CD REVIEW: L.R.S. – Down To The Core

Label: Frontiers Records

Release Date: March 25, 2013

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

My love of melodic rock will never fade.  There is something to be said about screaming guitars, killer vocals, and a great rock beat that puts a smile on my face.  After listening to this release, I am smiling like a fool.  After a listen through, the Journey influence is obvious, but don’t fool yourself – these guys are no Journey tribute band.  “Our Love to Stay” kicks off with guitars, keyboards, and vocals that would make any melodic rock band jealous.  The whole track is strong and a perfect way to start the disc.  “Never Surrender” is another solid rock track that leans heavy on the guitar, keyboards, and vocals.  The influence of Journey is evident on a lot of these tracks, but this track seems to take a page right out of the Schon-Waite playbook.  “Shadow Of A Man” has a throwback-classic sound that meshes well with the melodic components of the song.  The guitar is muted compared to other tracks on the disc, but it adds to the simplicity of the song.  Title track “Down To The Core” brings high energy and one of the better vocal performances on the disc together to create a great rock track.  The guitars fill the voids, while the rest of the band really adds to the song.  “Waiting For Love” has the perfect mix of guitar, keyboards, and vocals.  All the while, the drums and bass keep the track moving along and give the song a swift kick into melodic rock territory.

“Livin 4 A Dream” starts off as a mellow rocker that builds to the first verse.  The structure of this song is much like others on the disc, but it feels and sounds different.  “Almost Over You” is a beautiful ballad that adds depth to the disc by allowing the band to carry its rock vibe into a mellow track.  The lyrics are as beautiful as the piano and vocals.  “I Can Take You There” is a cool ballad-type track that keeps the chugging guitar and pounding drums in place while allowing the vocals to take you on a journey.  “Universal Cry” is a cool ballad that features great keyboards along with some searing riffs that add depth to a slower track.  The chorus is catchy and the layered vocals really add depth to the track.  “To Be Your Man” takes simple vocals and a simple piano interlude and create a great track out of the pieces; the rest of the band drops in and a melodic ballad is born.  “I Will Find My Way” is another example of how to perfectly mix the rock and the mellow to create a ballad that features key components of great lyrics and vocals along with moving keyboards and guitars.  Closing the disc is “Not One Way To Give.”  This is one of the better ballads on the disc, as it features great riffs and fret work, along with vocals that really carry the track from open to close.  This is hands down the best way to end this disc.

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Category: CD Reviews