There is nothing new on this
album. I doubt that they will get a
lot of new fans. But it is a mix of
enjoybale radio-friendly rockers and
ballads. This is what you expect
from a band like Talisman.
I saw them in 2003 at the Sweden
Rock Festival. That was one of my
favourite shows. Soto was brilliant.
As a reslut of that I bought all
their cds and DVDs. problem was that
I never enjoyed any of them. I found
it boring. So I was not very keen on
listening to the new album. But what
a surprise. Pure joy from beginning
to end. Soto has more confidence
than ever (is it possible?),
Frederik does what you expect from
an AOR guitarist, and Marcel exceeds
himself on bass and Jamie does a
great job on the skins. It sounds as
if the guys had a great time doing
this album. This is rock. Four guys
coming into a studio and record an
album full of nice tunes almost
live.
Well this is defnitely my surprise
of the year sofar.
(8/10)
Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals
Marcel Jacob - Bass, Guitars,
Keyboards
Fredrik Akesson - Lead Guitar
Jamie Borger - Drums
Song by
song review:
1.
Falling - This is a feel good song.
Sound like the guys are enjoying
themself. The tempo has the same
feel as the tempo on the Foo
Fighters songs. Pure old rock 'n
roll. (9/10)
2. Nowhere fast - I love the
funk-rock feel on this song.
Frederik is really enjoying himself
here. Soto is also more at ease here
than on the Soul Sirkus album. At
this stage it looks as if the
chorusses will become a bit
predicatable (8/10)
3. Rhyme or Reason - Very modern
beginning. Goes over in a Toto-esque
AOR song with more modern sound.
(8/10)
4. End of the Line - Speaking of
Toto. No comparisons here though.
Hard and fast rocking song. Drums
are excellent. (7.5/10)
5. the 1 Im living 4 - I love the
instruments on this song. The
bassline are thumping and modern,
drums right there and guitars in a
good supporting role. Soto sings as
if he means every word - with
passion as just he can. The
background vocals are very
effective. Nothing new, but a
perfect example of how a good AOR
lovesong should sound like. (9/10)
6. On my Way - Another good rocker -
good riff - good vocals - good solo.
Not surprising a lot of influence
from Journey here. (8/10)
7. Forevermore - Well this is the
ballad - what can I say apart from
they have to be there - complete
with piano entry and sing along
chorus and short guitarsolo. Too
much like "She's gone from
Stealheart" though. (6.5/10)
8. Succumb to my Desire - This is a
funk at a 100 miles per hour. I love
it. I dont know if the typical
Talisman fan will love it though.
The best track on the album. This
track is on par with the best of Red
Hot Chili Peppers and Living Color.
(9.5/10)
9. Shed a tear goodbye - Friendly
radio song. Starts with vocals with
a drumloop and go over in a very
laidback friendly riff. A very nice
driving song. This is AOR in
overdrive.(7.5/10)
10. Troubled water - Start off with
a great funk bassline. Rest of the
song is very mediocre. (6
