Angelica
Untitled release
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Here is a hot young band from Florida that's gonna change their name soon (as soon as they discover Dennis Cameron's group, Angelica, which is releasing an album on Frontline this month.). They can write good songs.
"Don't Turn Your Back On Love" is a good melodic/pop-rocker with hot production. Bryan Blumer's flashy guitars and Robby Lee's keyboards race along at a fast pace, accompanied by the rhythm section of bassist/vocalist Peter James and drummer Gary Smith. All the band joins in for some full BGV's. Bryan's guitar cuts loose on some cool leads near the end of the song.
"Every Step" is a pretty ballad with just the right amount of passionate guitar leads, pounding drums and pouting vocals. Peter shows off his set of lungs as he cries out: "Only You, Lord/ only You can fill that space/ With Your love I can survive."
"More Than Words Can Say" has lots of energy, but is a little too sugary sweet for the speed it travels. There's crunchy guitars and a scream halfway through, but the syruppy keys are in the front of the mix all the way through and the BGV's come off Bay City Roller-ish. Reminds me a little bit of Soldier and a band called Alliance (that used to play a lot here in Austin). This song fits the pre-teen hit-single formula.
One hot 3-song tape with only 1 wimpy song. I say it's a winner and definitely worth checking out.