by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Senior Columnist —
Abundance in cross-genre cover versions is a staple of the music industry nowadays. More than often, the difference between the song’s original version and the contemporary artist’s take on it is simply extreme music-wise… Each of you can probably recall the experience of having your own mini-heart attack upon hearing one of such, Groove Coverage’s version of Alice Cooper’s “Poison” for example. Luckily for those of us who are still about to rock (and salute to), sometimes it gets the other way around with covers. And as a result of it, all of a sudden the mediocre dance/EMD smash gets a whole new Rock-ish vibe to it. Do you remember such moments of excellence, as Wig Wam recording their own version of Mel C’s “I Turn To You” or Jaded Heart’s take on Backstreet Boys’ “Larger Than Life”? The young Swedish outfit named Reach joined the same league as they re-arranged and re-recorded “Wake Me Up” which originally is a 2013 number-one hit by the EDM giant and their countryman, Avicii. The catch, however, was that the cover version of “Wake Me Up” was one of the first Reach recordings ever done, misleading some into thinking the Swedes are nothing more than a cover band. It’s thus no wonder that the quartet sees their newly released full-length debut Reach Out To Rock as an attempt to deny such suppositions.
The album’s opening track “You Called My Name” was also chosen to be the first single off it, and there are several assets to it that prompted such a choice. It’s a good example of the path the band’s embarked on and a clear manifestation of their Melodic Hard Rock sound, both the classic big chorus formula it’s embedded in and its modern flavors. By the rules of the genre, it’s the lead guitar work that is in the foreground here, the rhythm section being somewhat relegated to the background, but nevertheless tight and dynamic. Alex Waghorn’s mainly mid-range, solid vocals complement the track in an unfettered manner. Next goes “Fortune & Fame” with its excellent vocal harmonies, preceding the guitar-infused, melody-driven intensity of “Tell Me” – an infectiously catchy number three.
Based on a simple drum beat, and accompanied by a pumping bass line and a frugal guitar riff, “We Are” gradually reveals the underlying anthem-ic quality to it, exploding in its powerful choruses and blistering solo. “Someone Like You” is a melodic mid-tempo built around the contrast between the mellow, pared-down verses and the feisty choruses. It precedes “The Beast,” its title aptly chosen as there’s certain fierceness to its low-key, heavy guitar sound. It’s perhaps as close to Metal as Reach could have ever got without crossing the boundaries of their own genre, some clear melodic tints nevertheless kept throughout the entire track. It’s paired with “Make Me Believe” that, similarly to its predecessor, also juxtaposes the relatively heavy and thick instrumental work with massive vocal harmonies and a well-crafted melody.
Imbued with ‘80s Melodic Rock spirit all over – its mammoth choruses in particular – “Reach Out” is the album’s indisputable highlight. That is perhaps why “Looking For Love” somewhat pales in comparison to it, in spite of being a very solid, catchy rocker on its own. And, certainly, it’s no weakest link among the songs on Reach Out To Rock – surprisingly, it’s the final mid-tempo “Coming Home” that is one, an ordinary and somewhat uninspired ending to the excellent album.
Those who have found the aforementioned version of “Wake Me Up” appealing certainly won’t be disappointed with Reach Out To Rock. Music-wise, it’s the same style Reach’s take on Avicii EDM smash presented – a bit polished perhaps. Hardly innovative, but infectiously catchy, the band’s debut record is strongly embedded in Melodic Rock sound aesthetics and a recording of high quality. Style-wise, it draws as much from the classic Journey and Europe as it does from the current heavyweights of the genre – think Brother Firetribe (sans the earsplitting, massive keys) or H.E.A.T. That’s why all who are into this kind of music – fans of the old guard as well as followers of their successors – should give this young Swedish quartet a try. There’s no way they could regret it.
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock
Band:
Alex Waghorn – vocals
Ludvig Turner – guitars
David Jones – bass
Marcus Johansson – drums
Track List:
1. You Called My Name
2. Fortune & Fame
3. Tell Me
4. We Are
5. Someone Like You
6. The Beast
7. Make Me Believe
8. Reach Out
9. Looking For Love
10. Coming Home
Label: Sun Hill Production, Cargo Records
Website: www.facebook.com/reachofficialsweden
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
