LINEHOUSE – Take One (2010)
Hailing from Sundsvall, Sweden, the duo LINEHOUSE got together in 2005 when Niklas Dernebo (Vocals) and Jonas Öhlund (Guitars/Bass/Keys/Programming/Vocals) found out that they had a common desire to write music inspired by the 80’s AOR / melodic rock.
Jonas was once a member of the legendary swedish Melodic Rock band PRIDE, whom released a single and several demos at the end of the ’80s before splitting up in 1992.
In 2008 however an indie british label released a CD filled with material PRIDE recorded in the past.
In the spring of 2007, LINEHOUSE sent some demo tracks to Björn Lodin (BALTIMOORE) who took care of mixing and mastering.
The songs were released by the boys themselves as a 3 track EP. It was well recieved and it put fuel to the flame.
Recordings of a full-length album began soon, and at the very beginning of 2010, a full-length CD titled “Take One” was released to the public.
They have come up with a bunch of nice songs with good variation and arrangements, a light version of STAGE DOLLS, GREENHOUZE or ON THE RISE.
The album opens up with an up-tempo rocker named “Every Little Heartbeat” featuring a melodic riff and a cool chorus.
Next up is “First Love” one of the 3 songs from the EP that are included on “Take One”. This is a strong song with nice hooklines.
The piano ballad “I Need You” should be huge because this is a stunning harmonic song and are made for radio for sure. Maybe lacks the presence of a more consistent chorus.
“What Makes It Feel So Right?” and “The Fear Of Losing You” are good light rockers employing spare, streamlined guitarwork, giving both a little more (and very welcome) bite.
One of the best songs on the album is “Here For You” that starts slow but turns out to a rocker sounding like they built it with a collection of split parts from old Martin Page, ’80s Uriah Heep and Jim Steinman songs, this track is an absolute cracker.
The album ends with “Stormrider” on the scandi-rock 90’s tradition.
LINEHOUSE has done a more than decent debut album.
They need to improve the songwriting, specially on the addition of more hooky choruses and ‘fire’.
But musically they’re on track following the pure ’80-’90s scandi AOR/Melodic Rock style.
Good stuff.
01 – Every Little Heartbeat
02 – First Love
03 – Get Off That Train
04 – I Need You
05 – Breathe Through You
06 – What Makes It Feel So Right?
07 – The Fear Of Losing You
08 – Two Hearts
09 – Here For You
10 – Stormrider
Niklas Dernebo : Vocals
Jonas Öhlund : Guitars, Bass, Keys, Programming
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!
