REBEL GEL – Is It A Sin (2014)
*
REBEL GEL is a melodic rock project from Grebbestad, Sweden, founded by guitarist Andreas Grövle from the very good band M.ILL.ION, and his brother Jon Grövle, vocalist of Big Store Hysteria.
Their debut album was released locally in 2011, and now it’s time for the group’s sequel “Is It A Sin“.
The duo, backed by Tomas Reinerson on bass (Kiwi) and drummer (Seventh One), aim for a Scandinavian / German styled melodic rock pumped by sharp guitar riffs and catchy melodies, on some tracks with a clear AOR touch reinforced by keyboards / synths infusions provided by a session musician.
Opener “When You’re Gone” and title track “Is It A Sin” are the faster tracks on the record very close to melodic hard rock, while “Facing Love” has a bit of classic rock waves on it.
Then the rest of the material go for a Scandi melodic rock pattern with effective verses and catchy choruses, such as “Hit Me, Kick Me” or “Burning Soul”, and much more AOR oriented like the bouncy “Facebooked World” (a social network criticism), the highly harmonized “Two Young Lovers” and “A Mad Man’s Work” flaunting both a pumping keyboard melody and sampling quotes taken from Al Pacino’s movie ‘Devil’s Advocate’.
The disc ends with the really well crafted ballad (in the traditional Scandinavian way) complete with acoustic guitars and synth orchestrations.
“Is It A Sin” is a very enjoyable slice of Swedish melodic rock blended with German mannerisms from the genre (think Bonfire), mixed with AOR touches, all rich in melody & harmonies.
Andreas Grövle already has demonstrated his six strings abilities in M.ILL.ION and here he even finds more space for his effective licks, solid riffs and melodic solos, while bro Jon has a slightly raspy voice and keeps himself happy in the midrange at the service of the songs.
Good stuff in the vein of Laney’s Legion, SunStrike, Three Lions, LaValle, etc.
Recommended.
01 – When You’re Gone
02 – Two Young Lovers
03 – Burning Soul
04 – Mad Man’s Work
05 – Is It A Sin
06 – Facing Love
07 – Hit Me, Kick Me
08 – Facebooked World
09 – Join The Night
Jon Grövle (Big Store Hysteria) – Vocals
Andreas Grövle (M.ILL.ION) – Guitar
Tomas Reinerson – Bass
Jonny Edvardsson – Drums
BUY IT !
rebelgel.se/
.
