Acacia Avenue Acacia Avenue
by Franco Wissa
Staff Writer
While known for his progressive metal work with Fatal Force, Danish guitarist Torben Enevoldsen takes a more melodic approach with this his side project, Acacia Avenue. Sounding like the vocal heavy sounds of Final Frontier, Work of Art and others of the same genre, what is heard first and foremost are the vocal harmonies.
Lending their vocal talents to this AOR outing are some of the finest vocalists in melodic rock, including Tony Mills (TNT, Shy) Torben Lysholm (Mysterell, Pangea,) Geir Ronning (Radioactive) and Lars Saflund (Work of Art.) While it has been said, that having multiple lead singers takes away from the conformity of the CD, the opposite must be pointed out- for as heard on Tor Talle’s brilliant Northern Light release, multiple vocalists were brought into the mix each to lend their talents, vocal styles and because of which, different emotions were felt throughout the CD’s playing time. The same can be said of this.
The powerful vocals of Tony Mills heard on the opening track “Don’t Call Me Tonight,” was a perfect choice for this particular harder rocking track, as his higher pitch vocal style soars above the hard rocking guitars. Conversely, the keyboard heavy, mid tempo, lower ended “Hold On,” is suited for the lower octaves of Geir Ronning. Had Tony Mills sang on this track, his voice would have soared so far above the musical accompaniment that the feel of this Kansas sounding track would have been lost in the translation. So to that end, Enevoldsen is to be applauded for his vocal choices.
The overall feel is classy, smooth and effortless. The jazzy, Toto-ish sounding “An Illusion,” the off kilter drumming of “Let Go,” the pulsating, up-beat “Jamie’s in Love,” the heartfelt, with an organ laying a wonderful blanket of soft tones is perfect on “Wait No More,” and the intro of “Just Wanna Be With You,” will remind the listener of Damn Yankees “Coming of Age,” and the closing track “Digging,” is about melodic as one could hope for with harmonies everywhere.
Musicians have the wonderful luxury of being able to broaden their musical projects as they mature and make a name for themselves. Here is such an example – and it is done wonderfully. Soft in certain moments, hard in others, melodic and for those wanting one guitar solo and riff after another, take a listen to what is heard here. And you will be pleasantly surprised. Track after track, the guitars are allowed to cut loose, and like a throwback to the 1980s when guitar solos ruled, Acacia Avenue allows it to happen full force here.
The completed CD leaves the listener feeling refreshed, and knowing that here was a project where no expense was spared in the production and mixing. While true, Acacia Avenue is perhaps one that doesn’t standout immediately, however on its own merit, this is an excellent release from a gifted musician who brought with him some of the melodic rock world’s best.
Label: Lion Music
Track Listining:
Don’t Call Me Tonight
Hold On
An Illusion
Jamie’s in Love
Can’t Make You Stay
Mad Antennae
Wait No More
No Looking Back
Just Wanna Be With You
Let Go
Digging
Musicians:
Tony Mills – vocals
Torben Lysholm – vocals
Geir Ronning – vocals
Lars Saflund – vocals
Torben Evevoldsen – bass, guitars, keyboards, vocals
Cartsen Nuemann – bass
Thomas Heintzleman – drums
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10