ROUND-UP: MELODIC ROCK
Nevena Nevena FRONTIERS
The busiest man in AOR, Palace mastermind Michael Palace somehow found the time to produce and mostly write this exuberant – but frustratingly short – debut album from singer Nevena Dordevic, who found fame in a TV talent contest in Serbia.
Inevitably, given that he played almost every instrument, the fingerprints of Palace, the prolific Swede who this month also releases his own EP of covers (Mr Mister, Night Ranger and more) are daubed all over Nevena’s 11 tracks.
Although she seems a little too clean and prim to sing: ‘Alright, it’s a Friday night, I’m ready to go/Gonna hit the town and see a rock‘n’roll show ’, Nevena’s crystalline vocal delivery is absolutely perfect for the tidal wave of joie de vivre that cascades from the speakers. Educated at Boston’s Berklee College Of Music, and known in Serbia for working in musical theatre, jazz and pop, Neveva, who plays the album’s piano parts, is no mere puppet.
Whether or not it turns out to be a one-off, Nevena is a mighty fine place to spend 38 minutes. ■■■■■■■■■■
The Petal Falls Everything About You PETALFALLS.COM
Kent band Petal Falls (what a glorious name for a melodic hard rock act) have an on-off history that dates back to the mid-90s. This, their third album in as many years, is a highly accomplished record that side-steps easy categorisation but grows with each listen. Is it just my obsession, or is there something mildly UFO-esque about them? ■■■■■■■■■■
Tarmat Out Of The Blue FRONTIERS
Brazilian four-piece Tarmat cite Simply Red and Christopher Cross among a list of influences that also includes Journey, Boston, Toto and Queen. They’re certainly a little less playby-numbers than most of their rivals, but the vocals of Alexandre Daumerie are likely to divide opinion. And while ultimate rewarding, the braver-thanaverage songs require patience. ■■■■■■■■■■
Mitchell’s Kiss Of The Gypsy Unfinished Business MR
He sat out the recent reunion of UK hard rockers Kiss Of The Gypsy, but the band’s former singer Tony Mitchell now pays his own tribute to their solitary, self-titled album. Given that it was released 30 years ago, he’s done a sterling job of replanting himself back in that same time-frame with new belters like Eye Of The Hurricane and Runaways. ■■■■■■■■■■
Rob Moratti Epical FRONTIERS
Epical is the fifth solo album from Moratti, the Canadian singer who spent three years fronting Saga and was also a member of Final Frontier.
Made with a cast that includes guitarist Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake and Night Ranger fame, and bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), its technical excellence complements Moratti’s highpitched yet hummable contribution. ■■■■■■■■■■