VERAS – Never Give Up (2014)

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Another of the releases from the Melodic Hard Rock specialized British label Z Records is “Never Give Up“, the debut from VERAS, formed around the immense vocal talents of Spanish / Brazilian singer Danny Veras and produced by Paul Sabu, who also was involved in the songwriting and play on the record.

Danny Veras born in Brazil, but was raised in Spain where he received some of his musical formation, as well in Switzerland. Meanwhile he was part of various European bands and recorded a couple of own demos.
He decides to go to the States for a visit but he end up staying four years in Hollywood, Los Angeles, singing in the melodic prog rock band 7 Months with which recorded an album.
In 2012 Danny returned to Europe and started to give shape to his own composed songs and the opportunity for a solo album arrived.
The result is “Never Give Up”, more a ‘band’ debut than a solo album indeed, as the all star line up includes names such as Eric Ragno on keyboards, Thorsten Koehne (Eden’s Curse) on guitars, talented stickman Pete Newdeck (Tainted Nation, Eden’s Curse) and Paul Sabu providing guitars, vocals, and producing.

The songs on “Never Give Up” are classic Melodic Rock with a clean and polished output, generous dose of keyboards and of course, catchy choruses.
From the first bits of opener “Hell Rider”, you’ll realize that this going to be a classy Melodic Rock CD. A really bouncy melodic line moves the song to a contagious chorus all wrapped by clean guitars and synths.

(this video mix is different from the album track)

Up next is “Road Runner”, which follows in the same quality footsteps as the first track, propelled by a more groovy rhythm section.
“Never to Late”, the bluesy midtempo “It Ain’t Over” and later “Hammer Down” go for a more traditional hard rock sound inspired by the British scene, while numbers like “Light Up My Life” or “Good Luck” are melodic rockers with some edge.
“Back in Town” is the slow moment (not a ballad) of the record with a nice atmosphere provided by background keys and harmony vocals in the vein of House Of Lords. The proper ballad arrives with title track “Never Give Up”, carried by a very classic melody and vibe recalling the ’80s, where Eric Ragno keyboards take a center role.

“Never Give Up” is a fine debut fo Veras, sporting quite good melodic hard rock songs and supported by seasoned musicians.
Danny’s vocals are well trained in the traditional way of the genre, with a tone and vocal color like a mix between Michael Bormann, Mitch Malloy and Danny Vaughn, just to give you an idea.
Despite of Paul Sabu being involved in the production, it could be a lot better, at least to my ears I prefer a more crisp sound. It’s not muddy at all, but Paul has decided to tighten the sound on the more rocking tracks to increase the edge. It works, but as said, my ears prefer a more melodious mix.

“Never Give Up” is melodic, catchy on the choruses, well composed & performed and will please all fans of the traditional melodic hard rock sound.
Quite Recommended.

01 – Hell Rider
02 – Roadrunner
03 – Never to Late
04 – Light Up My Life
05 – Back in Town
06 – Good Luck
07 – It Ain’t Over
08 – Hammer Down
09 – Never Give Up
10 – Runnin’ Away
11 – TV Scream

Danny Veras – Vocals
Paul Sabu – Rythm Guitar , Bass
Thorsten Koehne – Lead Guitars
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
Al Edwards – Bass
Pete Newdeck – Drums
Produced by Paul Sabu

BUY IT !
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