OFFTOPIC / Backstage

Offtopic is a Spanish heavy rock band. The band consists of Toni Sanchez-Gil on guitars, Cristian Millan on drums, Jose Luis Lopez on bass and Rosa Ibanez on lead vocals. Their first album, "Sin Miedo", was released in 2007 and their second, "A Fuego", in 2008. Both albums were in their mother language.

"Backstage" is an EP which contains six tracks in English language originally recorded in Spanish for their second album "A Fuego". The music of Offtopic is classic heavy rock with some proggressive elements as well. Their strongest point is the guitar work! Toni Sanchez-Gil has some really nice riffs and solos and the rhythm section is strong as a rock! Rosa Ibanez 's voice is powerfull and smooth but her accent seems that needs a little work! "Mask" is the opening track of "Backstage". It starts off with a heavy riff and Ibanez rapsy vocals. A strong track but it lacks off a catchy chorus line. "Time Flies" is a more up-tempo tune and this time the hook and chorus are better. "Because Of You" starts slowly with a really nice melody. It's a mid-tempo track with some ups and downs in its rhythm. One of my personal favourite tracks from this EP.
"How Many Times" and "Game Over" are both heavier tracks. Both are good but nothin' really breathtakin'. The EP close with the amazing ballad "Because Of You (reprise)".  Yes it's the same tune as the third track of this EP but this time it's unplugged! A wonderful tune!

All in all, this is an overall good work from this Spanish band. This EP has some really good moments, but, also, some average ones! My congratulations goes to Toni Sanchez-Gil for his very good guitar work.

HeavyParadise's Rating :7/10

TRACK LIST : 1.MASK, 2. TIME FLIES, 3. BECAUSE OF YOU, 4. HOW MANY TIMES, 5. GAME OVER, 6. BECAUSE OF YOU(REPRISE)

http://www.myspace.com/offtopicspain