Jersey
area and so we can add another fantastic AOR artist out of the 'AOR-state'.
Probably more info later on this website.
SECOND CHANCE:
It's almost unbelievable that
there are so many undiscovered American AOR bands out there. Everyone is
saying this musicstyle is dead and still there are many many bands playing
the 80s AOR rock we all love so much. Our website and magazine is focused
on discovering these unsigned AOR bands/artists. SECOND CHANCE is one of
those hot new AOR bands from Toledo, Ohio that sounds really fantastic.
SECOND CHANCE is a pure AOR/Radiorockband with songs that are a dream for
every fan of this genre. I heard a couple of songs from their debut 'Rock
before you roll' and they sounded really great and pure 80s AOR! "All I
want" is one-helluva-classic-piece of AOR/Radiorock like it was made in
the 80s by bands like SURVIVOR, BALANCE, 38 SPECIAL, PREVIEW, THE BABYS...
The band also reminds me a bit of more recent acts like TANDYM and THE
PROMISE. Just listen to the classic AOR guitarsound of this band and you
must admit that SECOND CHANCE is another new AOR sensation that we will
hopefully talk about much more later on this website and in our magazine.
RAIN CHEQUE:
This band sounds very much like
BLUE RAIN. They have got a female vocalist and although these vocals and
the production are not superb, musically they sound pretty good and are
a pure AOR/Melodic Rockband. I heard a track called "Forever in a day"
and this sounds very good. I look forward to hear the rest of their songs.
More info hopefully later.
HOOKMEISTER:
I believe this is more like a
project. I heard a song called "One to win" and this is pure 80s AOR/Pomprock,
a catchy song! From what I read, this song was released in 1982 on a LP
they released, but because I have very little info I can be wrong. When
I get more info it will be printed on this website.
LOVIN' KRY:
This band has a heavier Melodic
Hardrocksound a la early SKID ROW, WARRANT... Still, their track
"Goodbye" shows a melodic rockstyle like FIREHOUSE. When I get more info,
a review will follow.
ELEVENTH HOUR:
A band that is playing a few
musicstyles, I believe. Anyway, their song "Don't walk away" is a good
uptempo melodic rocker. When I get more info, a review will follow.
GRS:
This ain't a pure AOR band. Still
I heard their song "The girl" and this is good early 80s poprock like TOMMY
TUTONE, EDDIE MONEY and RICK SPRINGFIELD. So, if I get more info, you will
read it on our website.
SYND'CATS:
If I'm not mistaken, this band
doesn't only sound like the late 70s Rock'n'Roll, but also looks like it.
I think that's great. They play melodic poprock like the old BAD BOY. Seems
interesting, hopefully more info later.
SYN CITY:
This band is playing 80s Melodic
Hardrock. One of the their songs is called "I'll wait for you", a great
melodic rockballad in the FIREHOUSE style. Hopefully a review follows pretty
soon.
MICHAEL WEISS:
From this guy I have no idea
what kind of music he plays, but I just looked at the songtitles of his
CD and saw his major influences and I think this is 80s AOR. Let's hope
it is true and we can welcome another new sensation, but you have to wait
for a while until I am sure of it.
SEEKER:
Another act where I don't have
any info on their music, but I am very positive from what I read about
this band. SEEKER is a Christian Rockband and I believe they play Melodic
Rock in the SURE CONVICTION. Let's hope that is indeed true and with a
bit luck I am able to review their material soon.
REFUGEE:
I have absolutely no info on
this band. They are not the same REFUGEE that released two wonderful AOR
albums in the mid 80s. This REFUGEE is a Christian 4 piece playing pure
AOR in the 8084 crossed with INTRUDER style. There are 11 tracks on their
CD which is titled 'Life goes on'. This is set to be a winner, hopefully
more info later.
MIKE VESCARA PROJECT:
I have heard some great things
about the debut release of this band called THE MIKE VESCARA PROJECT. As
you'll probably know, Mike Vescara was the lead vocalist of LOUDNESS once
upon a time and sang on their most American Melodic Rock orientated albums.
