Roth Brock Project
Roth Brock Project
Frontiers Music Srl
2016
Frontiers has in a few ways become a bit of a breeding stable, often putting out “solo albums” as well as projects from its once illustrious names in a variety of combinations. One such case here is “The Roth Brock Project” a union between guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Giant) and singer Terry Brock (Strangeways, Giant, Leroux).
Like we mentioned before, the label insisted in Giant continuing but with some of their original lineup not able to invest the time and energy necessary a bit of a “Frankenstein” version was created bringing in the Strangeways singer for instance to assume the role of vocalist. That’s when the two obviously met and they “clicked”… so this project shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Rather commercial sounding hard rock with an 80s edge, with big guitars and even bigger vocals is the name of the game…
“Young Gun” has a very persistent riff and a commercial chorus – a bit urban – and even reminiscent of the mid 80s “commercial” Saxon attempts with obviously more fitting vocals.
“What’s It to Ya” talks about 80s promiscuous female music fans and has a bit of a sleazy Kiss meets early 90s “rock” sound and a rather irresistible chorus.
“Young Again” seems more age appropriate, with the main body of fans getting older by the day and tries to soothe the notion of aging and it succeeds in doing so, by a super melodic and sugary chorus.
“If That’s What It Takes” goes back in dramatic rock ballad, with dynamics… sounding a bit like Meatloaf, but with the vocals not going all over the place like in the case of dear Meat. Neat-O!
“I Don’t Know Why” should become my new motto – for no good reason – but it seems applicable to a variety of situations. It’s a pretty cool and laid back ballad that gets electric on occasion with its dramatic chorus sharply contrasting the rest of the song.
“Distant Voices” is a predictable if not rather “flat” ballad, complete with sing-along adlibs that’s not too bad – but at this point dramatically slows down the pace of the album – being the third or fourth “slower” burning song in a row...
Thankfully, “We Are” manages to pick up the pace a bit with a nasty little riff and a mid-tempo “Kiss meets Winger” atmosphere unfurling and a pleasant escalating chorus that infuses some much needed electricity back.
“Fighter” picks up the pace even more, with a jumpy riff and a tempo that’s steadily on the up. It’s a bit more commercial and despite some questionable wails, it’s probably what should be – at this point and even allows Roth to properly lay down a solo – because in other places he seems to just do small leads here and there, here he goes all the way.
“My City” is a bit of a celebratory “Jovi meets Loaf” number, maybe something that wouldn’t feel out of place in a “Starship” album too… not bad.
“Never Givin’ Up” is a very laid back number that bases its appeal around Brock’s awesome and passionate delivery, bringing to mind Giant and Bryan Adams I’d guess…
Lastly, “Reason to Believe” is a mid-tempo that has a strong chorus and a positive outlook…
All in all, and since this came a bit out of the blue, it feels rather good, because obviously of whose involved, but mostly because of the very solid songwriting and care in selecting the songs that don’t feel like an “obligation”. A solid rock album that you’re likely to enjoy. Lots…
Like we mentioned before, the label insisted in Giant continuing but with some of their original lineup not able to invest the time and energy necessary a bit of a “Frankenstein” version was created bringing in the Strangeways singer for instance to assume the role of vocalist. That’s when the two obviously met and they “clicked”… so this project shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Rather commercial sounding hard rock with an 80s edge, with big guitars and even bigger vocals is the name of the game…
“Young Gun” has a very persistent riff and a commercial chorus – a bit urban – and even reminiscent of the mid 80s “commercial” Saxon attempts with obviously more fitting vocals.
“What’s It to Ya” talks about 80s promiscuous female music fans and has a bit of a sleazy Kiss meets early 90s “rock” sound and a rather irresistible chorus.
“Young Again” seems more age appropriate, with the main body of fans getting older by the day and tries to soothe the notion of aging and it succeeds in doing so, by a super melodic and sugary chorus.
“If That’s What It Takes” goes back in dramatic rock ballad, with dynamics… sounding a bit like Meatloaf, but with the vocals not going all over the place like in the case of dear Meat. Neat-O!
“I Don’t Know Why” should become my new motto – for no good reason – but it seems applicable to a variety of situations. It’s a pretty cool and laid back ballad that gets electric on occasion with its dramatic chorus sharply contrasting the rest of the song.
“Distant Voices” is a predictable if not rather “flat” ballad, complete with sing-along adlibs that’s not too bad – but at this point dramatically slows down the pace of the album – being the third or fourth “slower” burning song in a row...
Thankfully, “We Are” manages to pick up the pace a bit with a nasty little riff and a mid-tempo “Kiss meets Winger” atmosphere unfurling and a pleasant escalating chorus that infuses some much needed electricity back.
“Fighter” picks up the pace even more, with a jumpy riff and a tempo that’s steadily on the up. It’s a bit more commercial and despite some questionable wails, it’s probably what should be – at this point and even allows Roth to properly lay down a solo – because in other places he seems to just do small leads here and there, here he goes all the way.
“My City” is a bit of a celebratory “Jovi meets Loaf” number, maybe something that wouldn’t feel out of place in a “Starship” album too… not bad.
“Never Givin’ Up” is a very laid back number that bases its appeal around Brock’s awesome and passionate delivery, bringing to mind Giant and Bryan Adams I’d guess…
Lastly, “Reason to Believe” is a mid-tempo that has a strong chorus and a positive outlook…
All in all, and since this came a bit out of the blue, it feels rather good, because obviously of whose involved, but mostly because of the very solid songwriting and care in selecting the songs that don’t feel like an “obligation”. A solid rock album that you’re likely to enjoy. Lots…