BRIDGEVILLE – Aftershock (2016)
“Aftershock” is the debut CD from Norwegian hard rock act BRIDGEVILLE, who are comprised of vocalist Martin Steene (Iron Fire, Humbucker) and members of the band Absinth, guitarists Erik Norheim & Kenneth Jacobsen, drummer Thomas Furuvald, and bassist Roger Svenkesen.
Mixed by talented Tommy Hansen, “Aftershock” is a slick sounding hard rock record steeped in the melodic sounds of ’80s arena rock, plenty of soaring hooks, crunchy guitars, and the swagger that bands like Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Def Leppard and Skid Row called their own.
Most of the tunes here are pretty damn catchy right from the get go, especially “Save Me”, “Get on Top”, and “Black Rain”, with hooks that grab instantly and plenty of crisp guitar work, while the moodier tracks “Mystic River” and “Aftershock” show a more emotional side of the band while still amping up the rocking bite.
Though the album is clearly drawing on ’80s influences, a tune like “Keep Holding On” could easily find a home on classic rock radio, as could the yearning ballad “Bridge to a Broken Heart”.
The band dig deep on the groove laden head banger “Freakshow”, tap into their inner Bon Jovi & Journey on the soaring “Homeland”, and remind of the early career of Skid Row on the engaging tracks “Anthem of the World” and “Absinthia”.
The lead vocals of Steene are excellent throughout “Aftershock”, with a slightly sweet raspy tone recalling Jon Bon Jovi. The rest of the guys are really good as well, especially the twin guitar job.
Bridgeville is a really, really pleasant surprise; the band captures the brightness of Eighties hard rock (melodic) through these great 11 tracks with evident talent and penchant for classy melodies.
If you long for the glory days of commercial hard rock that ran rampant in the ’80s, Bridgeville have just the album for you in “Aftershock”.
Highly Recommended
01 – Get On Top
02 – Mystic River
03 – Save Me
04 – Aftershock
05 – Black Rain
06 – Keep Holding On
07 – Bridge to a Broken Heart
08 – Freakshow
09 – Homeland
10 – Anthem of the World
11 – Absinthia
Martin Steene – Vocals
Erik Norheim – Guitars
Thomas Furuvald – Drums
Roger Svenkesen – Bass
Kenneth Jacobsen – Guitars
BUY IT !
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