LOLA STONECRACKER – Doomsday Breakdown (2015)
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LOLA STONECRACKER are a new Italian Melodic Hard Rock band founded by singer Alex Fabbri. In fact Lola Stonecracker born several years ago and recorded a self-released EP but Fabbri decided to reorganize things from the scratch recruiting new musicians.
With new songs and a contract signed with This Is Core Records, Lola Stonecracker are presenting their international debut “Doomsday Breakdown“, produced by talented Roberto Priori (Michele Luppi, Vision Divine, Danger Zone, Wheels Of Fire, Perfect View).
Never judge an album from its cover, they say. I must confess being primarily attracted here by the excellent artwork done by digital artist Elton Fernandes, the band’s logo, and Lola Stonecracker’s cool name.
But then after first track “Jigsaw” it was Lola Stonecracker kicking, rocking music what hooked me. The quintet sounds tight, with aplomb. The song is a bit ‘modern’, but it’s the only track on the record in this vein. Modern et all, still a very strong opener. The best is yet to come, believe me.
Despite the quite aggressive attack of the dual guitars on the opening song, following numbers such as the groovy “Witchy Lady”, “Generation on Surface” and “Secret for a Universe” are much more Melodic Hard oriented, with some ’90s Danger Danger feel here and there.
You can note Priori’s skillful hands behind the desk, obtaining a neat and crisp output from the guys. Also pay attention to the ton of multi-tracks used in this recording. I mean, there’s various, different guitar tracks mixed as a whole, same with the vocals, resulting in a layered sound rich in melody.
Lola Stonecracker explores nice arrangements on “Jekyll and Hyde”, a song pumped by a fat bass, adorned with keyboards / synths all over and an anthemic chorus. The middle part slow down creating a great atmosphere which reach its climax with a scorching guitar solo.
Title track “Doomsday Breakdown”, “Space Cowboys” (akin Trixter), and the groovy “Using My Tricks” go for a little harder delivery, yet always melodic and with a ear put on the late ’80s.
“Mc Kenny’s Place” is nother killer melodic hard rocker with a lot of crunch and a clear ’80s arena feel through a layered chorus. A song bringing to mind Wheels Of Fire or Johnny Lima, and a true highlight.
Lola Stonecracker does a rocking cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s classic “Relax”, showing again their strong Eighties influences. It’s a fresh version with a ‘raise your fist’ attitude, cool keys and elaborated guitar work.
We have solid ballads too, midtempo “All This Time” with a Tyketto feel, then the AORish “Secret for a Universe” is lush with pristine acoustics into the mix.
Lola Stonecracker has surprised me. Their debut “Doomsday Breakdown” not only contains very well composed & arranged Melodic Hard Rock songs, but also great musicianship.
All this is accompanied by the other star on this recording: the stellar production. Roberto Priori has done a super job in the past producing Michele Luppi or Vision Divine, but this is his finest work.
Seriously, “Doomsday Breakdown” production & mix are awesome. There’s terrific layers of guitars (kudos to the players too) the bass is massive, drums bombastic, the backing vocals highly harmonized and the leads of Alex Fabbri come out clear, potent.
“Doomsday Breakdown” is a disc that put ‘major names’ in the present Melodic Hard Rock field into shame. It’s rocking, melodic, inspired by the classics yet modern and fresh.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
01 – Jigsaw
02 – Witchy Lady
03 – Generation on Surface
04 – Secret for a Universe
05 – Perils of a Man from the Past
06 – Jekyll and Hyde
07 – Doomsday Breakdown
08 – Mc Kenny’s Place
09 – All This Time
10 – Space Cowboys
11 – Psycho Speed Parade
12 – Mistery Soul Maverick
13 – Relax
14 – Shine
15 – Using My Tricks
Alex Fabbri: vocals
Lorenzo Zagni: guitar
Giovanni Taddia: guitar
Diego Quarantotto: bass
Christian Cesari: drums
BUY IT !
www.lolastonecracker.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=category&virtuemart_category_id=15
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SA8HRIM
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