THE GLORIA STORY – Shades Of White (2011)

THE GLORIA STORY was formed in a small town of Skövde, Sweden, in early 2009.
After a successful local single and loads of TV and Radio-show-appearances, the band are reloading their guns and with the help of Anders ‘Boba Fett’ Lindström (ex Hellacopters) as a producer, they are releasing their first album “Shades Of White”.
In short, The Gloria Story plays retro-rock.
Their influences are classic rock bands as Thin Lizzy, Bowie, Cheap Trick, T-Rex, Kiss and many others, mixed with a contemporary sound. The music is undoubtedly modern and fresh, and the band does its best to pay tribute to the greats without imitating them.

Fronting the band are vocalists Joan ‘Kid’ Sallrot and Filip Rapp. Besides doing a commendable job in front of the mic, both also contribute solid guitars throughout. Carl Ahlander also slings the guitar with fire and enthusiasm, providing the opportunity for some slick harmonies and neat and tidy solos.
The real heartbeat of the music however is the solid teamwork by Joakim Ståhl (bass) and Henrik Siberg (drums). These guys are shy and really know how to drive a song without being too in your face.

“Valentino” opens the album, and the guys from Thin Lizzy would be pleased with this bouncy bass driven track that features good guitar harmonies and a vocal delivery that the late great Phil Lynott would love.
Light, pop-inspired guitars, strong vocals and great drumming make “Total Stranger” a light rock kick.
An amazingly upbeat blues rock bass line will have even the most jaded feet tapping along to “When Hearts Cease To Bloom.”
“Highway” is a truly a classic rock guitar tune with some great hooks and driving riffs – and would be an excellent sing-along song thanks to its good natured catchy chorus.
The lower energy Cheap Trick-inspired “That 70′s Night” proves that you always need more cow bell…

“Baby Let The Good Times Roll” features some slick guitars and great vocals backed by a driving bass and drum line – another foot-tapper.
“I Don’t Wanna Be Your Bet” is the heaviest track on the album. Pounding bass and brutal drums blend seamlessly with energetic guitars and well done vocals to make this the standout track on the album.
“I Can Make You Run” showcases the band’s vocal abilities while mixing in some lighter guitars with a simple but effective solo and a fat bass.
“15,000 Ft.” is guitar driven track that tells the story of someone who really hates air travel. Anyone who like rock guitar will dig this one.

“Shades Of White” is a very well recorded retro, vintage Hard / Classic Rock album with an updated sound. It mixes the past with the future.
The sounds of Thin Lizzy, Kiss and Cheap Trick never sounded more up to date.
Fans of the ’70s will be thrilled while contemporary radio-rock fans will find themselves on seventh heaven, as the songs are instant and rockin’. I mean, the sound is mainly focusing on the analogue ’70s standards but it also efficiently looks one eye at today’s radiohuntin’ rock standards.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I like most of the tunes, the attitude and the warm rock sound.
This is the kind of music that will get hands clapping and feet tapping. After all, isn’t that what rock and roll is all about?

01. Valentino
02. Total Stranger
03. When Hearts Cease To Bloom
04. Highway
05. That 70’s Night
06. Baby Let The Good Times Roll
07. I Don’t Wanna Be Your Bet
08. I Can Make You Run
09. 15000 FT.
10. It’s Forbidden To Make You Mad

Joan ‘Kid’ Sallrot: guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals
Filip Rapp: guitar, lead vocals, backing vocals, percussion
Joakim Ståhl: bass, backing vocals
Carl Ahlander: guitar
Henrik Siberg: drums

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www.thegloriastory.com