Shadowman | Watching Over You
by Don & Ron Higgins
Staff Writer
Watching Over You is the impressive fourth album by the British hard rock band Shadowman. This album is a well-produced, perfectly executed melodic / AOR album that sounds vintage yet contemporary. The four musicians craft 12 solid tracks that demonstrate not only good songwriting, but excellent musicianship.
Shadowman released their first album Land of the Living in 2004 and it was considered one of the strongest British melodic rock releases of that year. The band consists of singer Steve Overland (FM), guitarist Steve Morris (Heartland), drummer Harry James (Thunder) and Chris Childs (Thunder). One of the nice things about the album is that there is a lot of diversity so that it never gets tiresome. There are solid rockers, radio friendly melodic songs as well as pleasant ballads.
The album starts off strong right out of the gate with “Across The Universe” which is an up-tempo rocker. It’s an interesting choice for the first song due to its 25-second instrumental intro with some in-your-face drumming. Apparently they want you to know that along with powerful singing and shredding guitars, this group has a solid rhythm section that is very prominent throughout the album. This song also features a cool Hammond B3-sounding keyboard solo reminiscent of Boston. The next song, “Renegades” is one of the most rocking songs on the album. Then they switch gears with one of the best songs on the album, the ballad “Cry”. It’s a powerful five minute plus song that is well-mixed, has great backing vocals and impressive musicianship, especially on the slow guitar intro that sounds a bit like Mark Knopfler. And then on the fourth song, “Watching Over You”, they create a nice radio-friendly song with up-front keyboards to start that settles into a catchy rock song that lets Overland shine. There are also impressive keyboard and guitar solos in this one. Next is “Are You Ready”. It is another standout track on the album and would be the perfect choice for a single. It’s a well crafted, catchy rock song. The song is so solid that it makes you think that these guys have been together for 20 years. The sixth track, “Suzanne” is another solid melodic rock song that showcases the great harmonies of the band as well as some more keyboard and guitar soloing.
The second half of the album continues with the rocking “Waiting for a Miracle” which has a very catchy chorus and is a good example of a song that sounds both classic and modern. The B3 solo and melody sounds vintage 1970’s but the modern production shines. This is another stand out song. “Stop Breaking This Heart of Mine” is a catchy ballad that sounds like it could have been a huge hit in the mid ‘80s. Another standout. “Heaven Waits” is a moody rocker that isn’t as catchy as many of the songs but still features some interesting guitar work. Track number ten, “Whatever it Takes” is one of the best songs on the album. It showcases everything this band is all about. It starts with an acoustic guitar, then kicks into a catchy, mid-tempo rocker with terrific music, an excellent guitar solo and features a big chorus.
“Justify” is another up-tempo hard rocker. It features a riffing guitar, prominent drumming and strong, passionate vocals by Overland with cool harmony vocals by the band. It also features another great guitar solo by Steve Morris. The last track, “Party Is Over”, is an interesting way to end the album. It’s different from everything else but that’s not to say that it’s bad. It’s got a funky guitar rhythm and harmony vocals throughout and sounds like the band is having fun. All group members get to show off a little during the song and it’s a pleasant way to end an excellent album.
In summary: A solid melodic, hard rock offering that is sure to please fans of this genre. If you are a fan of FM, Heartland or Steve Overland’s solo material then it’s a must. If you are not familiar with those bands, Shadowman has moments that remind one of a heavy Boston, Bad Company, Kansas or sometimes older Whitesnake. If you like quality modern AOR, then definitely check these guys out!
Band:
Steve Overland – Lead vocals
Steve Morris- Guitars and keyboards
Harry James- Drums
Chris Childs- Bass
Track Listing:
01) Across The Universe
02) Renegades
03) Cry
04) Watching Over You
05) Are You Ready
06) Suzanne
07) Waiting For A Miracle
08) Stop Breaking This Heart Of Mine
09) Heaven Waits
10) Whatever It Takes
11) Justify
12) Party Is Over
Label: www.Escape-Music.com
Hard Rock Haven Rating: 9/10