Steve Overland has been at the forefront of British melodic rock for many years, both with the band bearing his own name and the classic FM, as well as plenty of other appearances, and here he is back with his latest release. I love his voice, which just seems to be getting stronger, and yet again on this album he has been joined by Tommy Denander (guitars, keyboards (Alice Cooper / Robert Hart), Brian Tichy (drums, (Billy Idol / Foreigner / Ozzy Osborne / Dead Daisies / Whitesnake) and bassist Brian Anthony (Steve Walsh). In many ways this album is reminiscent of some work by Glenn Hughes, as it has that soulful element coming through each and every song. Sometimes it is hard rock, and at others it far more in the soul/pop rock style, and opener “Don’t Give Up” would not have sounded out of place on a Prince record. That one had me quite worried as it is so far removed from what I personally enjoy listening to, that I worried that Steve had decided to take his muse in a different direction. However, next up is “Never Say Die” which is a live anthem in the making with a solid bass and drums underpinning the riff and harmony vocals. It really allows Steve to strut his stuff yet has smooth sections as well as the harder material.
It is hard to realise that he has now been working for 40 years in the business, having released his debut album with Wildfire as long ago as 1980, yet he is still as sharp as ever and his vocals keep getting better with a bluesy edge and feel. Denander has long been one of my favourite guitarists, who has a keen ear as to exactly what to do to lift a song to another level, and here he demonstrates so many different style and structures which show why he is so in-demand as a session musician. He lays it down, allows Steve to come in over the top, keeping it solid and supportive right up until it is time for him to break free and create the perfect solo. With both this and the latest FM album, ‘Synchronized’, coming out in 2020 Overland the man is incredibly busy, and Overland the band is on fire.
Rating: 8/10
