by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
Although it’s a bit tough to “stray from the flock” after 11 solo albums, that is the title of Mike Tramp’s new release. For those missing the days of emotional, near vocal fry heart-rending deliveries like on “Valhalla” or “Broken Heart” from his White Lion dies, he buried that version of himself long ago and it won’t be exhumed. Instead, Tramp is now near Folk/Americana music, a storyteller, most of his songs acoustic and with a much more mature message than “Wait … I never had a chance to love you.” Although it’s sonically a different animal, it’s still Tramp … which means it’s still damn good.
The word “timely” is a good way to brand the opener, “No End to War,” a dynamic, multi-layered composition. It’s poignant, haunting, and best of all, depressing as hell. As stated, he’s a storyteller, but that doesn’t mean all stories have a happy ending. When Tramp sings, “Hear the cries of a million children … keep destroying what they’re building,” it may take you back a bit to Pride, but this is bleaker than most album introductions. Welcome to Tramp, 2019.
“Dead End Ride” is one of the singles off the album, and it’s a more rocking, but still melancholy. Sure, the song is about love, but with lyrics like, “Take it as it is or get the hell outta here,” well, a belated Happy Valentine’s Day from Tramp. To be sure, some of this song has to be personal to define relationships as a “Dead End Ride,” and well … you can’t argue with his truth.
“Homesick” is one of the songs that draw you in closest on Stray from the Flock. He has a knack for the melancholy and bereft, and this one shines a black-light on the past. While the earlier songs don’t have as strong of a sing-along quotient to them, this one makes you at least hum under your breath. “When you ask yourself which way the wind is blowing, I guess I could be homesick after all.” That’s sad, and honest. In a way, it’s Tramp looking back on his career and where he is today, the ups and downs, and whatever sank its musical fangs into him in the ’80s hasn’t let go of him yet, regardless of where the wind takes him.
At this point, you are starting to want to take all the candles and spoons from your house, and then you get to “Live It Out,” which drives away those emotional storm clouds for a while. This is an upbeat rocker, maybe something that could fit on Mane Attraction, and Marines will embrace the carpe diem message Tramp is sending.
“Best Days of My Life” is a huge song, one of the fastest on the album, complete with some fluid backing vocals from Emily Langeskov. This just sounds like it was fun to record, while some of the other moodier tracks seem slightly draining from a recording aspect. It has a newer Bon Jovi vibe, a celebration of life, and it’s an album highlight.
Of course it has to end with a title like “Die With a Smile on Your Face.” You get Morten Bucholz on the Hammond and piano, and Langeskov lends her tantalizing vocals to harmonize with Tramp’s melodies. Tramp sings the refrain, “Die with a smile on your face” three times as the song decrescendos, with funeral bells and sobbing winds fading the album out. Tramp needs a hug.
Stray From the Flock doesn’t stray far from what Tramp has recorded over his past few solo releases. While there is no clear, timeless tale like “Cobblestone Street,” one of his best songs ever, the album is rife with some good music. Whether he likes it or not, though, it’s mood music, and if you are in the mood to celebrate, this shall not be your jam. But it’s contemplative and in some cases seductive, and everyone needs that in their sonic arsenal as well. Consistent, strong release from Tramp, yet again …
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Mike Tramp: Vocal, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Würlitzer
Claus Langeskov: Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Kenni Andy: Drums & Percussion
Henrik Berger: Guitar – 5 & 7
Marcus Nand: Guitar – 1 & 9
Oliver Steffensen: Guitar – 3 & 4
Soren Andersen: Guitar – 2 & 6
Kenny Korade: Guitar – 8
Morten Buchholz: Hammond Organ & Piano
Emily Garriock Langeskov: Backing Vocals
Tracklisting:
1. No End To War
2. Dead End Ride
3. Homesick
4. You Ain’t Free Anymore
5. No Closure
6. One Last Mission
7. Live It Out
8. Messiah
9. Best Days Of My Life
10. Die With A Smile On Your Face
Label: Target Group
Online:
https://www.miketramp.dk
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(7.5 / 10)