Now the guy has released an album on his own apparently and from what I
have heard this should get attention of the AOR and Pomprockfans. I heard
people saying it sounds like a mixture between KANSAS, ROADMASTER and more
AOR/Pop orientated material. Seems very interesting, I guess we will know
that in a few weeks, when we will review the album on this website.
ASYLUM SUITE:
Another hot new American Melodic
Rockband. This band's debut has been produced by Tom Keifer from CINDERELLA.
The music of ASYLUM SUITE is not anywhere near Cinderella. ASYLUM SUITE
is playing pure melodic rock like it was played in the 80s by DOKKEN and
more recently VELOCITY. If you like any of these bands, and I know you
do, then this ASYLUM SUITE is also interesting for you. Hopefully we can
get in touch with these guys, and give you further details on this website.
VOXEN:
This Californian band is very
underground and got a review of their CD 'Sacrifice' in issue 9. Their
music is good old commercial US Melodic (Hard) Rock in the style of FIREHOUSE,
DANGER DANGER, SHY TIGER, JOHNNY LIMA... If you love bands like these,
then this band is for you, because VOXEN has not only a similar sound,
but what they do is very good. Catchy harmonyvocals, melodic choruses and
a very good production. Ten years back this band would have been signed
to a major label in the US, and would have scored major hits with songs
like "Paradise" and "Shadows". But they are an independent band and since
the release of the CD it has been very quiet around the band. Contact the
band at:
VOXEN
c/o John Parker
9396 Malheur Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
USA
Latest news on the band is that they have started recording their second CD. The track "Sacrifice" from their debut was included in the movie "Outbreak" a couple years ago and 3 USA TV-Movies used several tracks off the album. You can e-mail drummer John Parker at:
jparker@sac.jvcdiscusa.com
DANNY DANZI:
I guess you probably already
heard of this guy. DANNY DANZI is coming out of the AOR State New Jersey,
USA. He has just finished the recording of his debut, the album will be
mastered this week. The release of the CD can be expected on August 16th.
The CD will be titled "Somewhere lost in time" and the English Melodic
Rock label Z-RECORDS will release the album. It seems that this is an interesting
release, because the music of DANNY DANZI is classic 80s sounding AOR/Melodic
Rock. Set to be a real winner for the pure AOR Fans!
IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY:
This is a guitarist from Australia
who has released a CD titled 'Fallen angel'. I have so far heard only song
of this CD, namely a song titled "Hold on". This song sounded very good
and can be described as midtempo AOR with some SURVIVOR (circa 'Too hot
to sleep') influences during the chorus. The rest is said to be a bit more
Bluesy Classic MHR, sounds interesting. When I get more info, you'll read
it on our page.
XANADU:
Japanese Melodic Rockband (with
keyboards). The band is very much influenced by YNGWIE MALMSTEEN when he
played Melodic Rock. Let's hope they are musically as good as their countrymen
of BLIND FAITH who also play in this kind of classical melodic rockstyle.
PAINFUL FAITH:
This is a Melodic Rockband from
Stuttgart, Germany. They are hard at work on their own website which will
be launched at the end of May. This site is set to be some sort of journey
into a 3-D World including music of the band. Look forward to see it.
WICKED SINS:
American Melodic Hardrockband
that are about to release their first CD I believe. They play in the style
of DANGER DANGER is what I heard. I look forward to hear and review this
band. Hopefully into the next few weeks more info
SWAN CHRISTY:
A band from Greece, the land
of Gods and sun. As far as I know and I was informed by a Greek Rock expert,
this is the only melodic hardrockband in Greece. They have released two
CDs and if it is worth listening is now a question to me, but next week
I have the answer. When it is good, you will read it on our site.
ALIANZA:
If you had to guess where this
band comes from, you probably would have guessed Mexico or Spain. But they
come all the way from Argentina and through a reliable source I was told
that this Argentinian band played pure AOR. Sounds interesting, hopefully
they are as good as CODA from Mexico.
