Those of you with long memories will know that Strangeways were an UK AOR band that got very positive responses to their "Native Sons" and "Walk In The Fire" albums way back about 20 years ago. In a surprise move they have reunited with their American singer Terry Brock (most recently heard filling the shoes of Dann Huff for the Giant album).
Before I start this review I should say that I loaded up my MP3 player with this and the Unruly Child album and when I plugged it into the car stereo I was expecting Unruly Child to come through the speakers. Instead I got this and whilst the Unruly Child album is a fairly bright and breezy affair, this one is a more laid back affair and I'm not sure that the my initial impression hasn't coloured my judgement.
After listening to this a few times, I dug out my Strangeways Greatest Bits CD and had a listen. Mainly because although I haven't listened to it in quite a while, I always had Strangeways up there on a pedestal as one of the great UK AOR bands, but listening to this latest album had me starting to wonder.
Of course, it has to be remembered that Terry Brock was only the lead vocalist for a couple of Strangeways albums. Tony Liddel did vocals on the debut, Terry was there for "Native Sons" & "Walk In The Fire", before main songwriter Ian Stewart took over for the final three albums which saw to band head off in a more laid back direction. The Strangeways that I want to hear is the one that created the AORtastic "Walk In The Fire" & "Native Sons".
Instead I have to keep in mind those three albums after Terry Brock's departure. This album brings the band closer to AOR, but the band stick to their guns creating an album that is in keeping with the path they had previously been following.
As expected a few tracks remind you that around the time of NS & WTF, they sounded pretty close the Journey. This time out the tracks that I enjoyed the most had a hint of the Eagles about them such as "Borderline" & "Too Far Gone". However, I actually found some tracks such as their "Kashmir" inspired "Bushfire" annoying.
I respect the guys for staying true to their existing direction and not trying to recreate NS or WTF. This is the sort of album that needs plenty of listens to get the most out of, but I've got to say that so far it leaves me cold.
Rating: 3 stars
