This is the second album from Sarah & Mélissa Fontaine, and the album has been written and produced by Frédéric Slama from the band AOR. Now, if you have ever come across any of AOR’s albums then you may just have an idea of what this is going to be like. As well as Frédéric, musicians involved include Tommy Denander (Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley), Paul Sabu (Kidd Glove), Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen), Mikael Erlandsson (Last Autumn's Dream), Bob Harris (Axe), members of Alien, Hardline & Lionville, Christian Tolle (David Reece) among many others. So, a great cast, so it must be a great album then? Hmm, in recent years I have been lucky enough to see both Heart and Pat Benatar in concert, and I was blown away by their musicianship and vocal ability – until you have heard Ann Wilson belt out “Barracuda” you haven’t lived. But, this is obviously up to that standard as the press release says “With this new album, Chasing Violets will take you to melodic perfection with a sexy edge, killer songs, angelic vocals and unforgettable solos. ‘Jade Hearts’ is the perfect illustration of what pure AOR is all about and is the most impressive female fronted melodic rock album you can imagine, reminiscent of Journey, Heart & Survivor, with a glamorous touch.”
There’s a saying here in NZ which seems quite apt, “Yeah/Nah”, which means ‘no’. The only thing going for it are a few really good guitar solos but they are few and far between. This album is over sanitised, over long, too many keyboards but not enough drums and guitars, with vocals that are weak at best and some of the worst lyrics I have come across for ages. The best thing about writing this review is now that it is done I don’t have to play the album again. Ever.
