Nubian Rose
Mountain
Funklord Dynasty/Rambo Music
2012
I’m sure it’s not a surprise to see new bands coming from Sweden anymore. This time we have Nubian Rose which are fronted by the charismatic vocalist Sofia Lilja. Having built a strong sound with influences from the 80s bands like: Vixen, Lita Ford, Romeo’s Daughter, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Joan Jett, Kiss, Doro, Saraya and so on, Nubian Rose are not trying to copy/paste the above-mentioned bands; they are rather presenting their own music proposal with various 80s references. They have also embellished their music with several AOR /melodic rock elements.
Surely, what strikes you at first is Sofia’s beautiful & dynamic voice but it would be an oversight not to give kudos to the other guys as well, for they have done such a good job in the main. Another thing that amazes is the powerful, up-to-date & full production… but I didn’t have to wonder more as soon as I read that it was taken care of by the renowned Swedish producer Tobias Lindell (Europe, H.E.A.T. Hardcore Superstar etc.). Although he band’s main influences are from the 80s, their sound is not retro at all.
I haven’t listened to many rock female-fronted bands this year but Nubian Rose did manage to make a strong entrance with their debut album in the music scene. “Mountain” may not be flawless (what’s flawless after all?) but I do like the passion & craving which have driven them to do things here. They have done a fairly good job with “Mountain” and they will have to do even better in their sophomore release. For instance, the tune “How Am I” is an amazingly catchy & beautiful ballad… one of the best ballads of 2012. Even though this album flows nicely when listening to it, they need to add more of the band’s personality into their songs but I guess they have time to do so and fix any minor downsides. I’m looking forward to the band’s next step for they are one of those newcomers that you must keep an eye on…
Surely, what strikes you at first is Sofia’s beautiful & dynamic voice but it would be an oversight not to give kudos to the other guys as well, for they have done such a good job in the main. Another thing that amazes is the powerful, up-to-date & full production… but I didn’t have to wonder more as soon as I read that it was taken care of by the renowned Swedish producer Tobias Lindell (Europe, H.E.A.T. Hardcore Superstar etc.). Although he band’s main influences are from the 80s, their sound is not retro at all.
I haven’t listened to many rock female-fronted bands this year but Nubian Rose did manage to make a strong entrance with their debut album in the music scene. “Mountain” may not be flawless (what’s flawless after all?) but I do like the passion & craving which have driven them to do things here. They have done a fairly good job with “Mountain” and they will have to do even better in their sophomore release. For instance, the tune “How Am I” is an amazingly catchy & beautiful ballad… one of the best ballads of 2012. Even though this album flows nicely when listening to it, they need to add more of the band’s personality into their songs but I guess they have time to do so and fix any minor downsides. I’m looking forward to the band’s next step for they are one of those newcomers that you must keep an eye on…