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Tracks: Still In Love With You, Jawhook, My Flesh, When You Are Here, The Dream, I Believe In Miracles, Running Out Of time, For All Days, When The Father Tells The Son, Home At Last
More Info: www.steelwind.net
Verdict (& Rating): 80's AOR done well (80%)
Steelwind are a Texas, USA outfit that consits of Kevin Humphey (vocals, guitar), Billy Oliver (keyboards), Artie Jones (drums) and Michael Clary (rhythm guitar). In fact, Kevin is the main focus of the band as songwriter and producer. This is their follow up to 2000's debut "Heaven's Calling".
Steelwind conjure up memories of 80's AOR bands like latter day Boston, Journey, REO Speedwagon and Styx and slightly rockier bands such as Night Ranger. "Progressive" is another term that has been used to describe the band, but it has to be coupled with AOR to give "Progressive AOR", so that you could throw Kansas and Saga into the ring when describing their style.
Whilst many bands opt for a 'hit em hard' approach to their opening track, Steelwind glide in on a big REO style power ballad. This is followed by the epic title track that with fluid guitar work and sweeping synths echos the work of bands like Saga/ACT. "My Flesh" ups the tempo with some bouncy 80's AOR/melodic rock. "When You Are Here" is a 'filler' ballad that stays in the same decade. More impressive is the 80's bouncy AOR of "The Dream" which this time takes on few Asia/Pomp tendancies.
The band continue the good work on the REO style "I Believe In Miracles" and "Running Out Of Time", even if the vocals take a little too much helium on board for my tastes on the latter Steelwind do their own take on Boston's "Foreplay" at the start of the rambling power ballad "For All Day" which develops into one of the album's standout tracks.That same influence continues on the rockin' "When The Father Tells The Sons" that features some tasty guitar work and vocal harmonies. "Home At Last" is the predictable ballad to close the album.
I guess at some point I should say that the band are Christians and that this is reflected in their lyrics. I personally find this inspiring and welcome their choice of lyrical content. I don't ever feel that I'm being 'preached at'.
I always think that if a band's tastes leads them to play retro sounding music, they set themselves an additional challenge.They have to compete with what everyone remembers and that is generally the best of the era. One this album Steelwind show how to succeed in that challenge.