ESCOCIA:
Same story as above mentioned
ALIANZA. Also this band called ESCOCIA is a pure AOR band from Argentina
and we'll have to wait and see if they are really as good as I was told.
PRIVATE ANGEL:
A new German band that released
their debut CD 'The truth' on the 1st of April. The band is playing melodic
rock in the style of COMPANY OF WOLVES.
MOKSHA:
A band from India! They play
Hard Rock, but I heard a ballad of this band called "Stay" and with the
lovely keyboards this is a gorgeous AOR Ballad in the style of those DANGER
DANGER ballads. If the rest of their material also has this good quality,
then this is a very interesting band. We hope to review their material
soon.
AUDIENCE:
A Canadian band that has released
a CD through the recordlabel Hardel Muzik. They sing in the French language,
but if you liked the debut album of BEAU GESTE this will not be a problem
to listen to either. Musically it is not as good and AOR orientated as
BEAU GESTE, but still it sounds pretty nice. I have only heard one track,
so it's hard to tell if this band is a new sensation in the melodic rockscene,
but the song I heard was good melodic rock with some AOR influences. More
info later.
MR. MEENER:
I believe this is an American
independent recording band. I have not much info on them, but they play
good melodic hard rock in the late 80s style. When I get more info on them,
I'll add it to the WebSite.
SHAMELESS:
This is not an AOR band, but
more a Glam-Melodic Hardrockband. I heard they sound like PRETTY BOY FLOYD,
so this will be more like fun-rock'n'roll. A review will appear on our
Site in the next few weeks.
AERIAL:
Not to confuse with Canadian
AOR heroes we talked about in our new Past-issue. This is also not really
a new band, but as they are quite unknown and also never released a full
CD (I believe) they are suitable to appear here. They play Glam-Melodic
Hardrock like a mixture between PRETTY BOY FLOYD, JESSE STRANGE and STRYPER.
Robert Sweet from STRYPER appears on one of the band's songs. I believe
they have just released a CD that contains songs they did the past ten
years. More info hopefully later.
MARK ALLEN BAND:
This is an undiscovered new AOR
band that released so far one CD titled 'Six interlocking pieces'. The
CD contains some fantastic AOR and Melodic Rock. The first couple of songs
are good melodic rocksongs in the best late 80s tradition of bands like
WINGER and TYKETTO. Songs like "I will be there" and "Same old star" does
sound as good as the MTM Music releases of the past few months. These two
songs can be compared to bands like THE STORM, STUN LEER and ALIAS! "I
will be there" is really a classic AOR song in the style of SURVIVOR, ARTICA
and THE STORM. The sound and the production of the CD are very impressive.
I believe Strutter'zine WebPage is the first AOR publication in Europe
that has written about this new band. It would not surprise me if this
band gets signed to MTM Music this year, because they are as good as a
band like RESTLESS. CLICK
HERE to read the review
(including contactdetails). An interview with this new AOR sensation will
be placed later. We just want to warm you up for the upcoming months when
Strutter'zine HomePage will be your source for signed and unsigned AOR
and Melodic Rock music.
CHARITY:
A German band. They have just
released their debut (?) CD titled 'Different views' independent, so very
hard to trace. They play melodic rock in the style of BONFIRE crossed with
FAIR WARNING as I was told. When I get more info I'll put it on the WebSite.
CIOBA:
This is one of Sweden's best
kept secrets. I haven't read anywhere about this hot new band. CIOBA is
an AOR/Westcoast band very similar in style to PROMOTION. If you like that
band, you will love this band too. I heard two songs of the band called
"22/22" and "Here in the heartland". Although the sound is not so heavy,
the choruses are pure AOR. Just think of a combination of DAKOTA (like
their 'Runaway' album), TOTO and PROMOTION and you'll get the picture.
More information on this band later.
OVERNITE/CHRISTOPHER GILLIS:
Another unknown classic AOR band.
