There’s a reason the Intelligent Music Project VII sounds like another Frontiers Records project. First, we have lead vocalist Ronnie Romero (The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, Lords of Black), and this long-running Bulgarian rock project also has featured a rotating cast of vocalists that has included John Payne (Asia, GPS) and Joseph Williams (Toto). The current lineup boasts Simon Phillips (Toto) on drums and percussion, as well as a stellar roster of Bulgarian talent, and it’s all helmed by Bulgarian businessman and philanthropist Milen Vrabevski. He's also apparently a medical doctor. Go figure.
But what does the Intelligent Music Project’s seventh album, Unconditioned sound like? This is catchy and accessible hard rock with both AOR and progressive tendencies that will appeal to listeners of many of the all-star bands the Frontiers team dreams up. Musical references to Styx, McAuley Schenker Group and Pretty Maids abound, too. One of the album’s highlights comes early on, with “Intention” -- a punchy rocker that is the song Intelligent Music Project performed as Bulgaria’s representative in the international Eurovision Song Contest -- and two alternate versions of the song appear as bonus tracks.
The album moves fast, with each of the 15 songs clocking in at 4:02 or shorter, and vibrant instrumentals open and close this feel-good record. As Vrabevski says in the liner notes: “It’s never too late to set foot on the right path. All you need is firm intention!” You can begin by listening to this album.
Track Listing:
1. Topic
2. Intention
3. Sunshine Boulevard
4. How
5. Blue Morning
6. Soulmate
7. The Long Ride
8. Madness
9. And Stars Never Fall
10. Spirit
11. Wait for the Night
12. New Hero
13. Finale Grande
14. Intention (Eurovision Songs Contest 2022 Version) (Bonus Track)
15. Intention (Singback) (Bonus Track)
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