RECKLESS LOVE – Spirit (2013)
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Bombastic Finnish rockers RECKLESS LOVE who burst spectacularly onto the European scene in 2010, will have their third full-length studio album “Spirit” released on September 2nd.
“Spirit”, much like the band’s previous releases, has a strong influence from the ‘big hair’ hits of the ’80s, and tries indeed, to capture the spirit of that golden era.
Anyone can get the eighties look down if they try hard enough, but not many can write and play fine songs in this hard rock, melodic style. Reckless Love have nailed it for the most part in “Spirit”.
Opening with lead single “Night On Fire” is a statement of intent. Blending some hypnotic, voodoo drums and turning some almost tribal chants into archetypal eighties ‘whoa, whoa’ is just going to grab you. Sounding so catchy that this track should be heard on every radio in the world during the Summer.
“Bad Lovin´” follows with more of those hit making tricks from the time when rock ruled the airwaves (‘na, na, na’ this time) and, yep, you’ve guessed it, it’s all about sex, in the Motley Crue circa ’88 style.
Track three sees Olli Herman make the claim “I Love Heavy Metal”. Here Reckless Love turf out a Tuff sounding classic for an all new generation of Finnish Hairband fans while name checking some classic acts along the way. It’s a cool melodic hard rocker recalling Warrant in its prime, with a very nice melody and one of my favorites on the disc.
“Favorite Flavor” follows the theme – upbeat, joyous and with a pop-metal chorus as signature. The midtempo “Edge Of Our Dreams” adds some modernity to the album, but I prefer when Reckless Love push the pedal with sharp riffs, and this is not the case here.
For example, next track “Sex, Drugs & Reckless Love” is a marching rocker driven by bouncy rhythms and harmonies, a simple song, but this is what you want to hear from this band, and they do it truly well.
“Dying To Live” is a clean (guitars and rhythm section) rock song, again a bit modern, yet really effective. On “Metal Ass” they go for a fast, anthemic metallic tune which I like a lot, then “Runaway Love” is a fine melodic rocker with a contagious chorus.
“So Happy I Could Die” is another fav of mine, one of these type of songs build for the arenas. Huge guitars, massive backing vocals and that ‘spirit’ which Reckless Love is searching for.
The album ends (the UK version will include an extra track) with the only proper ballad; “Hot Rain”, a tale of heartbreak & loss well constructed, arranged and orchestrated faithful to the eighties power ballad mould.
As said, Reckless Love succeed for the most part to recapture the ’80’s “Spirit” here, with some really catchy tunes, the right attitude and excellent production for this genre.
I am not completely convinced when they go for modernity on a couple of tracks, but overall this is a solid, fun and enjoyable recording that finally should establish Reckless Love as a worldwide entertainment.
Very Recommended.
01. Night On Fire
02. Bad Lovin’
03. I Love Heavy Metal
04. Favorite Flavor
05. Edge Of Our Dreams
06. Sex, Drugs & Reckless Love
07. Dying To Live
08. Metal Ass
09. Runaway Love
10. So Happy I Could Die
11. Hot Rain
Olli Herman – Vocals
Pepe – Guitar
Jalle Verne – Bass
Hessu Maxx – Drums
Pre-Order:
www.cdinzane.com/product.php?productid=12520
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