Bangalore Choir: Cadence

David Reece first came to the metal public's attention when he was handed the unenviable task of replacing Udo Dirkschneider in Accept, featuring on the band's 1989 attempt at making a commercial metal album Eat The Heat. However unsurprisingly the band folded after failing to make the transition from aggressive rockers, into spandex clad chart botherers (the album was good though). Reece's next move was to form the bluesy melodic rock outfit Bangalore Choir, who released their debut and up until now, only album On Target in 1992. Unfortunately the onset of grunge saw the album dismissed as yet another "hair band", writing cock rock anthems, however anyone who took the time to look beyond the buxom brunette straddling a bomb on the album cover, discovered that the contents were a whole lot less throwaway than what housed them. Realising that they were fighting a losing battle, Bangalore Choir disbanded after the album flopped, however On Target has rightly grown in reputation and mystique as the years have passed. Reece moved onto the harder hitting Sircle Of Silence, before recording one album with the band Stream. Thirteen years passed before his deep, rich tones graced another album and his performance on the Another World album by Gypsy Rose in 2008 proved he had lost none of his potency or skill. An excellent solo album followed in '09, before Reece finally bowed to fan pressure and resurrected Bangalore Choir with original members Curt Mitchell and Danny Greenberg on guitar and bass respectively and newcomers Andy Susemihl (U.D.O.) on guitar and drummer Hans I'nt Zandt.

Almost picking up from where that fantastic debut album left off, Cadence sees Bangalore Choir once again putting together a set of songs that will have lovers of post 1987 Whitesnake frothing at the mouth, as Reece shows that he still has the roar and passion in his voice to make him a match for the best melodic metal singers out there. Considering 18 years have passed since the band's first album, it is only fitting that the production on the album is more in keeping with the times and instead of a glossy sheen, these songs have been treated with a sound that makes them feel a little rawer and tougher. The guitar work is hard hitting and sharp, which makes the overall sound heavier than what might have been expected, however the grittier approach suits Reece perfectly and he revels in really letting loose. If there's any doubt, just grab a listen to the punchy riff of "Power Trippin'", where Reece combines with Susemihi and Mitchell to punch out a massive slab of smooth, yet abrasive heavy blues, while "Living Your Dreams Everyday" shows that Bangalore Choir are just as capable at bringing a looser, rough and ready vibe without losing any of their infectious melody. The likes of "Martyr" takes us on a more restrained journey that relies on a joyous chorus, however it is the double punch of "Sweet Sensation" and "Spirits Too They Bleed" that really hit home. The former has the most insistent sing along chorus on the album, but still retains a depth that songs this memorable seldom have the right to, while the latter's slow building spiral riff locks into an infectious groove that just refuses to let go.

As all the best albums tend to, Cadence reveals its true strength over numerous listens and what, at first appeared to be a solid set of songs, slowly grows into one of the best heavy melodic rock releases of the year.

Track Listing
1. Wahzoo City
2. Power Trippin'
3. Martyr
4. Living Your Dreams Everyday
5. Survival Of The Fittest
6. Tomorrow
7. Heart Attack & Vine
8. Still Have A Song To Sing
9. Dig Deep
10. Never say Goodbye
11. Sweet Temptation
12. High On The Clouds
13. Spirits Too They Bleed
14. Surrender All Your Love

Added: September 4th 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Bangalore Choir MySpace Page
Hits: 3063
Language: english

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