EZ LIVIN’ – Firestorm (2014)

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Founded in 1991 by Bonfire guitarist Hans Ziller as a side project, EZ LIVIN’ released one album at the time before disappearing in the night. Last year however, Ziller called some musicians to get the band on its feet again and one of them was American singer David Reece, ex-Accept but currently mainly known as frontman of Bangalore Choir.
The result is the new effort from EZ LIVIN’ after more than twenty years, entitled “Firestorm”.

Mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio, apart from Ziller & Reece, the new incarnation of Ez Livin’ includes drummer Harry Reischmann (Bonfire), Ronnie Parkes (Tango Down) on bass, Paul Morris (Rainbow) on keyboards, piano & organ, and the now renowned producer Chris Lyne (ex- Soul Doctor) serves as guest on guitars.
So expect seasoned musicianship on “Firestorm”.
The musical theme here is traditional European melodic hard rock in the old fashioned way with several classic rock / traditional hard rock leanings, featuring Ziller tearing up the fret board and Reece moving like a fish in the water with the material put on the table.

There’s kickin’ tracks like “That’s How He Rocks”, “Loaded Gun” – which could have been a Kiss song and not only for its title, as Reece sounds like Paul Stanley on it – and “Into the Night”, although this one ventures more towards hard ‘n heavy.
You have a bluesy / hard touch on “White Lightning”, then the keyboard opening sequence to the good cover of Uriah Heep’s classic “Easy Living” makes one wonder if Jon Lord actually passed away or not.
“The Damage Is Done” sports a catchy melodic chorus and a great guitar solo, while the groovy “Too Late” reminds you of late period Rainbow, but that might be a stretch.
The huge ballad “Let’s Fly Away” begs the question – is it actually still 2014 or 1984?

“Firestorm” is a fun, entertaining release that feels composed, played and recorded during the Eighties. That’s what Ziller wanted for this EZ LIVIN’ second effort and Alessandro Del Vecchio did a perfect work behind the desk to capture the essence of those years.
It’s that kind of album, one where Uriah Heep, Rainbow and the first Whitesnake still rule and hard rock is King.
Easily Recommended.

1. That’s How He Rocks
2. Loaded Gun
3. White Lightning
4. Let’s Fly Away
5. Easy Living (Uriah Heep Cover)
6. The Damage Is Done
7. Too Late
8. Into The Night
9. Let’s Fly Away (Director’s Cut) [bonus track / CD only]

David Reece – Vocals
Hans Ziller – Guitars
Harry Reischmann – Drums
Ronnie Parks – Bass
Paul Morris – Keyboards
Chris Lyne – guest Guitars

BUY IT !
www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/cd/ez-livin-firestorm.html
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