For fans of Danger Danger the reality is that Frontiers may well have released their last album in 2009 with ‘Revolve’. If that is the case it’s a fitting epitaph for a great band but that of course doesn’t stop the members releasing their own new material – and with the recent release of Bruno Ravel’s new project ‘The Defiants’ making big waves it’s great to see original D2 vocalist Ted Poley back again so soon after.
READ WHAT BRUNO HAD TO SAY ABOUT D2 RECENTLY HERE
On the back of two great solo releases in ‘Collateral Damage’ (2006) and ‘Smile’ (2007) Ted is back bigger and bolder than ever for ‘Beyond the Fade’ which with songs penned by Tom and James Martin (Vega), and with a slew of huge hooks, steaming guitar and slick production along with a great 80’s fist-pumping feel, more than fills the gap.
Opener ‘Let’s Start Something’ puts you immediately at ease – it’s a huge song with a huge attitude and just the right amount of rocket-fuelled melody to start the party, it actually makes me think of Melodica Ted’s project from the 2000’s. “Everything We Are’ nestles up nicely alongside and delivers that so important reassurance that this is going to be something special and just to further confirm that sweet summer night feeling ‘Hands of Love’ a real D2 rocker follows. It’s magic for D2 fans out there.
If that isn’t enough ‘The Perfect Crime’, a duet, (can’t tell you who the female co-lead is) works really well and takes the mood down a notch before ‘Stars’ kicks it back up again with a mid-tempo AOR tour-de-force. ‘Higher’ finds that third gear again and shimmers and ‘Where I Lost You’ adds a modern melodic touch.
There’s no waver though as the album draws to a close: ‘You Won’t See Me Cryin’’ kicks the melody back into the red before ‘We Are Young’ guides you home on gleaming wings and impassioned guitar before penultimate track ‘Sirens’ simply does the job with a huge melody and great hook. The last word goes to ‘Beneath the Stars’ a sweeping ballad that leaves you wanting more.
This is a great album, dripping with great songs that do just what the best melodic rock does – takes you away from everything that ails you to a better place.
