I'm not sure how I managed to miss these guys first time around with their debut self-titled album back in 2005, but this album, their second, is my introduction to the band. The band consists of brothers Robbie and Brian La Blanc (lead vocal/rhythm guitars and bass respectively), plus Kyle Woodring on drums, Jeff Batter on keyboards and Butch Taylor & Michael Patzig on lead guitars, which is the same as the debut. Sadly Kyle Woodring (Denis De Young/Styx, Survivor & John Mellencamp) passed away soon after the recording was completed and the entire album is dedicated to his memory.
Immediately upon hearing the opening bars of first track, 'I Come Alive', I am transported back to the 80s and even early 90s when AOR and Melodic Rock were in their heyday. The second and title track has almost a Westcoast feel - Richard Marx meets 101 South. 'I Swear to You' highlights that this band are all about catchy AOR style melodic rock. 'Everything' is an excellent big ballad. Survivor/Pride Of Lions are an influence that crops up in a few tracks such as 'It's All About The Love' and closer 'Fly', teamed with Foreigner in the first of these tracks and "The Storm" in the other. The next couple of tracks, 'Goodbye Summer' & 'Deep In The Heart', are mid-tempo tracks that keep album ticking along nicely. There is attitude on display on 'Don't Take It Away' and the band step up the pace on 'Like A Believer' which features some controlled rockin'. 'Light of the World' and 'I Will' are both mid-tempo AOR gems that evoke memories of The Storm.
This gelled with me very quickly as this is precisely type of music that is at the centre of what Mood Swings is all about. These guys feel comfortable and seem to be having fun playing this type of music and they do it well. Yes, this is retro rocking, but when it is done so well, it is time to sit back and enjoy the experience.
