KLEAR – Eyes Wide Open (2016)
New Yorkers KLEAR aren’t newcomers into the scene with more than fifteen years of activity, but after some gap time they return with “Eyes Wide Open“, their debut on a newly founded melodic hard rock label based in Denmark.
Klear released by themselves some of their material, and even got a first album on Good Charamel Records, which was run and owned by the Goo Goo Doll’s bassist Robby Takac.
Delivering what Billboard Magazine declared to be “blistering, bold, guitar driven rock”, some Klear’s songs found their way to rock radio. Also, Klear got their music used in FX’s hit show The Shield, the Miramax film The Station Agent, and The Ultimate Fighting Championship.
These successes afforded Klear the opportunity to share the stage with acts such as Journey, Kid Rock, Govt Mule, Goo Goo Dolls and many more.
Then the band members decided to explore other horizons, however Klear never split.
In early 2011, singer / songwriter Fred Shafer reunited with guitarist Bruce Wojick, bassist Leo McDonald, drummer Denny Pelczynski and keyboardist Dan Delano to embark on the next chapter of their career, and here it is “Eyes Wide Open”.
This disc is full of some very cool guitar-driven rock, swirled with a blues sensibility at times and tons of great riffs, vocals, and cadence.
Title track “Eyes Wide Open” opens with a groovy riff and the vocals combine nicely with the rest of the musical components, with the layered background vocals at the chorus adding depth to the song. The guitars and keyboards work together to deliver a smooth classic feel that gets the foot tapping.
‘Best Of Me’ delivers much more chugging riffs and bluesy vocals that carry the tune (and a lot of the album). The tempo is solid and well supported by the rhythm section, with the drums / bass each taking turns shining in the mix.
‘Long Way Down’ is a more modern rocker that benefits from added punch at the chorus. The song gets a lift from the organ keyboards, a nice complement to the classic guitar sound.
For the first time, ‘Restless’ starts with clean electric guitars, and fine vocal verses. The intensity grows and guitars thicken when the rhythm section kicks in. The chorus has a full sound thanks to the vocals, while the guitars ramp up the bridge with a cool solo.
‘Don’t Know Where I’m Going Yet’ starts off with a thumping bottom end thanks to the bass lines, but soon a melodic guitar gets in and joins the fray. Once the smoky vocals kick in, this track takes on an atmospheric, alternative vibe that weaves itself into the song.
‘All On Me’ opens with a fine acoustic guitar accompanied by drums that have a stripped back sound and a ‘live’ feel. Once the chorus arrives the song gets a little push but remains in an organic acoustic rock vibe, even when electric guitar solos are thrown onto the bridge.
This physical CD comes in a ep format, but you have as bonus additional digital tracks; a nice cover of Bryan Adams ‘Cuts Like A Knife’, the angry ‘Mr. Cracker’, ‘Same Old Song’, and the live take ‘War’. All of these are not in the same quality recording and need some polish, obviously all demo material.
“Eyes Wide Open” worth to be checked as Klear sounds and feels very cohesive as unit; they have good songs, musicianship and production.
Musically they blend classic rock / classic hard elements with a modern approach, and the overall sensation is that Klear has much more to offer, a band with strong potential for sure.
Two thumbs up.
You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox
01 – Eyes Wide Open
02 – Best Of Me
03 – Long Way Down
04 – Restless
05 – Don’ t Know Where I’m Going Yet
06 – It s All On Me
07 – Cuts Like A Knife
08 – Mr. Cracker
09 – Same Old Song
10 – War
Fred Shafer – Lead Vocals / Guitars
Bruce Wojick – Guitars / Vocals
Leo Mcdonald – Bass
Denny Pelczvnski – Drums / Precussion / Vocals
Dan Delano – Keyboards / Vocals
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