by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —
Revolution is the debut release from Spanish rockers Xtasy. The band began as a studio project consisting of vocalist Silvia and guitarist Jorge in 2011, and the pair recorded a number of tracks over the next 2 years with a bunch of guest musicians. Participating in the sessions were: Jon Huarte (Dreamwalker, Asymmetric), Josu Alzu (Six Miles Wide), Eneko Ollo, Manolo Arias (Atlas, Niágara), Robert Rodrigo (Airless), Willy Gascón (Steelhorse), David Morales (Asymmetric), Roberto Martínez (Blackbeltz, Taxikarlo) and Ángel García (Meridiam). In late 2013 the duo decided to become a full band, adding Ángel on guitar, David on bass, Tutumba on drums, and Jakin on keys.
“Stronger” is an apt title for the opener. Flowing keys over a crunchy hard rock guitar line lead into a radio-friendly mid-tempo tune that seems to encompass all that makes Xtasy a good band. Lead singer Silvia has a delivery reminiscent of Issa, and she delivers smooth and clear vocals, and does a nice job with layers on this pop-metal tune. “Revolution” is a very kicky and upbeat rocker with a bouncy rhythm line and some great drum work, while “Million Miles” has a very pop-rock feel to it despite some gritty guitar work. “All For One” could easily be a Bon Jovi style arena rocker – even the guitar hooks sound a bit Sambora. “Scream” is a very commercial tune with a nice drum line, but the vocal line sounds a bit subdued for a track with the lyrics encouraging the listener to “scream and shout.” The true clarity and power of Silvia’s voice come through on the ballad “Is It You.”
“Rebel Rider” is a bit old school, a bit progressive, and a bit pop – it sounds a bit schizophrenic. It would have come across better with a more consistent sound, but the main guitar break makes up for any earlier chaos. Crisp bass and fluid melody makes the short and sweet “Burning Around” a pop-metal toe-tapper, while “Many Years” is all about guitar hooks, a blinding solo, and layered vocals. “How Much Love” is a well-done and nicely modernized cover of Vixen’s late 80s hit, while “Rocking The World” sets out to do just that – and succeeds! Turn this one up! Appropriately, the mellow and mostly acoustic ballad “Bye Bye” wraps the CD on a high – once again highlighting vocals and guitars.
Fans of commercial and radio-friendly modern metal and female fronted rock will find a lot to enjoy here. Revolution is a solid album, and while not breaking much new ground musically Xtasy delivers a lively and enthusiastic performance. Well constructed songs that layer modern flair and technique over hints of old school rock roots make Revolution an entertaining release and a strong debut. The album is mixed well thanks to veteran sound man Erik Martensson (W.E.T., Eclipse), who manages to keep the overall feel consistent despite the number of different performers involved. The only question is whether the full band can deliver the music that was originally performed by the “studio project” and a diverse cast of players. Xtasy and its now full lineup is primed for bigger and better things in the future.
Genre: Melodic Pop-Metal
Band:
Silvia (vocals)
Jorge (guitar)
Ángel (guitar)
David (bass)
Tutumba (drums)
Jakin (keyboards)
Track Listing:
1. Stronger
2. Revolution
3. Million Miles Away
4. All For One
5. Scream
6. It Is You
7. Rebel Rider
8. Burning Around
9. Many Years
10. How Much Love
11. Rocking The World
12. Bye Bye
Label: MelodicRock Records
Website: http://www.xtasyband.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10
