by Joe Mis
— Guest Columnist —
Where does good hard rock come from? Not too many people would offer “Rhode Island”… However, fans of modern melodic metal may make the association thanks to veteran rocker Phil Vincent. Phil is a true multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer / engineer who never seems to run out of energy. His discography includes a number of solo releases, and he’s a part of Tragik, Legion, D’Ercole, and Circular Logik. Joining him in “CranstoN” are veteran guitarist / singer / songwriter / producer Paul Sabu, and drummer B.F. D’Ercole.
Vincent’s fans will be pleased as he’s kept to the simple formula that’s made his music memorable and accessible. Strong rhythms, big guitar hooks, strong lead and backing vocals, solid technical performances, and good songwriting are all mixed with heaping influences of the best of 80s and 90s metal (think Dokken, Ratt, Winger, etc.). Phil limits himself to vocals and songwriting on this CranstoN release, allowing Paul Sabu to handle most instruments and the production end. Sabu’s mixing and production experience truly shows, making this one of the best sounding releases in the Phil Vincent catalog. While obviously influenced by the classics, CranstoN’s sound is a distinctly clean and modern evolution of the hard rock / metal genre.
“Always On The Run” is classic Phil Vincent, blending 80’s hair metal influences with solid modern metal underpinnings. As usual, Phil and friends are spot on with their performances, delivering upbeat and spirited music without fluff and pretense. “What’s It Gonna Take” is more of a blues rock number with a relatively slow groove and tidy guitar lines – but D’Ercole’s bouncy drums steal this number. “Wrong Side Of Town”gives Sabu a chance to show off his keyboard prowess while allowing Vincent to stretch his vocal chords over the top of the song’s simple rhythms. Sabu’s lead break on this track is spectacular yet controlled, not distracting from what is arguably the best tune of the release. “Soul Crusher” is a moody track, a bit on the darker side. Sabu does a great job mixing this one, keeping the vocals simple and up front while allowing the bass, drums, and keys to push it along. He also supplies a short but sweet solo that contrasts nicely with the overall tone of the track. Unfortunately this song seems to have an abrupt fade out just when the guitars are starting to really get hot. “Tables Turning” is thick and juicy, with everyone contributing to a smoky blues-influenced song – this IS CranstoN firing on all cylinders.
“I Wish I had More Time” has a bit of Southern rock flair thanks to a great guitar line and solid percussion – and a vocal line that calls to mind some of the best of Dokken or Winger. The upbeat, almost pop-metal “One Track Mind” features some great gang vocals and a kicky rhythm line, and makes a nice change of pace. “Throwin’ Down” is a heavy track with pounding rhythms, intense vocals, and amazing guitar work. “Sad Truth” is all about flow – acoustic guitars and simple vocals that morph into heavier and thicker electric riffs, and an energy level that builds as the song progresses. Hints of Industrial metal and musical dissonance make “Take Me” an interesting and different track, although the contrasting chorus is straight up melodic rock. The release wraps with the drum-driven hard rocking “Dead & Gone” – the most energetic track of all – sounds like the band had a lot of fun laying this one down.
Overall, Cranston’s II is a very strong melodic metal release and should have broad appeal. With each release, Phil Vincent’s sound grows and matures. Paul Sabu’s experience complements Phil’s talents, and D’Ercole has worked with both for a while so he fits hand-in-glove. The 11 tracks are all just different enough that the listener is kept interested from start to finish, and there are no shocks or surprises to distract from a solid experience.
The trio that is CranstoN truly rocks – and should make Rhode Island proud! CranstoN’s II is highly recommended!
Genre: Melodic Metal
Band:
Phil Vincent (lead & backing vocals)
Paul Sabu (guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals)
B.F. D’Ercole (drums)
Track Listing:
1. Always On The Run
2. What’s It Gonna Take
3. Wrong Side Of Town
4. Soul Crusher
5. Tables Turning
6. Wish I Had More Time
7. One Track Mind
8. Throwin’ Down
9. Sad Truth
10. Take Me
11. Dead & Gone
Label: Rock Records
Website: www.philvincentbands.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.5 / 10)
