Overland - Epic (2014) [Gorgatz]

Overland - Epic (2014) [Gorgatz]



- I N F O -

After the amazing related releases by FM and SEVENTH KEY in 2013, I was in a high expectations state when I listened this “Epic” for the first prime time, so maybe it explains why I felt a slight disappointment, well in fact, I am still disappointed and not really fully convinced by that album that I awaited as an early 2014 jewel. To clarify my position, some elements are quite satisfying such as the lead vocals by Legendary Steve Overland (his sensibility and his unbeatable pristine feeling is an undeniable asset for any project), the big juicy guitars (“Wild” and the delicate Prog ambience of “End of the Road”) and the overall sound mix provided by the Wizard of AOR: Mr. Mike Slamer himself are in the absolute perfection.

On the other side, the style displayed is very safe and way too much predictable, expertly crafted but already heard a 1000 times ("Down comes the night" / "If Looks Could Kill"), the AOR genre is dying from being locked in this formula, while in the worst case, tracks such as the opening “Radio Radio” or “Liberate My Heart” sounds like a third rate attempt to reach the Eurovision contest… Maybe the bad running sequence is guilty, or it wasn’t made for guys like me because I know that Khalil Turk and his Escape Music crew are clever and they know what they do business-wise. “If Your Heart's Not In It“ where the players are once again top notch (the rhythmic section is borrowed from UNRULY CHILD) ,reveals some TOTO obvious similarities and “Rock Me” find another way to enhance the focus on the vocal talent of Steve Overland.

I was and still I’m a big fan of the two early albums by OVERLAND, mostly 2008’s "Break Away" and also "Diamond Dealer” (2009) because of their modernity mixed with the precepts of 80’s Melodic Rock, enhancing superb soulful Harmonies with Scandinavian AOR in an heavenly package.

“Radio, Radio … Play that song … Take me back to when I was young” appears in the first track of Overland’s new release, Epic – and it captures the spirit of the album perfectly. Considering the musical longevity of Steve Overland, that is a HUGE look backwards.

Steve Overland’s musical roots spread all the way back to the late 1970s. He was the voice of Wildfire, FM, The Ladder, Shadowman, as well as the eponymous Overland. Epic is Steve’s third solo effort, following in the footsteps of Break Away (2008) and Diamond Dealer (2009). Overland brings some well-respected talent from the AOR-commercial rock world to Epic – Christian Wolff (Rob Moratti) on guitars and keys, Larry Antonino on bass, and Jay Schellen on drums. Epic boasts a strong supporting cast as well with Mike Slamer (Streets, Seventh Key) handling additional guitars, bass, keyboards, production and arrangement, Billy Greer (Kansas, Seventh Key) and Billy Trudel (The City, Dirty White Boy) singing backup, and Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk, Bloodbound) lending additional keys on two tracks.

Overland’s voice is as strong as every, and his innate sense of melody is apparent. Steve does an excellent job with his harmonies, and he tailors his delivery to the tone of the song. His crystal clear delivery is only enhanced by the superb work of Christian Wolff, who allows his guitars and keys to carry the tunes without dominating the rest of the band. Larry Antonino and Jay Schellen are a great bass and drum team – each stepping up when needed, and keeping clockwork time.

“If Looks Could Kill” and “Down Comes The Night” are arguably the strongest tracks on the release, filled with all the goodies that make a song truly radio friendly. Steve’s vocals are spot on, and the rest of the band seems enthusiastic and energetic – Christian Wolff in particular. Almost all of the tracks are potential big arena rockers – “Radio, Radio” and “Stranded” are prime examples, and will carry most listeners into toe-tapping bliss. “Rags To Riches” is a little grittier, bringing a hint of blues rock (and a really great guitar solo) to the sound, but “Liberate My Heart” and “If Your Heart’s Not In It” are little on the cheesy side lyrically. “Rock Me” brings heavy keys and powerful bass to the forefront, and “Wild” is a shiny and bright vocal masterpiece.

Overland’s Epic is a very competent AOR-commercial rock album. Well written tracks and flawless delivery make it easy on the ears, and Steve Overland proves himself to still be at the top of his melodic rock game. The band is in top form as well, dishing out big guitar hooks, epic keys and driving bass & drum lines. Slamer’s production work suits the music perfectly and brings out all the strengths of the band. If there is one flaw it is the fact that the music, although brilliantly executed, is a bit on the formulaic side (as commercial rock sometimes tends to be). Rather than pushing the boundaries of the genre, Overland settles comfortably in known territory – with the end result being an occasional predictability.

- T R A C K L I S T -

01. Radio Radio
02. If Looks Could Kill
03. Stranded
04. Rags To Riches
05. Liberate My Heart
06. Down Comes The Night
07. If Your Heart’s Not In It
08. Rock Me
09. So This Is Love
10. Will
11. The End Of The Road
12. Time For Letting Go

Format: 320 mp3
Genre: Hard Rock
Size: 124.50 MB