It’s always a treat when one of your favourite singers drops a new album and opening up with the album’s first single ”Til I Die’ things start out strong. ‘Soulbound,’ McAuley’s third record for Frontiers in the last 4 years sees him amidst the busiest period of his recording life. Indeed since 2019 he has released an incredible 7 studio albums: 3 solo records, 2 with Michael Schenker Fest and 2 with Black Swan. There are no signs of slowing down.
With so many great releases it’s always interesting to see how the latest stacks up against the quite wonderful ‘Standing on the Edge (2021)’ and ‘Alive’ (2023) as it’s certainly being given a big push… McAuley comments on ‘Soulbound’:“I can’t wait to share Record #3 with you all from Frontiers Music SRL. ‘Soulbound’ is a much edgier, harder guitar-driven record than my previous two for the label. In addition, I’m working with a new producer from the Frontiers label, Aldo Lonobile, who brought these songs to life with his Kick-Ass production. PLAY IT LOUD !!!!! I think you’re gonna Luv It!!!!“‘
Check Out the New Music Video for “‘Til I Die” HERE
Single and first track ‘Til I Die’ has some nice guitar and slick production courtesy of Frontier’s new head or A&R Aldo Lonobile but for me it’s McAuley’s voice that pushes the song and gives it a darker edge. I like it but I’m not completely convinced. The title track ‘Soulbound’ that follows again sees McAuley’s voice continue to defy the years, and it’s on these slower numbers that you can really feel how his vocals have gained rather than lost over the years.
Work for ‘Soulbound’ began in early 2024, following “an intense musical period in between tour dates and studio work.” so it’s been a while coming, and whilst its brimming with the sort of songs and moves you might expect, and I love the harder edged guitar like the opening to ‘The Best of Me’. There’s is though a feeling that some of the songs themselves aren’t quite all that they might be. But that’s the magic of what an artist like McAuley can do. Take ‘The Best of Me’ it’s just not quite what we’ve come to expect in recent years but when you add the vocal all of a sudden it’s alive.
‘Crazy’ almost ventures into gentle Pop Rock and isn’t really for me, though it has a cool summery feel to it. ‘Let It Go’ injects more swagger – it’s more guitar-driven straight hard rock and has a nice 80’s feel. It’s one that really catches first time round.
It’s ‘Wonders of the World’ though that is the first really big hitter. Great song, great riff and nice and broody building to a sweeping chorus. Love it! ‘One Good Reason’ that follows is another that simply sizzles, making the second half of the album for my mind where you’ll find the real gems.
‘Bloody Bruised and Beautiful’ keeps that thought alive with a frenetic opening and nice build, but something just doesn’t click which is a huge shame as it’s one of my favourite vocals here, it just needs a bigger hook.
Of the final tracks: ‘Paradise’ rights the ship again – it’s another solid rocker, deceptively simple and wonderfully effective. Penultimate track ‘Born To Die’ hits it’s mid-tempo stride nicely and sports some cool lyrics. It’s another winner for me.
Closer ‘There Was A Man’ is probably my favourite here – a fully cranked rocker that really soars and underscores that Robin McAuley is one of the best voices in Hard rock out there today.
If you’ve loved Robin’s last two solo records then this one sonically has a harder edge: and whilst there are glimpses of the “melodic, infectious, and fist-in-the-air uplifting” songs rom those earlier albums the production and treatment of the songs here gives things a new twist. For me some of the songs don’t quite connect right away, but this is a record that comes home strong and saves the best for the second half, and the very best till last.
The real star here though are the vocals, Mr. McAuley is one of those rare talents that could sing a phone directory and make it essential. I’m not sure I love this as much as his Black Swan project, and for me it will need a few listens before I can’t rank it against his other solo output, but from track six this is all gold. And you know what? With each listen this just gets better…
8 / 10
Pre-Order ‘Soulbound’ HERE ‘Soulbound’
Track List:
1. ‘Til I Die
2. Soulbound
3. The Best of Me
4. Crazy
5. Let It Go
6. Wonders of the World
7. One Good Reason
8. Bloody Bruised and Beautiful
9. Paradise
10. Born To Die
11. There Was A Man
Credits:
Produced, mixed and mastered by: Aldo Lonobile
Recorded By: Aldo Lonobile, except vocals recorded by Andy Zuckerman
Band Members:
Robin McAuley – Vocals
Andrea Seveso, Alessandro Mammola – Guitars
Aldo Lonobile – Bass/additional guitars
Alfonso Mocerino – Drums Additional keyboards: Antonio Agate
