Saturday, May 4, 2013

FAIR WARNING / SUNDANCER (2013)

Since their self-titled debut album, Fair Warning was always a band that delivered high quality melodic hard rock stuff. These Germans combine perfectly the melodies, the powerful performances, the tight songwriting along with some excellent and inspired guitar work. Albums like their debut, "Go!" and "Rainmaker" are classics in my book.

After six years of silence, the band came back with the heavier and overall solid release of "Brother's Keeper" and continued with the softer "Aura" in 2009. So, the anticipated is over and Fair Warning is back again with their brand new opus which is titled "Sundancer". From the front cover but, also, from the title of the album you will realize that this one is a deliberate nod to "Rainmaker", the successful album of 1995 that gave to Fair Warning their international breakthrough. The band consists of Tommy Heart on lead vocals, Helge Engelke on guitars, Ule Ritgen on bass and CC Behrens on drums.

From the first spin of Sundancer, I was blown away by these Germans; all the things that I love from Fair Warning are here stronger than ever!! I would described it as the perfect mix between "Rainmaker", "Go!" and "Brother's Keeper"!! There are some excellent up-tempo rockers such as the fantastic opener "Troubled Love", "Keep It In The Dark", "Pride" and "Get Real" that are all great rockers with catchy choruses, hooks and powerful performances. "Hit And Run" is an 80's hard rock gem while "Send Me A Dream" features a bluesier side of the band with an awesome guitar work. "Real Love" is one of these kinda of tracks that you expect from these guys; it's a huge mid-tempo with a 'moodier' vibe in it (sound like a leftover from Go! album) and a breathtaking melody! Brilliant stuff!

Overall, this is a great album! One of my all time favorite band is back with a killer release full of amazing melodies, catchy songs to sing-a-long for days, huge guitar work, a tight musicianship and stunning performances! One of this year's highlights!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 10/10

Track List :
1. TROUBLED LOVE
2. KEEP IT IN THE DARK
3. REAL LOVE
4. HIT AND RUN
5. MAN IN THE MIRROR
6. NATURAL HIGH
7. JEALOUS HEART
8. TOUCH MY SOUL
9. SEND ME A DREAM
10. PRIDE
11. GET REAL
12. HOW DOES IT FEEL
13. LIVING ON THE STREETS
14. COOL



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