For every ten bands that have reformed from
the 80s era, nine of them have probably been an unmitigated waste
of space and time. Few from this ‘83-‘93 period have continued to make a
valuable contribution or taken their music forward, rather than backwards or
stagnant. One such band that is constantly striving for the best music that
they can produce is Romeos Daughter. After their first two albums became
staples and highly sought after albums of the melodic rock scene, their
reformation was both a surprise and more importantly an undoubted feature with
their return to form ‘Rapture’ back in 2012.
The nucleus of the band is still here 27
years down the line with the strings being pulled by the vastly underrated
Craig Joiner, sultry Leigh Matty, and rhythm pounders of the highest order in Andy
Wells and Ed Poole.
Opening track ‘Touch’ got an airing at the
recent HRH AOR 3 festival, and starts off with Leigh Matty’s sultry and sensual
vocals. Joiners guitar chugs along underneath before a bridge and chorus that
hits all the right places and becomes an instant Romeos Daughter classic and is
up there with their very best work. ‘Already Gone’ is one of those songs that
doesn’t make that much of an impression on the first listen, but after a few
spins (sorry) its one damn-intoxicating tune. ‘Love Will Come’ has a delicate
beginning that builds up to be a powerful ballad. ‘Enemy’ is a track that has
one of its feet firmly planted in the 1980’s and sounds the kind of song that would
have been used to make a mark in a John Hughes film. ‘Didn’t See You Coming’
sees Romeos Daughter reach for a lighter side of their repertoire, and must be
a target for radio play in the near future. Talking of ‘Radio’, this is another
that received a debut outing at the recent HRH AOR gig, and immediately hits
the spot. A huge chorus that has to be heard live as this version is excellent,
but the live version is stunning. Joiners ear for what makes a song is
exemplary. He is one of the finest composers out there, and I feel he puts
everything he has into each individual song. ‘Perfect Plan’ must be one of the
songs written for Spin as it seems to have been around for a couple of years
now. When songs are written so early before an alum is released its easy for
then to be dropped. ‘Perfect Plan’ has the right mix of power and a chorus that
a couple of years later still has the chops to be included. ‘Tall Buildings’
finishes off Spin rather nicely. Joiners playing isn’t pushed to the front, it
sits amongst the vocals like an additional harmony, until the solo that is, as
he give it some, and then some more! Save (one of) the best until last rings true here.
This isn’t an album that should just be
targeted at the AOR/melodic rock brigade, as Spin has a style and substance
that anyone with a love for radio friendly pop rock would enjoy. Romeos
daughter have a knack of writing songs that are infectious, and every one on
Spin is a delight. There some up-tempo rockers, to the more demure and lighter
numbers that make up a wonderful contrast. What are you doing wasting your time
reading this for, just go out and buy the bloody thing, it’s marvelous. Not
only that, its up there with their best work
Catch Romeo’s Daughter on tour with FM in
May - www.romeosdaughter.co.uk/tour.php
Score - 93/100
Tracklisting -
Touch
Already Gone
Love Will Come
Enemy
Didn't See You Coming
Radio
Tonight
All because Of You
Perfect Plan
Tall Buildings
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