Rating: RRRRR
Label: Escape Music
Review By: Alan Holloway
Welcome to the ‘O’ zone, the Os in question being Overland
and Ousey, without a doubt two of the most talented vocalists in the melodic
rock game. Steve Overland, the man with the golden tonsils, fronts British pack
leaders FM, whilst Chris Ousey will be fondly remembered from Heartland back in
the day and for his excellent work with Snakecharmer nowadays (with many more
inbetween). If you are a fan of both these guys, you will certainly understand
the excitement surrounding this collaboration between them and Mike Slamer.
Slamer, Ousey and Overland all contributed to the song
writing, and it shows throughout an album that does not have one single boring
moment, not one song that is anything but an example of exactly how AOR should
sound. Ousey’s amazingly bluesy voice is complemented perfectly by Overlands
more soulful, smooth vocals, and an experiment that could have gone so
wrong goes so right instead. It’s not
all dual vocals here, as the album has been planned extremely well. The duo
share vocals at times, at others take turns, and on occasion are allowed to
shine by doing the main vocal on a tack with the other singer providing
backing. It’s wonderfully effective.
And so to the songs. I’ve listened to this album about
twenty times now, and I genuinely do not have a favourite track, because I can
listen to any one and be happy. The two vocalists are well backed by guitars
from Slamer and Tommy Denander, with Slamer mixing the whole thing very well so
we get keyboards as an underlying presence that are heard but do not overwhelm
the guitars. The riffs are solid and the solos are appropriately widdly, with
the melodies fast and catchy. Fans of Steelhouse
Lane’s debut classic will certainly recognise some
of the ‘Slamer Sound’, and I have to say that fans of that will go mental for
this, although it is by no means a copy.
Ozone is without a doubt the best album I have heard this
year. The songwriting just speaks to me as an AOR fan, and the vocals and mix
could not be better. It’s fast paced, which is always a good thing, and even
the ballad ‘So Blind’ soars, helped by the exceptional vocal performances
within. This is an album that should take pride of place in any collection, a
must for all fans of pure, unadulterated AOR – music made to be enjoyed.
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