Atello - The Big Payoff | ||
Tracks:
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Album Cover: ![[Image]](../../Images/AtelloCDcover.jpg) |
Label: Atello Producer: Jim Barg Year: 1999 Total Playing Time: 39:40 m:s Review date: 26 October 1999 |
| Web site: www.atello.com
Email: | ||
| Rating: 7.5 | ||
| Verdict: Comes close to recapturing the 80s glory days for melodic hard rock | ||
| Atello were formed out of the ashes of a New York band called Persia by lead singer Larry Atello and bassist Ralph Heiss. Rick Giarmo on lead guitar and T. Motts on drums complete the combo. The band unashamedly quote 80s metal acts such as Kiss, Firehouse, Bon Jovi and Van Halen as amongst their influences.
Any band that so openly admits such influences are painting a huge target on their backs in today's harsh environment for that style of music. The group certainly can't be accused as going for the "big payoff" market at the moment. "Let Me Down" was a pleasant surprise the first time I listened to the album. I was expecting something altogether more metallic sounding. Instead, there is a Firehouse vibe going on here. This theme is continued throughout the album, but is most noticeable on songs such as "Emotional Blackmail" & "The Big Payoff". The title track features a crunchy Firehouse style, creating one of the best tunes on the album which is helped out by some good guitar work. On "Your Love" Van Halen get added to the formula producing a 80's style metal tune with a commercial edge. I get the feeling that Ozzy was the inspiration behind the metallic "Full Moon Fever", at least on the opening few bars. Blind Justice also rocks out with a NWOBHM feel. "Hold On" starts off quietly before moving up a gear and features a few volume & tempo changes. In the ballad department, "You've Got A Grip On My Heart", fares well, despite being a bit jaded on the lyrics & style front. Harking back to the glory days of melodic hard rock, Atello's gamble of sounding distinctly retro pays off. They might not be able to retire on the proceeds from this pay off, but there should be enough to get them back in the studio to build upon the solid base they've built here. | ||
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