ACES & KINGS – No Hard And Fast Rules (2015)

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With more than 30 years in the making, “No Hard And Fast Rules” is the debut of Stoke-on-Trent based band ACES & KINGS appeared today.
This British melodic rock group born from a discussion in a pub (aren’t most things?) to expand vocalist Duncan ‘Joe’ Henshall and keyboard player Kev Hardy duo 3AM into a full grown band.

Having performed with their old Direct Action guitar buddy Andy Trevelyan at last year’s Rock On The Rocks festival, the guys decided to resurrect their back catalogue alongside new material for some live shows and recording.
Most of the songs on “No Hard And Fast Rules” were written in the late ’80s, so expect classic era melodic rockers with some AOR waves in the British but also American way.

The band was after a big harmony sound so also recruited their old friend and solo performer Gary Wells to provide backing vocals. Though the drums on the record are programmed, the sound obtained is pretty lively and with the typical ’80s fashion many acts used during that era.
Kev’s keyboards draw the melodies while Andy Trevelyan’s guitar riffs add the necessay punch and create nice atmospheres when needed. I really like Duncan ‘Joe’ Henshall’s phrasing, with a vocal color mostly in midrange which provides an always smooth, melodious output.

Songs like the title tack, the catchy “One Step” and “Do You Believe”, “Everytime” (reminds me Canadians The Bryan Hughes Group) or the ultra-melodic “Dancing With Your Heart” are very nice melodic rockers with a feel good vibe.
More keyboard driven and AOR are the midtempo “Where’s The Action” and “Don’t Stop” (very good backing vocals), while “West Coast Crazy”, despite its title, is an uptempo little rocker. I was expecting a ballad, not in sight on the CD.

Released by small label CTM Records, Aces & Kings’ “No Hard And Fast Rules” is a cool, gentle Melodic Rock / AOR record with no other pretension that to have a good time.
Nice songs, melodic, well arranged & produced. Well done guys.

01 – Once In A Lifetime
02 – One Step
03 – Heartbeat Of America
04 – Everytime
05 – Where’s The Action
06 – Do You Believe
07 – Don’t Stop
08 – Dancing With Your Heart
09 – DOA
10 – West Coast Crazy

Duncan “Joe” Henshall – Vocals
Andy Trevelyan – Guitars, Bass
Kev Hardy – Keyboards
Gary Wells – Backing Vocals

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/No-Hard-Fast-Rules-Explicit/dp/B015S2VU5S
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