This band is called OVERNITE, but is the brainchild of Christopher Gillis.
I heard a couple of songs and was impressed already. One of their songs
is called "Take me back" which is uptempo AOR/Radiorock in the 80s tradition.
Christopher is influenced by bands like JOURNEY, STYX and BOSTON. The sound
of OVERNITE is somewhat like PHIL VINCENT (another great independent recording
AOR artist). They have released a couple of albums and with a bit of luck
we will review them on this WebSite.
NARNIA:
This band has already released
two albums and had some success with it in Japan. NARNIA combines elements
of Swedish melodic rock and more faster progressive rock/metal. A song
like "Can't get enough of you" is very much in the EUROPE syle, while "Dangerous
games" is more progressive faster heavy rock without losing the melody
line.
ICONIC PHARE:
O.K., the bandname is not really
AOR orientated, but the music is pure AOR. It's hardly unbelievable, but
there are still many unknown AOR bands in the USA. We of Strutter'zine
always find them, so for the latest new AOR bands you must visit our WebPage.
An example is this band that is really underground and yet so good. I heard
one song of the band titled "These are the times" and was stunned and amazed
how good this sounded. This is pure 80s AOR like it was made by bands like
BAD ENGLISH, SIGNAL and the first MARK FREE. This band was first mentioned
on this WebSite as the band MILLENIA, but due to legal action of an other
same named band, they changed the name into this strange bandname. 'Thinking
rock' is the title of their debut-CD and if everything goes well, you can
read the review of it very soon on this website. I only heard one song
that was AOR sensational. If the rest is similar in style, a new sensation
in the AOR scene is born and we will help the band getting the attention
they need.
BEDROKK:
This is a Canadian AOR band I
believe. They have done two albums so far and are currently working on
their third release. The band has done a tour through Germany last year
and are planning more concerts this summer. So, if you live in Germany
you may want to check out this band. More info and a review of their upcoming
album later.
WAYNE SMART:
The debut CD of this Canadian
AOR rocker is almost a classic. That CD was titled 'Just another stranger'.
The album was filled with pure AOR in the style of 1st MITCH MALLOY, early
JEFF PARIS, KANE ROBERTS, RICK MATHEWS and even some STAN BUSH. Songs like
"Tonight", "Wake me up" and "In your eyes" are fantastic AOR songs in the
best 80s tradition. A wonderful CD that is a must for every AOR fan. Last
year he released the follow-up 'Live and learn' which was reviewed in our
latest issue. Although it is a good AOR album, the debut was much better
and also had a much better sound and production. Musically WAYNE SMART
had changed a bit and moved into a more AOR Ballad style. Like a mixture
between BON JOVI and BONFIRE ballads. The pure AOR style of his debut has
dissappeared. Still the CD is quite good and recommended to the romantic
AOR fans. The pure AOR freaks should buy the wonderful debut CD.
BURNING RAIN:
This new band that has released
thier debut through Pony Canyon Japan and will probably release the album
in Europe through one of the 3 AOR Labels in Europe.
One of the tracks is called 'Making my heart beat" which
is fantastic midtempo heavy AOR like a mixture between SURVIVOR (circa
'Too hot too sleep') and MESSAGE. I heard the rest is bluesier MHR.
ALAN CASE:
I have very little info on this
guy, but I believe he is from Holland is playing FM/AOR-rock in the style
of ROBBY VALENTINE and VINNIE KAY. I heard one song so far titled "Dark
nights" and can inform you that this is very good stuff. Hopefully more
info on Alan later.
LANCE POWERS:
This guy from Kansas really wants
the 80s back. His music is a mixture of cheerful uptempo Melodic Rock like
1st DANGER DANGER and early BON JOVI and emotional AOR Ballads. LANCE POWERS
released two CDs titled 'Straight from the heart' and 'Destination unknown'.
