Vega Kiss of Life
by Ron and Don Higgins
Staff Writer
Kiss of Life is the debut masterpiece by VEGA, which has been eagerly anticipated by lovers of AOR since the project was first announced this summer. It’s exactly what you would expect from a Frontiers Records release produced by John Greatwood and mastered by Pink Cream 69 legend Dennis Ward. Every song from the first track to the final cut features powerful vocals, catchy choruses, rhythmic keyboards and driving guitars, complete with impressive guitar solos that would make Neal Schon proud. Fans of melodic rock like Journey and Survivor will absolutely love this album.
VEGA was formed in mid 2009 when former KICK vocalist Nick Workman paired up with songwriters Tom and James Martin (who have written songs for the likes of House of Lords, Ted Poley, Joe Lynn Turner’s Sunstorm, Khymera and others). The brothers and Nick first met a decade ago when KICK was supporting Thunder on the first of their farewell tours. They met Nick a second time along with drummer Dan Chantrey at a U.K. rock festival. They began working together the next day. They wrote 25 songs over the next few months and chose the best songs for recording, 12 of which ended up on this debut release.
As described by guitarist Tom Martin, “We wear our love of ’80s rock music on our sleeve, but we also have injected our love of modern rock music to it. We aren’t trying to rehash anything: the sound we have achieved is 100% VEGA. We didn’t want to try and guess what people expect and get it wrong. Normally when we write songs we have the control over the lyrics/melodies but this time with Vega we left Nick to this part because we really rate him as a songwriter and he did a fantastic job with this on Kick’s albums, so we knew he could make our sound more unique and make it a bit different from the AOR songs we write.”
There are many standout tracks on this release, including the two opening tracks “Into the Wild” and “Kiss of Life”, the two closing tracks “What It Takes” and “SOS” as well as the middle track “Headlights”. In truth, it’s difficult to highlight standout tracks because, really, all 12 tracks are standouts!
This album kicks off in glorious fashion with the up-tempo rocker “Into the Wild”. This is classic AOR with lots of keyboards, guitar solos and a catchy chorus. Lyrically, it’s a great motivational song and it’s a perfect choice to start with because it sets the rocking tempo and is probably the best track on this album of many great tracks.
“Kiss of Life” is the title track and another classic rock song with a chorus that you will be humming incessantly for many hours after hearing it. This could arguably have been the lead track but fits quite well in the second slot and keeps the album’s high energy level up. Vocally, one can make comparisons to Dream Theater’s James LaBrie.
The mid-track highlight “Headlights” features yet another catchy chorus, “baby don’t run into headlights; baby don’t turn into headlines; baby don’t burn a hole in my soul.” It starts off with a nice guitar intro that blends into another rockin’ tune. The guitar work on this album is stellar and shines through the whole album like, well, like a headlight!
Finishing off the record is “What it Takes” and “SOS”. “What it Takes” is a pure ballad that is reminiscent of Night Ranger, Survivor or Journey. Get your lighters ready because you’ll want to wave ‘em in the air to this one. “SOS” (aka, Save Our Song) is another highlight. It starts with a nice keyboard intro that leads into yet another inspiring rock groove and another awesome chorus (…that song, that dance, that night). Like many of the songs on this record, it’s a love song, and it beautifully wraps up this excellent album.
The other songs are equally brilliant. “One of a Kind” starts with another heavy keyboard intro and lots of thumping bass. The song continues to pick up momentum as it speeds to its final note, praising the virtues of nonconformity.
“Staring At The Sun” starts with another keyboard/drum intro. It’s a mid-tempo rocker with a great guitar solo in the middle and nice drumming. As with all of the songs on this release, it has a great sing-along chorus, “I can’t see what you’ve done, if I’m staring up at the sun…”
“Too Young For Wings” is a slow guitar ballad but features a great lead guitar break in the middle. Due to the slow tempo this song really showcases Nick’s vocals which become even more powerful as the song shifts into the chorus.
“Another” is another up-tempo rocker. It features beautiful piano work and a nice, loud, crunchy guitar. Interestingly, it features a nice little Beatle-esque harmony moment in middle just to break things up and demonstrate that they can color outside the lines when they want.
“Hearts of Glass” is a cautionary tale about love. No, it’s not a cover of the popular Blondie tune by the same name. It has a new-age synthesizer intro that morphs into wailing vocals, screaming guitar and thundering drums. The tempo starts moderate and then slams into full drive as it picks up into a faster pace. Another great melody is featured as well as inspired guitar playing and a cool solo towards the end of the song. Another instant classic.
“Stay With Me” begins like a typical ‘80s pop/rock song with the keyboard lead-in but then the guitar kicks in to modernize it. It has an infectious chorus, “Stay with me tonight. I lost my way when I lost my light, never realized the fault is mine.” Again, this track features nice guitar work by Tom Martin, including a tasty solo. There’s definitely a Danger Danger sound and feel to it, which is always a good thing!
“Wonderland” starts with a driving guitar and some ELP “Welcome back my friends” lyrics (”Good afternoon, how do you do…” This is an interesting, more modern sounding song, complete with “Enough is enough when it never is enough” chanting towards the end. Nick’s vocals are once again on display, evoking a Michael Kiske sound this time. Another impressive track.
VEGA will be out on the road in 2011 supporting this release with live dates, starting with a supporting gig for Danny Vaughn on Dec. 10 and a test-run on Dec. 9 at The Yardbird’s. If they play anywhere close to you, consider it a MUST concert to attend.
This album is truly a melodic rock masterpiece and will undoubtedly be listed by many as one of the best melodic rock releases of 2010. If you’ve been good girls and boys this year, maybe Santa will even leave a copy in your lacy, satin stocking.
Band:
Nick Workman: vocals
Tom Martin: guitars
James Martin: keyboards
Dan Chantrey: drums
Track Listing:
1. Into The Wild
2. Kiss Of Life
3. One Of A Kind
4. Staring At The Sun
5. Too Young For Wings
6. Another
7. Headlights
8. Hearts Of Glass
9. Stay With Me
10. Wonderland
11. What It Takes
12. SOS
Website: www.myspace.com/vegaofficial
Label: Frontier Records
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10