Shelter

Debut CD release for cult AOR.

Not the 90s hardcore Krishna crew, these native New Yorkers formed in 1981, specialising in accomplished AOR. Shelter burned briefly but brightly on First Stop (1983) its radiofriendly potential stymied by label apathy, the demoralised band splitting soon after its release. Guitarist Russ De Salvo opines in the liner notes that they were “…perhaps a little over-influenced by what was going on musically at the time,” and whilst he has a point where the Survivor-patented pulsing bassline of On The Line and Styx feel of the infectious Underneath Your Make-Up are concerned, Shelter’s own distinct identity shines in imaginative arrangements (So Glad I Found You), atypical chord patterns (Who Do You Love’s standout chorus) and in rhythmic flourishes which inject subtle hints of funk (Because Of Love) and reggae (Foolish Lovers).

Joe Lamente’s dynamic, highrange lead vocals are frequently paired with intermittent singlevoice harmonies and organic layered chorus back-ups, a refreshing departure from the genre’s heavily processed norm, and appropriate to the smouldering, moody vibe of much of the material. Rounded out by the harder rock of Tricks and Shelter, First Stop should prove an engaging listen for fans of Toto and Foreigner.