HARDREAMS – Countdown Time (2016)
Spanish melodic rockers HARDREAMS are back in 2016 with a new studio record, “Countdown Time“- their fourth, released worldwide through the reputable Perris Records.
While located inside the European borders, HARDREAMS seem to be flirting more with the American sound, ranging from heavyweight AOR to Melodic with enough rocking moments in between.
I really enjoyed Hardreams past efforts, and “Countdown Time” is without a doubt a step ahead in the band’s career; mature compositions, slick production and flawless performances.
Manu Esteve’s voice is smoother than ever, bearing in mind the Mediterranean natives do not usually fit adequately to the English language requirements. This man surely knows how to sing and dress a song with passion, emotion and kind melodious lines.
We have sharp guitar riffs and cool solos plus a solid rhythm section, while new keyboardist Miquel Garcia add a refreshing ivory work.
There are some straightforward hard rockers here but most of the stuff is melodic rock oriented in classic mold, truly tuneful to the listener’s ear.
If you are new to Hardreams imagine a cross-mix between Journey (Steve Augeri era), Nineties Bon Jovi, Mr. Big, Hugo, etc.
‘Fire Child’, ‘Best Days of Our Lives’, ‘Into Our Dreams’, the breezy ‘Summertime’, and ‘Lights and Shadows’ are among the best songs on the CD, but all have their own charm resulting in a solid record.
Hardreams hired a new producer for this album (after using the same in their previous) and the output is more punchy & modern.
Hardreams delivers a bunch of great classic Melodic Hard Rock tunes in “Countdown Time”, catchy, melodious, rocking and smooth at the same time.
What I like about these Spaniards is their approach to arrangements: while are inspired in the traditional patterns of the genre, all are pretty original and personal. In short, they always try to sound different and not ‘just the same’.
Highly Enjoyable.
1. Fire Child
2. More than One Life
3. Best Days of Our Lives
4. Into Our Dreams
5. A New Beginning
6. Summertime
7. Give Me
8. Countdown Time
9. Crying
10. Soul Mates
11. Lights and Shadows
Manu Esteve (vocals)
David Aguera (guitar)
Victor Muino (bass)
Sergio Hormigo (drums)
Miquel Garcia (keyboards)
BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/HardreamsCountdown.htm
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