AFTER HOURS / AGAINST THE GRAIN (2011)

This is a very interesting release! For those who didn't know who After Hours are I have to tell you that their roots are back in 1987! The first line-up of the band consisted of  John Francis (vocals), Tim Payne (lead guitar), Martin Walls (bass guitar), Mark Addison (drums) and Rick Young (keyboards).  The band's debut album was titled "Take Off" . Soon, the band got a record deal with BMG Ariola and they started to promote the new album which was be released in 1988.
They toured in to many countries and they started writing the follow-up album.  "After Hours" was the name of their follow-up album that was released in 1992. So, after the release of their second album the band split up and we find them nowadays releasing their brand new effort called "Afainst The Grain" .

My first impressions about "Against The Grain" are that is about a well-crafted melodic rock album with plenty of melodies, memorable chorus lines and solid guitar work. The album starts of with such a great way with the catchy tune of "Stand Up". "Turn On Your Radio", continues to the same level as the opener and that means up-tempo rhythm and again a chorus line that sticks in your mind. One of my favourite tracks from this release. "Eleventh Hour" is a brilliant mid-tempo/acoustic track. The guitar work by Tim Payne is simply stunning!! "Against The Grain" is an ok song while "Angel" is more AOR-ish in the vain of Journey or even FM style. "I Want Yesterday" is another highlight here. It has a nice vibe in it and a great solo! "I Need Your Love" is a very beautiful ballad!

All in all, this is a very good album. Maybe the only bad thing here is probably the production which is a bit flat! Otherwise, it has some excellent tracks here, great performances and some inspired guitar work.

HeavyParadise's Rating: 7,5/10

TRACK LIST:01 - Stand Up, 02 - Turn On Your Radio, 03 - Eleventh Hour, 04 - Against The Grain, 05 - Angel, 06 - When You're Around, 07 - Hold On, 08 - Let It Go, 09 - I Want Yesterday, 10 - I Need Your Love, 11 - Eleventh Hour(acoustic)