OZONE – Self Defence [Japanese Edition] (2015)

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“Self Defence“, the debut from supergroup OZONE is without a doubt one of the best Melodic Rock albums of the year. This Japanese Edition, as usual, features a bonus track, but also a completely different tracklist – and if you ask me, this running order works even better.

This is a really special project as it sees two of the UK’s premier vocalists team up, namely FM’s Steve Overland and Chris Ousey, currently fronting Snakecharmer / Heartland, plus he fronted Virgina Wolf back in the ’80s.

As if this wasn’t enough we have the legendary Mike Slamer (Seventh Key / Slamer / City Boy) at the helm adding his distinctive sound to the proceedings.
In fact fellow Seventh Key member Billy Greer is present on backing vocals, as is his fellow Kansas band mate and new boy Ronnie Platt (he replaced Steve Walsh in Kansas last year). Finally we have Tommy Denander helping out on guitar / bass / keys / songwriting.
On paper an impressive line-up and happily they deliver in the music and then some!

This Japanese version opens with, for me, the stand out track on the CD; the superb ‘Shadow On The Sun’, a song that features that classic Slamer sound in the guitar riffs and keyboard runs on the chorus, and one of the catchiest choruses you will hear this year or any year for that matter.
‘Tiger By The Tail’ blends classic upbeat AOR / Melodic Rock with magic from everyone involved. All is perfectly produced by Mike Slamer’s expertise hands & ears.
‘Let the Good Will Out’ features a more bluesy guitar riff and attitude, and impeccable vocal performances. The band are more than capable of changing things up, with ‘So Blind’ being a top notch ballad featuring an acoustic guitar intro and all the other expected flourishes.

It is great to hear Overland and Ousey trading lines on the songs, be it the slower ‘Save My Soul’ or the aforementioned ‘Tiger By The Tail’. Neither have lost any of their vocal power down the years and in fact you could say both are still in their singing prime.
A tinge of sadness though as it features Christian Wolff (Overland / Mecca) guesting on ‘Evolve’, who sadly passed away this year.

Ozone’s debut “Self Defence” is simply stunning.
Overland & Ousey are peerless, arguably the best voices in the melodic rock business. No one can touches either of them and this album to me is the UK equivalent of say Steve Perry teaming up for tag team album / match with the late great Jimi Jamison.
The rest of the ‘guys’ are incledible here, delivering passionate performances all cooked at the right point by master Mike Slamer.
Just get this album with your eyes closed as if like me you love prime Melodic Rock / AOR… “Self Defence” personifies all that is good about this style of music.
An album of the year contender for sure.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

ジャンル:洋楽:ロック＆ポップス
商品番号: RBNCD-1193 ~ RUBICON

01 – Shadow On The Sun
02 – Visionary Man
03 – Self Defence
04 – Lifetime
05 – Practice What You Preach
06 – Evolved
07 – Smile Before You Lie
08 – Save My Soul
09 – Destiny
10 – Tiger By the Tail
11 – Let the Good Will Out
12 – So Blind
13 – Visionary Man (different version) [bonus track]

Chris Ousey – Lead and Backing Vocals
Steve Overland – Lead and Backing Vocals
Mike Slamer – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass
Ronnie Platt – Backing Vocals
Billy Greer – Backing Vocals
Kerry Denton – Drums
Erik Sabo – B3 Organ
Christian Wolff – Guitar and Keys on ‘Evolve’ (RIP)

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/RBNCD-1193
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