Both were reviewed in issue 11 and can also be read if you click
here We also did an interview with Lance in Issue 12. His music
is also currently been played by a few local American Rock Radiostations
that only play 'classic-rock' such as JOURNEY, BOSTON, SURVIVOR. They have
now added songs of LANCE POWERS to their playlist, so out there in Kansas
City LANCE POWERS is getting some attention. At the moment Lance
is working on a few different projects that all seem to be in the AOR/Melodic
Rock vein. More info when we get it.
ARMADA:
ARMADA is not a new band. Though
they have just released their first CD that contains 21 (!) tracks. This
album is a compilation of tunes recorded between 1985 and 1990. The music
is typical for that period and can be described as Christian Commercial
American Orientated Melodic Rock like a mixture between 80s DOKKEN, STRYPER
and WINGER. CD is called 'Hope of glory'. Probably a review will be placed
on this WebSite soon. In the meantime, check out their WebSite at the following
address: http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Garage/2012
AMBERDAWN:
I have very little info on this
band. I heard one of their tracks called "Alone", a really great classy
80s sounding uptempo melodic rocker that sounds a bit like below mentioned
new band CHRYSTAL BALL. This is a great song, I don't know how the rest
sounds, but when I get more info you will read it here.
SWALLOWS:
This French band was featured a long time ago in Strutter'zine. Way back in issue 6 (April 1996) we were the first AOR publication that reviewed the wonderful debut CD of SWALLOWS. The CD received 9.5 points out of the 10 we can give. To put it in other words, this band was a new AOR sensation. In issue 8 (January 1998) we had an interview and also reviewed the second album of the band. This new album was more like a remix of the debut with the addition of some new songs. I still prefer their debut '848'. This album can be described as pure AOR in the best American 80s tradition of bands like PROPHET, TOUR DE FORCE, WHITE SISTER, WALK THE WIRE, first DANGER DANGER... I think you will understand that this '848' album of SWALLOWS is a must to have. Sadly, it is now 3 years later and the band still isn't known by all the AOR fans. It is also very quiet around the band and I don't know if they are still out there. They got signed to the French label Brennus Records (part of Musea Records), visit the WebSite of Brennus Records at:
Anyway, feel free to write the band SWALLOWS at the following address:
SWALLOWS PROMOTION
76 avenue de la resistance
93100 Montreuil
France
But like I said I don't know
if this address is still available. I also don't have an e-mail address
of the band at the moment. But when
you visit the WebSite of Brennus Records, you can look for more information
on the band and also check out some other French Melodic Rock and Symphonic
Rockbands.
UNDER LOCK AND KEY:
It's not so hard to find out
where this band got their bandname from. Named after the DOKKEN album.
Musically their album 'After the storm' is also in the style of the old
DOKKEN. But as this is an independent release and the band doesn't have
a WebSite, it is very hard to trace.
KNIGHTTEAR:
Japanese Melodic Rock. One of
their songs is called "Too late" which reminds me of FIREHOUSE mixed with
80s DOKKEN. A pretty good new band. But like all the other Japanese Melodic
Rock and AOR bands they haven't got any attention outside Japan. With a
bit luck this may happen once it is reviewed in Strutter'zine.
ERIC RUSSELL:
This is not really new. However
a very interesting French AOR artist. Eric released his debut CD titled
'Personal' in 1994 on the Japanese Recordlabel PolyStar. The music on this
CD can be described as pure AOR. It's not really heavy, but just a very
good album in the style of MARK FREE, VINNIE KAY and DENNIS DEYOUNG. I
think you'll get the picture. I haven't heard that CD and also don't know
if the guy made more CDs. However when I trace the CD and get more info
on Eric Russell, you will read it on our WebSite.
HEAR HERE:
This American band sound a lot
like BARAKADE, an other Melodic Rockband that I talked about somewhere
else on this page. They are on a small recordlabel and again hard to trace.
