Atlantic - Another World
(Escape Music - 2024)
(Style: Andrex Rock / Very Soft!)
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the debut: you could even say they are oceans apart to be more pacific. (did you see what I did there?) Ok ‘Atlantic’ debut was 30 years ago and I know nothing about it.
The sleeve and logo design brings those monsters of metal Asia to mind. Monsters of metal you cry, well Asia are monster compared to what is on offer here, especially lyrically. So, when it came to reviewing this record did, I have a tidal wave of expectations, well yes, I did actually, the album cover caught my imagination and I had heard great things. So, with my appetite well and truly wetted I gave it a listen.
Here we go ‘Ready Or Not’! A swathe of keyboards introduces this before guitars take over, throw in some drums and bass, topped with crystal clear vocals and you have the opener, which is a neat melodic rock track. However, this man is on a mission that might not be reciprocated by the recipient, he makes the point that; “hold on ready or not – I’m gonna take your love right to the top- I’ve got my sight aimed on you – gonna take your love – ready or not”.
Now similar lyrics have been written by the likes of Mr Coverdale, and a million others, when they sing a line like that it is tongue in cheek, with a bit of lads’ humour. ‘Atlantic’ sing it with deep sincerity, without the slightest doubt she’s going to get it.
Apart from the questionable chorus it is a good up – tempo song. It is the most upbeat song on the record which to me is (Adelle) Rock. Let’s take a look at the song titles; ‘Without Love’ ‘Hold On’ I’ll Be Waiting’ ‘If This Is Goodbye’ ‘Whole Lot of Love’ ‘Loving Arms’ ‘Nothing More’ ‘Missing You’ ‘Dream About You’ as the album progresses it all becomes a bit syrupy and cliched.
Before you go crazy let me explain, I love a heart wrenching ballad that has meaning and poignancy, but nothing here has that. Each song is played excellently, the vocals are first class, the production is spot on, but it’s to clinical to formulated. I don’t want an album of Adelle’s broken-hearted ballads set to a back drop of guitars and drums, it is too much, I want to rock like a hurricane, well maybe once.
Now it’s time for Foreigner’s ‘Waiting For A Girl Like You’ or a bit of Styx’s ‘Babe’ or how about the wonderful Steve Overland singing ‘Story Of My Life’, gets me every time.
By Paul Mace