Bai Bang | Livin’ My Dream
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer
Swedish glam metal group Bai Bang has returned with their 6th studio album Livin’ My Dream. Having debuted in the late ‘80s, Bai Bang held the hair metal flag high through the unforgiving ‘90s eventually disbanding in the early ‘00s. 2009 saw the reformation of the seasoned hair metal band, followed by the release of Are You Ready, their comeback album. Livin’ My Dream is the second post-reunion album for the Scandinavian glamsters and possibly their best yet.
In contrast to its predecessor, Livin’ My Dream relies much more on melodies and harmonies, coming from guitars, vocals and keyboards. In fact, each song seems to come out like a huge melodic line. Evidently Bai Bang have moved from the groovy rock ‘n’ roll of the previous album to harmony-driven metal party. Livin’ My Dream artistically has more in common with the works of bands like The Poodles, Wig Wam and Stala & So. It is absolutely no exaggeration to claim that every songs on the album is a potential radio hit. For that matter Livin’ My Dream has the lengthiest, loudest and most melodic choruses than any of the five previous albums. Even the most demanding of glam metal fans will be overwhelmed by the barrage of potential mega hits concealed in this CD.
Indeed Livin’ My Dream is a giant leap for Bai Bang, proving infinitely superior to its predecessor, winning on all counts: catchier riffs, thicker backing vocals, more developed bridges and as mentioned above, mega-choruses. The new album is one big party where Def Leppard meets Bon Jovi and the consistency in artistic quality is enviable. It is such a mystery how the group managed to push their creative boundaries to this extent. Although the lineup has remained unchanged, featuring bassist Joacim Sandin, lead singer Diddi Kastenholt, guitarist Pelle Eliaz and drummer Jonas Langebro, still the songwriting is unrecognizable.
On account of the evidence provided on Livin’ My Dream, Bai Bang have entered the premiere division of contemporary hair metal/melodic hard rock acts. Rightfully belonging in the same league as Treat, Reckless Love, The Poodles and Wig Wam. Along these lines Bai Bang deserve the highest possible mark, since one finds that Livin’ My Dream could not be further improved in any way.
It is indeed rare to witness a band grow so dramatically from one release to the next. It seems even less likely when it comes to a seasoned rock/metal acts, yet that is exactly what Bai Bang have achieves with Livin’ My Dream.
Genre: Glam Metal / Party Hard Rock
Band:
Joacim Sandin : Bass, Back Vocals
Diddi Kastenholt : Vocals
Pelle Eliaz : Guitar, Back Vocals
Jonas Langebro : Drums
Track List:
01. We’re United
02. Livin’ My Dream
03. Come On
04. Rock On
05. Stay
06. Gonna Have It All
07. Tonight
08. Rock It
09. Die For You
10. Put On Her Dress
Label: Metal Heaven
Hardrock Haven rating: 10/10