MARIE WILSON:
This Female Rock Vocalist is
sounding different than those other Female Pop/Rock artists that are quite
popular at the moment (such as Shaina Twain). MARIE WILSON is taking back
the 80s Poprock we loved so much of artists like PATTY SMYTH, PAT BENATAR
(her first 4 albums). The Poprock of Marie also reminds me a lot of LENITA
ERICKSON. Lenita released 1 solo-album on L.A. Records 2 years ago, but
that's an other story. For now, I should check out the CD of Marie Wilson
if you're into this kind of style of our genre.
DEADGIRL:
This band is more Melodic Hardrock
orientated. There are even some Glamrock influences. But if you like a
band such as SHY TIGER or perhaps JOHNNY LIMA, you might wanna try this
band. Their song "Believe in me" is a fine example of their sound.
HOBYAHS:
This is a band from New Zealand.
I believe they have released so far only a mini-CD. I heard one song of
it called "Holding on" which is pretty worth checking out. They play some
awesome AOR on this song. I haven't heard the rest, but that will follow
the upcoming months.
KIM KYUNGHO:
It is almost unbelievable how
far AOR music reaches people. KIM KYUNGHO is not from Japan as you might
expect. He is coming out of Korea and is very popular over there. In fact,
he is the most famous Rock Musician in that country. Outside Korea nobody
has heard of him. He has released 3 albums full of AOR and Melodic Rock.
Seems interesting to hear, because I was told the music is not too far
away from the American bands like FIREHOUSE, JOURNEY... More info later.
BLUE RAIN:
This band was featured a couple
of issues back. We had an interview with BLUE RAIN and discussed their
debut CD 'Just the beginning'. BLUE RAIN is playing a mixture of cheerful
melodic rock (like first DANGER DANGER album) and pure AOR Ballads (like
STAN BUSH). That release was 3 years back and guitarist Eric Menge is now
the only original member of the band. He is at the moment working in the
studio on a new release. He is helped by the musicians of the band FAITH
NATION (read somewhere else on this page), so I think this release will
be very much in the AOR direction.
SAFIRE:
CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO OF SAFIRE
This is an undiscovered AOR gem.
They come out of Australia and play some really awesome pure A.O.R. in
the style of SURVIVOR, JOURNEY, ROXUS and TRADIA. They are one of the best
independent recording AOR bands I ever heard. In issue 11 of our magazine
we had a review of this band. They released in 1995 their classic AOR album
including 6 brilliant songs. I won't forget them, but hardly anyone knows
this AOR gem.
NORWAY:
CLICK
HERE FOR A PHOTO OF NORWAY
Most of the AOR fans will know this band, but Strutter'zine
was actually one of the first AOR Magazines that featured this excellent
New Jersey band. They are the dream for every AOR fan. We did both a review
and interview with them in issue 11. They are now working on a new album
and the 2 songs I already heard are again AOR gems and sound like 80s DOKKEN
mixed with SURVIVOR. The band signed with Frontiers/Now&Then Records
a record deal and are planning the release of their second album later
this year. To be continued!
FAITH NATION:
CLICK
HERE FOR A PHOTO OF FAITH NATION
This band was also featured in
issue 11 and we had an interview with this great classy AOR/POMPROCK band.
Their sound is a mixture of SURVIVOR, JOURNEY and GIANT. Pure 80s AOR with
a lot of keys and beautiful lead and harmonyvocals. Together with NORWAY,
this band is leading the AOR scene. In our latest issue appears a review
of the second album 'Ordinary people' that still is only available in the
USA. A real shame it hasn't got (yet) an European release, because the
music is superb AOR/Pomp that sounds better than JOURNEY nowadays sound.
AFTER THE FALL:
One of those undiscovered new
AOR gems, this band is coming out of England and sound a bit like FAITH
NATION, only they have some progressive influences sometimes. On the other
hand the band also has a couple of songs in the style of the debut album
of FM (remember that classic!) This is a band that is really worth to check
out. Their Demo CD is discussed in the latest issue of Strutter'zine.
SKY HIGH:
American Band that has a 80s
Melodic Rock sound in the vein of early WINGER. They released their debut
CD 'Tales from thew crib' in 1996. I don't have more info.
