Originally formed in the late '80s by brothers Dann and David Huff, together with the experienced jazz and rock keyboardist Alan Pasqua and Nashville session bass player Mike Brignardello, Giant would soon become one of the most respected bands of the AOR/ melodic hard rock scene, with the release of their debut album “Last Of The Runaways” (A&M Records, 1989).
Back in 2022 David Huff and Brignardello were keen on the idea of a new GIANT record. The 'new' voice of the band was the amazing Kent Hilli (Perfect Plan) and so the band released the solid "Shifting Time" effort which gained a very positive feedback from both old fans and music press.
So, "Stand And Deliver" shows once again the talents of David Huff on drums, Mike Brignardello on bass, Kent Hilli (of Perfect Plan) as the commanding lead vocalist, with the addition of Jimmy Westerlund (One Desire) on guitars. Westerlund also takes on mixing duties alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, who adds his touch on keyboards as a featured guest.
The first couple of songs, "It's Not Right" & "A Night To Remember", are pure class; melodic and with some excellent harmonic lines to 'haunt' you these first samples showing some quality and of course it's the apettizer of what's to follow next. "Hold The Night" is a clear winner here! Melodic and up-beat with a monstrous chorus line in it this song sounds like it jumped out from the band's earlier works. Kent Hilli with his smooth and powerful voice gives the 'extra' push and Weserlund is delivering some tasteful guitar licks.
The groovier and edgier "Beggars Can't Be Choosers" is a nice tune while in "It Ain't Over Till It's Over" we have a superb and epic power ballad in a very late 80's traditional way! The fantastic AOR gem of "Time To Call It Love", the beautiful mid-tempo "Paradise Found" and the 'punchier' "Pleasure Dome" are all three top notch stuff!
"Stand And Deliver" feels and sounds like the logical successor of "Shifting Time". It's a solid melodic hard rock album with a strong early GIANT vibe in it and icludes great songs, a tight musicianship and excellent vocals from the 'mighty' Kent Hilli in it! I think that with the addition of Westerlund as the band's guitarist GIANT found the missing piece to become once again GIANTS!!
RATING : 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 ( 9 / 10 )
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