This is the third release from the Swedish Melodic Rock band Street Talk. I haven't heard their first two releases, but this one, along with the
"Thine - In therapy" release has been another nice surprise discovery this month.
This is true Melodic Rock with a big M. Restoration has some quite fantastic melodies and countless vocal harmonies. The album is fronted by two excellent singers. I already knew Hugo from his solo releases and love his voice. Most people will know Goran Edman from his time with Yngwie Malmsteen. So, two consistent singers. Hugo is the lead singer on only two songs and even though Edman voice fits the music great, it would have been nice to hear Hugo on some of the faster tracks.
Hare and hounds is an excellent song where the chorus sticks in your head and the solo at the end finish things off nicely.
Language of love is even better. The drive of this song is so good. Goran Edman's singing lifts the song even further. This is as close as you get to a perfect melodic rock song.
The feel of
Tables turning really reminds me of another
AOR band called Dakota and their brilliant release "The last standing man". It must be the voice of Goran Edman that does it.
A place in the sun,
Dancer in the rain and
Why is my heart feeling lonely tonight are other standouts.
One good song follows the next and always the melodic touch is there. No bad songs and no fillers, only catchy melodic rock, which puts you in a good mood. But somewhere along the way I couldn't help thinking that everything was just too nice and polished and something might be missing.
The only thing I can think of that would make this record even better would be the inclusion of a crazier guitarist. It feels as if the guitar playing on the album is a little held back. There are many solos, all nice and melodic, but none of them go really wild. Probably because that's not what the band was going for, but still I miss some heavier guitars at times and some experimentation or variation in the guitar sound.
All fans of
AOR and Melodic Rock can get this release without hesitation. The album only contains 41 minutes of music, but every song is high class and that is the way it should be.
Written by
Steen Friday, September 27, 2002
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