Bangalore Choir | Cadence
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer
Since renowned guitarist/producer Martin Kronlund invited David Reece to sing on Gypsy Rose’s Another World in 2008, it has been non stop for the talented vocalist. In 2009 Reece put out his first solo album Universal Language, followed by the reissue Bangalore Choir’s debut album On Target in 2010.
On account of the success of these latest projects it should come as no surprise that Bangalore Choir have reformed. It is twenty years since their debut release and the group has finally put out Cadence, their second studio album. Reece reunites with guitarist Curt Mitchell and bassist Danny Greenberg also bringing in Andy Susemihl, the guitarist from his solo band, and drummer Hans Int Zandt.
Bangalore Choir’s debut is often regarded as one of the greatest melodic hard rock albums of the early 90s to come from the United States so clearly this second effort has a lot to live up to. Fortunately, David’s involvement in various releases has not hindered the quality of Cadence. On the contrary, one finds that the musicians David has brought on board from his other projects fit perfectly in the band.
Music wise, you are treated to: extra thick guitar parts, flamboyant lead work, solid rhythm section-perhaps a bit groovier than what one would expect and of course Reece’s commanding vocals. For the standards of the genre, it is also interesting that the presence of the keyboards has been kept to a minimum, with all harmonies split between guitars and vocals.
Cadence features a fair amount of mid-tempo songs in contrast to their faster-paced debut. Even to the experienced listener Cadence provides somewhat of a challenge as one is hard pressed to decide whether the melodies sound major or minor (hence sad or cheerful). It would therefore be fair to say that the attitude of Cadence stands right in the middle between optimism and pessimism which is quite a rare feat for any piece of music.
In addition you will find a handful of songs reminiscent of the early Bangalore Choir, namely “Martyr,” “Tomorrow,” “Sweet Temptation” and “Never Say goodbye.” In fact, track after track, Cadence sounds all the more like On Target. Though being far from Reece’s best effort since his comeback, Cadence bares the high quality standards of its predecessor and is a faithful continuation of the same melodic hard rock vibe despite the intervening years.
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock
Band:
David Reece – Vocals
Curt Mitchell – Guitar
Andy Susemihl – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Danny Greenberg – Bass
Hans Zandt – Drums
Track List:
01. Wahzoo City
02. Power Trippin
03. Martyr
04. Livin Your Dreams
05. Survival Of The Fittest
06. Tomorrow
07. Heart Attack And Vine
08. Still Have A Song To Sing
09. Dig Deep
10. Never Say Goodbye
11. Sweet Temptation
12. High On The Clouds
13. Spirits Too The Bleed
14. Surrender All Your Love
Band website: www.reeceworld.com/
Label website: www.metalheaven.net
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10