REVIEW : JOE MATERA -- Heart Of Stone (2017)

Australian melodic rocker Joe Matera strikes back with his brand new cd "Heart Of Stone". To be more specific here, "Heart Of Stone" is a mini album that features the brand new single "Heart Of Stone" plus three acoustic live tracks recorded in London during Matera’s earlier European tours and a brand new instrumental track, ‘Live To Rock’ where Matera is accompanied by Australian guitar icon Rick Brewster (The Angels).

As a bonus, there are two previously released singles included to round out the EP. Joe Matera wrote his single together with Swedish bass player Peter Ljungberg while Tomas Skogsberg (Backyard Babies, Entombed, The Hellacopters) produced the track together with Matera.

The new single "Heart Of Stone" is a fine rocker that features a memorable chorus line, solid arrangements and a nice rhythm. The acoustic version is cool too. The new instrumental tune, "Live To Rock" is one of this album's highlights. Very 80's with some very good guitar riffs an solos brings back the sound of the late 80's!! Love it! All the three acoustic live tracks are very good and, if you are a fan of the acoustic rock sound, then you'll probably love them. Both of the bonus songs, 'Fallen Angel" and 'Feel Your Love', are edgier and show the abilities of Matera to write good and catchy rock songs.

All in all, this is a solid mini album that for the fans of Matera is a big must have. For those who aren't familiar with Matera's sound, it's a nice opportunity to discover a very good artist.

Rating : 7,5/10