E19 Gary Schutt’s PALISADE – Lost In Paradise (2014)
*
Last month were presented on the blog the first 2 albums by E19, the new moniker used by talented multi-instrumentalist Gary Schutt (known for being part of Jeff Scott Soto’s band) to release his songs penned in the late ’80s / early ’90s but freshly recorded.
Now it’s time for “Lost In Paradise“, originally released under the title ‘Gary Schutt’s Palisade – Lost In Paradise’, now re-issued by Gary under the new band name E19 and remastered by himself.
E19 is a fictitious band to showcase a collection of Schutt’s earlier music written during the ’80s and ’90s, a wonderful collection of Melodic Rock / AOR staples composed 25 years ago but freshly recorded entirely by Schutt.
On “Lost In Paradise” you get the usual charm of Gary’s voice, a definite Eighties classic Melodic Hard Rock vibe and some quite impressive guitar work throughout.
Opening with the immensely catchy guitar fuelled rocker “The Palisades”, the CD gets underway to a great frisky start. There’s a catchy Harem Scarem / TNT approach of “Say Goodbye” with its big Ronni Le Tekro influenced guitar chops, and the main melody rule.
The funky melodic rock of “Dirty Mind” is hugely infectious – one of my favourite songs on the album – whilst title track “Lost In Paradise” has a looser AOR / melodic feel in the killer chorus.
The furious Dokken / Vinnie Vincent attack of “Line of Fire” is again hyped with exhausting guitars and really rips. This is hard rockin’ top stuff.
Next up is the very highlight (among all the other superb tunes) called “Stranger In Your Heart”. If you love your ’80s AOR layered in keyboards giving it that melodic blend akin Fortune or Harlan Cage, then you’ll die with this one.
The laid back melodious feel of “With a Stranger” again impresses thanks to the nifty catchy guitars, then “Imperfect” is poppy and melodic AOR, a radio-friendly baby.
Another delicious track is the ultra-melodic “Believe” where Schutt’s vocals take the center role over a magical musical atmosphere.
More elaborated is “First Love”, at the start the song sounds slightly experimental before it launches into a very guitar orientated anthemic melodic hard rocker, during the song the style dips again sounding cool with strange but effective keys, thus making it one of the standout songs. Excellent track.
Last up is the raise-your-fist “Hot Teaser”, a very punchy catchy Dokken influenced rocker, perfectly ending a fantastic album.
“Lost In Paradise” is a phenomenal slice of late classic ’80s Melodic Hard Rock / AOR. Every song is bold, lavish and feature monster catchy guitar riffs, lovely keys, big reverb drumming and huge vocal choruses with tons of vocal harmonies.
Schutt’s impressive axe work throughout is still a focal point in his songs and sound awesome, but Schutt is a smart musician with a fine sense for melody and a knack for writing catchy songs.
Believe me, “Lost In Paradise” is a Melodic Hard Rock / AOR fan’s wet dream.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
01 – The Palisades
02 – Say Goodbye
03 – Dirty Mind
04 – Lost in Paradise
05 – Line of Fire
06 – Stranger to Your Heart
07 – Why Do You Treat Me This Way?
08 – With a Stranger
09 – Imperfect
10 – Believe
11 – First Love
12 – Hot Teaser
All songs written, performed, produced, arranged, engineered & mixed by Gary Schutt.
Remaster 2014 by Gary Schutt.
BUY IT !
www.cdbaby.com/cd/e1913
.
