CD REVIEW: REVOLUTION SAINTS – Revolution Saints

Label: Frontiers Music SRL

Release Date: February 24, 2015

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Supergroup. What is a super group?  Well, when you combine the talents of Deen Castronovo (Journey), Jack Blades (Night Ranger), and Doug Aldrich (ex-Whitesnake) and let them run with an idea, you get a super group.  “Back On My Trail” opens the disc and gives you the feel of what may come – big vocals courtesy of Castronovo, searing guitar leads from Aldrich, and killer harmonies from Blades.  Debut single “Turn Back Time” sits in the #2 spot and is the reason most people will listen to this disc – and for good reason.  The shared lead vocals from Deen and Jack give the song an edge and depth.  The guitar work is great and the video is awesome.  “Locked Out Of Paradise” has great drum fills and guitar work that shines from open to close, allowing the vocals to stand out, especially at the chorus.  “Dream On” has a cool tempo that keeps the drums busy and gives Aldrich plenty of spot to drop cool guitar riffs.  Blades layers his bass underneath and his vocals nicely pepper the chorus.  “Here Forever” opens as a piano heavy track, but quickly morphs into a cool rocker that keeps the disc moving.  The guitars and keyboards mix well and compliment the track.  “Better World” opens with a different feel of other tracks, giving the disc a little depth, but the song quickly falls in line and builds up the solid sound of the rest of the disc.

“You’re Not Alone” is a beautiful track that features killer keyboards from Alessandro Del Vecchio (who plays through out the disc) and co-lead vocals from Castronovo’s Journey mate Arnel Pineda.  The song structure and sound are very Journey-like, including the keyboards and guitar solo.  “Way To The Sun” is another song that seems to have been ripped from the Journey catalog, but that is most likely due to the guitar solo played perfectly by Neal Schon.  This ballad gives Deen and Jack a chance to blend their voices a bit.  “Don’t Walk Away” is typical ballad fare that compliments the bluesy nature of the drummers lead vocals and the guitars that fill the void during the bridge complete this track.  Strangers To This Life” is a cool track that takes on a life of its own.  It doesn’t seem to sound like any one band, but rather a cool combination of Journey’s melodies, Night Ranger’s heavier structure, and Aldrich’s guitars help the track soar.  “To Mend A Broken Heart” is heavier and chugs along thanks to a big bottom end anchored by Blades’ bass lines and Castronovo’s skin pounding.  Disc closer “In The name Of The Father” is another ballad that benefits from Aldrich’s playing.  The previous track had a bigger punch to it and may have better suited the end of the disc, but with the sound these guys produce, any song is able to close the collection.

REVOLUTION SAINTS LINKS:

FACEBOOK

Category: CD Reviews