REVIEW : Santa Ana Winds, Final Rendezvous (AOR Blvd Records, Release date: July 5, 2024)

The Santa Ana Winds, also sometimes called the devil winds, are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They are originated from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin. 

The Santa Ana Winds are also called a very talented AOR band that with its brand new opus "Final Rendezvous" deliver a fine slice of pure AOR/Melodic Rock album. The list of guests here is pretty impressive; Steve Newman, Steve Overland, Bryan Dallas, Peter Sundell and Ben Green to name a few!  

The excellent cover "E.S.P." (Bee Gees) is the first highlight here while with "The Thunder" we have yet another killer track. A more straight-forward rocker with some edgier guitars and more attitude. "Tonight Is The Night" and "Let Me Change Your Mind Tonight" (Ben Green on vocals) are both melodic rock heaven! Both includ some excellent melodic lines, harmonies to die for and strong arrangements. Other highlights here are the beautiful "What Do I Do To My Life", the key-driven and more west-coast "When I Look In Your Eyes" and "What About Love?". 

All in all, this is an extremely interesting album that includes some very nice, well-performed and very melodic songs 'packed' with a strong production and solid arrangements that will please the fans of the soft melodic rock sound. Check it out! 

RATING : 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (7 / 10 )