Arc
Angel?? Wait a minute... Wasn't that an one-album
AOR-band from the beginning of 80's? The great
multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cannata was one of the
original members on the excellent self-titled album
from 1983. Now are they back!
After
working in several other projects and with a few albums in his
own name Cannata, Frontiers
Records has succeed in getting Jeff to activate the old AOR/Hard
Rock band again. And what a magic hard rock album
they have made with 'Harlequins of Light'. I don't
know how long they have been working on this Arc Angel
comeback release, but the tracks are absolutely gorgeous.
The blend of the melodic rock and progressive rock
creates a special and unique atmosphere in the
sound picture, a mesmerizing package of melodic
rock music. I get vibes of Asia, Toto, Yes and
Marillion.
Jeff's vocals are very smooth and clean. The songs
are well structured and perfectly balanced so I
took this golden album to my heart immediately. I can't sort the tracks out
in better or weaker songs, because it depends on, which mood I
am in. Charming songs with brilliant
instrumental performances generate one of my highest
scores ever...!
In all honesty, I can't find any weak track on the
disc so there will be twelve favorites. I really
hope that Frontiers Records can sign-up Jeff and
his musical craftsmanship, because this is
at world-class level. I want more of this!
This is one of the easiest recommended hard rock
albums this year. This is certainly one of my
favourite albums in 2013!
Line-up:
Jeff Cannata: Lead and Background Vocals, Drums,
Bass, Keyboards, Guitars
Jeff Batter: Acoustic Piano, Synths
Jay Rowe: Organ, Synths
Scott Spray: Bass Guitar
David Coe: Acoustic Guitar
Jimi Bell, Gary Maus, Andy Abel, Tony Spada, Mark
Proto, Jay Jesse Johnson: Lead Guitars
Pete Hodson: Background Vocals, Synth
