by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist/News Editor —
British melodic rockers Vega are back with their third album, titled Stereo Messiah. When Vega debuted back in 2010 with Kiss of Life it was tempting to write the band – which features Tom and James Martin of Khymera – off as just another Frontiers project. Over the course of three albums though, Vega has emerged as one of the better new bands in the modern melodic rock scene.
Stereo Messiah is a fun title for a melodic rock album, and sure enough the title track starts things off on a fun note. It’s upbeat and catchy, and sets the stage for the rest of the album. Vega just channels that classic AOR sound, reminding listeners at times of Loverboy, Foreigner and Mr. Big. In fact, “Ballad of the Broken Hearts” sounds like it would have been right at home on a recent Mr. Big album. There’s even a smooth Harem Scarem/Def Leppard vibe at times. Speaking of which, none other than Joe Elliott lends his voice to the song “10x Bigger Than Love.” “The Fall” and “Tears Never Dry” are also highlights.
The way Vega can pivot from super-catchy rock songs to smooth ballads to mid-tempo AOR and back again is very impressive. The musicianship is top notch, and vocalist Nick Workman continues to shine with each new album. He sounds a bit like James Labrie, Mike Reno and Eric Martin; singers with not a lot in common. He makes it work though, and his voice is key to Vega’s character.
There have been a lot of very strong melodic rock releases this year, particularly coming from the Frontiers camp. This is one of the better ones of the bunch. If you’re a fan of classic AOR and melodic rock, particularly bands like Work of Art, Dalton, Three Lions and Loverboy, Stereo Messiah is an album you need to hear. If they keep this up, it’s not hard to see Vega emerging as one of the top bands in modern melodic rock.
Genre: Melodic Rock
Band:
Nick Workman (v)
Tom Martin (g)
Daniel Chantrey (d)
James Martin (k)
Marcus Thurston (g)
Track Listing:
1. Stereo Messiah
2. All Or Nothing
3. Wherever We Are
4. Ballad of the Broken Hearts
5. Gonna Need Some Love Tonight
6. The Fall
7. Neon Heart
8. With Both Hands
9. 10x Bigger Than Love
10. My Anarchy
11. The Wild The Weird The Wonderful
12. Tears Never Dry
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: www.facebook.com/OFFICIALVEGA
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
