The band was founded a decade ago under the name "Alex Mari & The Lovers", with the aim of writing original material. After few line-up changes, the band was finalized with three members: Alex Mari (Michele Luppi Band, Barock Project, Ophiura, plus guest appearances as studio backing vocalist with Rhapsody of Fire) on vocals, Gianluca Pisana on drums and backing vocals, and Sebastiano Barbirato on guitar and backing vocals. For their debut album, they established their new identity with the name, Night Pleasure Hotel.
The album features contributions from talented special guest stars – Michele Luppi (Whitesnake), Luca Zabbini (Barock Project, PFM), Paolo Caridi (Ellefson-Soto, Reb Beach, Geoff Tate, Krell), Gianluca Tagliavini (PFM), Roberto Galli (Michele Luppi's Heaven, Danger Zone, Wheels Of Fire) and Iarin Munari (Red Canzian, Roberto Vecchioni, Paolo Vallesi).
"Niko" kicks-off this debut in a very AOR-ish traditional way and brings back memories from bands such as SURVIVOR and FOREIGNER!! An excellent track and for sure a great apettizer of what's to follow next!
The edgier "Just This Once" is once again an amazing and heavier AOR hymn while with in "Walking Through The Horizon" we are dealing with a moodier tune that includes a huge melody, some excellent performances and a killer guitar solo! Probably one of the best moments here!
"You And I" is movin' to some more commercial paths, the west-coast "Sweet Melodies Of Rain" is solid and in "Julia" the highlights continue! A more TOTO like tune with a fantastic harmonic line and killer performances enough to make you want MORE and MORE!!! I loved the more pop-rock tune of "For You" with some strong QUEEN pinches here and there!
For sure, one of the most interesting releases that I had the privilige to listen to this year so far! A great mix of the classic Rock, AOR, Melodic Rock scene of the 80's palyed with passion and love and the result is simply breathtaking!! A big BRAVO!
RATING : 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (9 / 10 )
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