This is the second album from N.O.W., and although there have been a few line-up changes since the debut in 2010. The current band is Philip Bardowell (vocals), Alec Mendonça (bass and vocals), Jean Barros (keyboards, piano and vocals), Juno Moraes (guitars) and Diogo Macedo (drums), plus loads of additional musicians (including some very fine saxophone and flute from Zé Canuto). This is very much melodic rock in the style of Foreigner, with some touches of Journey, and consequently is something that I can listen to all day. It is easy on the ear, with wonderful vocals and melodies and one can only presume that if it had been released twenty or thirty years ago then every song contained on the album would have been a radio hit.
But, times move on, and this style of music just doesn’t get the kudos that it used to, but nothing should take away from what is a great album that doesn’t fall to the temptation of removing all crunch and bite from the guitar but instead manages to bring it all together in a glorious melodic sound that brings a smile to anyone who hears it. Philip is of course ex-Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, ex-Beach Boys, ex-Unruly Child and his class shines through while Juno is the perfect foil. This really does sound as if it was released some time in the early Eighties and for fans of the genre is definitely something to seek out.
www.escape-music.com
