Phil Vincent – White Noise
Details: 2008, private label, CD
Another new album that has spent a long time on my playlist is this one, the tenth release by Phil Vincent although I have to admit its the first to register on my radar. An impressive album of melodic rock perhaps my only criticism of this is that at thirteen tracks it seemed a tad overlong. Having said that, it had me stumped trying to think of what I’d cut out or perhaps leave for the “20th Anniversary Edition”!
One to definitely avoid any thoughts of culling is “This Time“. A fine song early in the album that reminded me in pretty much equal parts of “Sacred Heart” era Dio and possibly the best current exponents of powerful melodic rock, Pink Cream ‘69. It must be noted that for a long album there is also a refreshing decision to steer away from the generic power ballad. Everything is up-tempo and the variety is offered by more aggressive work outs such as opener “How Long” and the especially poignant “Take What You Want“.The near prog-metal trappings of “Run And Hide” impress too although perhaps the most surprising track sound-wise is “Don’t Get Me Wrong“. A real 80s moment I thought with especially dominant keyboard effects, this sounds suitable material should “The Eurythmics” ever reform!
On reflection if I were forced to cull one track it would be “Fall To Pieces“. Despite an intro that sounds like a vague variation on “Oxygene”, it borrows a little too much from the Bon Jovi book of clichés, complete with the requisite “whoa-oh-ah’s”. Having said that, I still wouldn’t call it a bad song; just the one that impressed me the least in this strong set of melodic hard rockers.
In the grand summing up though it’s all made more impressive when you realise that Vincent does everything (vocals, keys, guitar, bass, drums) himself, with only the lead guitar work surrendered on about half the tracks. It’s impressive stuff that hangs together well, and therefore is a recommended listen to anyone with the likes of aforementioned PC’69, Dokken, Harem Scarem and the much missed (by me anyway!) Emerald Rain already in their collection.
Highlight : Voice Of Reason
Score : 3.5/5
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The album is available via the following links :
Phil’s myspace presence is www.myspace.com/philvincentrox
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BL