RATTLEBONE:
Another Melodic Rockband from
New Jersey. This band is playing 80s styled rock like a mixture of RATT
and DOKKEN. More information on this band later.
LEGION:
This band is also playing 80
styled Rock, but they are more in the vein of RATT. The band is not so
Melodic Rock orientated, but a bit heavier.
KEIKO TERADA:
A Japanese Female AOR Rock Artist.
She has released one solo-album after being in the famous Japanese Melodic
Rockband SHOW YA for many years. On her solo-album she sounds very much
like STEFFANIE (Borges, who also once was a member of SHOW YA and released
two solo-albums, check our Past-issue 7 for info on that). Guitar and Keyboard
orientated AOR in the style of MARI HAMADA, early VIXEN, WITNESS... Pretty
good actually. Very hard to get!
LA FASE:
This is a really great AOR Band.
It's also a shame so little attention has been given to this Spanish band,
because they are the best band that ever came out of sunny Spain. Their
same titled debut CD that was released a couple of years ago contained
pure FM-ROCK/AOR that balanced somewhere between STAN BUSH, early STRANGEWAYS,
SURVIVOR and early FM. A lot of great 80s AOR Keyboards made this not only
a wonderful debut, but also a (dare I say) classic release. I still recommend
everyone to buy their album. The band unfortunately split up. If one of
the bandmembers reads this, please contact me.
WANTED:
WANTED is an L.A. based rock
band formed by singer/songwriter Kenny James in Hollywood, CA. The band
has released 3 Demo Tapes and a CD. They play Melodic Hard Rock in the
late 80s tradition of L.A. Bands like LOUD'N'CLEAR, FIREHOUSE, SHY TIGER,
HEAVEN'S EDGE... Good old-time Rock'n'roll like the American would say.
"Say goodbye" and "2nd Best" are fine examples of how this band perform
their catchy Melodic Rock.
JIMMY PACKES:
This guy has already released
quite a few albums, but has not been discovered yet. His music is Melodic
Hardrock that sounds not unlike LEGS DIAMOND crossed with 80s Y&T.
His albums 'Black market' and 'Thunder and lightning' are the most interesting
ones for the Melodic Rockfans, the other 3 albums are mostly instrumental.
When I get more info, you will read it here.
STRAITJACKET SMILE:
I was told this American band
is playing pure AOR with some REO SPEEDWAGON and FOREIGNER influences.
I haven't got more info yet.
ACE HI:
There is so much on the Internet
and so many bands yet to discover. This American AOR Band is influenced
by JOURNEY. They are sadly hard to trace and only released a Demo Tape.
I haven't got a clue if they actually still exist. Their last appearance
on the Internet was about one year ago.
BRIAN BART:
Brian Bart was a member of the
classic AOR band - Dare Force. Dare Force had 3 releases in the 1980's.
I am preparing a story on this band for the next coming months. The
band were very similar to NIGHT RANGER, LOVERBOY, QWEST... Dare Force were
also very popular in parts of South America, and Puerto Rico. Brian runs
a recording studio (Logic) nowadays. BALANCE OF POWER mixed their last
CD at Logic. Brian has also released a couple solo albums and started a
record label called Logical Records. I don't have further info at the moment.
THICK AS THIEVES:
This band has some different
musicstyles. One of their songs is called "Say goodbye" which is a beautiful
AOR Ballad in the style of JOURNEY and FRONTLINE. But some of the other
musicstyles include Bluesy Hardrock. When I get more info you will read
it on our WebSite.
BARAKADE:
This band was featured a long
time ago. We only did a review of their CD 'Volume 1'. A CD filled with
catchy melodic hardrock that sounded like a mixture of FIREHOUSE, TYKETTO,
early FRONTLINE and Q5. The band still exist, but is hard to trace.
Visit our WebSite in the future
and you will fully be informed about any band in the world that is playing
AOR, MELODIC ROCK or POMPROCK. Strutter'zine believes in AOR, do you?
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