Crimes of Passion Crimes of Passion
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
This self-titled album is the first full-length release from melodic rockers Crimes of Passion. The UK-based band puts an edgy, hard rocking spin on the traditional melodic rock sound, and has put together a concept album about love, death and beyond.
You don’t usually find this kind of epic, conceptual treatment in a melodic rock album, but Crimes of Passion pulls it off pretty well. The songs hold up on their own quite nicely, so much so that if you don’t pay attention to the lyrics you might not notice the underlying theme. The fact that the CD booklet is a fully illustrated comic that depicts key parts of the story is a nice touch.
Musically, Crimes of Passion sounds a bit like Harem Scarem and Talisman, but with an edgier production that wouldn’t be out of place on modern rock radio, you know, if modern rock radio ever played this kind of music. It’s completely heavy and completely melodic, with well-written lyrics, solid instrumental performance, and powerful and emotional vocals. It’s also worth noting that former Shy (and current TNT) vocalist Tony Mills contributed backing vocals to a handful of songs on this album.
This is an ambitious and well executed melodic rock album that should put Crimes of Passion on the list of up-and-coming bands.
Label: Vigilante
Lineup:
Dale Radcliffe – Vocals
Kris Hudson Lee – Bass
Andy Lindsay – Guitar
Kev Tonge – Drums
Track Listing:
1. A Thousand Strong
2. The Me I Lost
3. God Made Me Your Angel
4. Unbreakable
5. Fight You On My Own
6. Die Alone
7. Pretty In Blood
8. Breathless and Beautiful
9. Where No-One Speaks Your Name
10. Exit Wound
11. Dream of Me
Online: On MySpace
HRH Rating: 7.5/10