OK, so I am having a few issues getting my head around this album, and I will explain why. Back in 1980 I attended my first ever metal gig, Saxon supported by Tygers of Pan Tang. When the boys burst onto the stage with “Motorcycle Man” I knew my life would never be quite the same again, which has been true. Over the years there have been a few changes in line-up, but Biff Byford is still at the front and there have been other long-term members, and the current line-up includes others who have been around for a long time, drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Nibbs Carter and guitarist Doug Scarratt. Scarratt has been there for nearly 30 years, so when I realised he is the guitarist on this middle of the road rock pop release I was somewhat stunned! Given this is the man who has been blasting eardrums all over the world for decades, it was not what I expected. Then I looked further down the list and realised the bassist was none other than Don Schiff! The man is rightly a legend, known as the foremost exponent of the NS/Stick, and for me will always be associated with Rocket Scientists. The keyboard player is Andy Kinch of Kracked Earth fame, and of course both Doug and Don have been involved with that project, while the drummer is Doug’s son Jamie-Ray. The man out front is Anthony Duke, and I think he is the only person I have not previously come across which is something of a surprise as he has the vocals of someone who has been doing this for a large number of years and knows exactly what is needed.

This is album out of time, as there is no way this is being released in 2024, as this sounds as if it solidly belongs in the late Seventies and early Eighties and takes its influences from The Eagles in particular, along with the mainstream soft melodic rock acts of the day. Everything is geared towards the vocals, with the arrangement designed to always keep that front and centre. This works for the most part, but I do have some issues with the production in that it is a little too cloying and I wish there was more space within the music, and here and there I also feel I can hear some autotune. Even if it isn’t, if a production is giving that impression to my ears, then I immediately have an issue. There is far too little space within the music, which means that although I am aware that at times Don is providing some luscious fretless bass it is not nearly high enough in the mix and feels like it is pushing against the curtains attempting to get through.

I find this all somewhat frustrating as when it comes to the performances and the songs themselves there is a great deal here to enjoy. I can imagine there will be a large number of people who will be incredibly excited over this, and rightly so, but for me the music has been somewhat subdued and even Doug’s guitar solos do not provide the dynamic cut through I was hoping for.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550498038420
https://peacocksunriserecords.com/