| Shadowman Land Of The Living | Escape Music ESM - 098 |
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FM vocalist Steve Overland has never been far from the news, keeping busy with a range of guest appearances and lead vocal spots on a whole host of tribute records and other projects. But he hasn't, until now, fronted an all new studio album for some time. This collaboration with Heartland writer/guitarist Steve Morris is therefore very welcomed. Shadowman features the talents of Overland and Morris with Chris Childs (Thunder) – Bass; Harry James (Thunder) – Drums. Departure's Mike Walsh also guests. There probably won't be a finer example of moody atmospheric AOR this year, with each track featuring a strong chorus and the performances of all involved particularly good. It's normal to put one of the best tracks up front, but in the case of Shadowman, the very best track of the album kicks things off. However, there isn't anything that quite matches the excellence of the uptempo AOR anthem Those Days Are Gone. It really is a first rate AOR track with lots to like and an expected strong lead vocal and some great soloing from Morris on guitar. There are still plenty of tracks to enjoy on Shadowman and lots to like from the performance of Overland. For example, the guitar driven mood rocker Medicine To Me is a highlight, as is the ultra smooth ballad Touched By An Angel, which features another great lead vocal performance. Gypsy Heart and Land Of The Living both feature memorable choruses and some of the smoothest melodies this side of an Asia album. But it's not until track 9 that another truly uptempo number comes along. The album overall is a little too laid back and in need of a couple of tempo changes to break the continues mid-tempo flow.
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19/01/06: daz - dazp777@hotmail.co.uk
03/11/04: Chris Ryan - imabassgod@hotmail.com
05/10/04: Idan - idan@progil.com
29/07/04: Ian - Watsoni10@aol.com
07/04/04: Mark - mark@wyse583.freeserve.co.uk
03/03/04: Mats - matsb@bolina.hsb.se
26/02/04: freddy de keyzer - freddydekeyzer@hotmail.com
15/02/04: Dave Mayer - djmayerfzr@hotmail.com
Rating: 90
great cd i love it cant wait to hear the follow up cd different angles in march check it out !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 90
Overland is one of the great "Unknown" vocalists of our time. (Along with Thunders Danny Bowes and Skins Nev MacDonald) it's a crime that Cds like this receive NO airplay what so ever in the States. All in all like all the reviewers here, it's a fabulous CD with all the aspects of CLASS AOR we all know and love. Nuff said.
Rating: 100
wow, just wow, is there any other word to describe?
Rating: 90
Great guitar,great rhythm but Overlands vocals are simply outstanding.The album needs a few listens to take in how good it really is.Classy,soulful AOR.Recommended
Rating: 95
An absolutely superb "classic" AOR record. Steve Overland is a fantastic singer with great range and first-rate delivery - he really is the real deal and I wish that the guy would get some credit. This album is a must-buy for anyone who likes brilliant, well performed, superbly written and soulful AOR. Thanks to Steve and the guys for keeping the flame burning.
Rating: 100
One word , EXCELLENT !
Great Cd with not one dull track and a great production and mix. Best so far this year if there ever was a classic record with´´in the genre this must be one. BUY !!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 87
Very nice AOR record, not straight ahead, but nicely constructed. It's not of the same high level as say Pride Of Lions or Mecca, but it is good at its own merits. The musianship is of a high standard and the voice of Steve is of course great. Go for it, but I hope to see the best release of 2004 so far here soon : the new, fantastic Dakota record : Deep 6 !!!!!
Rating: 92
Again as with the Pride Of Lions CD this was purchased on the basis of advice given by Loud One mail order (thanks Gez!!!) and doesn't disappoint, I don't think it's as immediate as the Pride Of Lions disc but give it time and it really gets under your skin and sometimes these type of CD end up being more satisfying over the long term. On the first couple of spins only 3 or 4 tracks did it for me but having had it in the car for a week now (at pretty high volume!) there doesn't seem to be a duff track on there and the more I play it the more I hear more layers of melody and subtleties within the tracks.This really is a classy and polished set of tunes...my advice..BUY!!!
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