SWEET CRYSTAL – 5 Carat Rock (2016)
If there was a mythical act in ’80s US indie AOR, that was SWEET CRYSTAL without a doubt. These veterans continue faithful to their brand of fabulous classic pomp-tastic sound in 2016 with their fresh new album “5 Carat Rock“.
This is Sweet Crystal’s 5th release (thus the name), perhaps their most poignant work to date – which is saying a lot.
Recorded and mixed by producer / engineer Chuck Alkazian (Christina Aguilera, Pop Evil) who also contributes instrumentation at Pearl Studios in Canton, MI, and mastered by renowned Scott Hull of Masterdisk, “5 Carat Rock” starts bold out of the gate with ‘Even Now’, a melodious number with a light progressive touch complete with a wonderful vintage synth solo and the band’s signature guitar sound.
‘Come As We Are’ is more relaxed in a midtempo vein with a slightly epic feel, featuring the vocals of longtime backup singers Amy Susan Heard and Gail Engling.
Then ‘Jericho’ is one of the more Pompy sounding tracks with that classy keyboard runs akin the early ’80s style of the genre. ‘Can’t Turn Back’ slow things a little for a sweet lite proggy melody akin Kansas.
‘When He Returns’ is a ‘Crystalized’ version of an old Bob Dylan song, covered as only Sweet Crystal can: adding that pompy touch so early Eighties.
‘Nothing Here (For You To Fear)’ is a remixed, remastered re-release from the movie “War Flowers” soundtrack, a ballad in the ol’ style a bit generic still enjoyable.
Then the band does another cover: Motley Crue’s ‘Home Sweet Home’, yes, the perennial power ballad, in the hands of Sweet Crystal re-done with a personal style… Crue goes pomp?
There’s the inclusion of a recording from a 1945 NBC’s Radio broadcast – listed as separated track – highlighting a WWII soldier’s story… an odd addition to the album. Yes, the band is supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, but this has nothing to do with a music album.
The rest of the material is from Sweet Crystal’s recent EP from last year. After the short, massive keyboard-guitar instrumental ‘Fanfare’, we have the strong ‘Foot of the Cross’ driven by a thumping rhythm section and surprisingly sharp guitars.
‘Some People May Ask’ returns to pumping Pomp-rock where lead vocalist Marq Andrew Speck duets with Amy Susan Heard, before the elaborated ‘Anthem’ adds orchestrations and chants in an epic mood.
Last cut ‘Him Alone’ rocks over a pervasive guitar riff and a melodic line sporting some Elefante brothers feel and why not, Magnum.
Current musical trends are not the path for Sweet Crystal, that’s for sure. This band keeps faithful to their origins – with an updated production – so if classy Pomp with a light progressive touch is your thing, “5 Carat Rock” fulfills your musical desires.
You have here strong guitar tones & solos, lovely keyboard melodies (lots) plus solid arrangements and dynamic vocal performances, all with a bright and up-to-date production.
You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox
01 – Even Now
02 – Come as We Are
03 – Jericho
04 – Can’t Turn Back
05 – When He Returns
06 – Nothing Here (For You to Fear)
07 – Home Sweet Home
08 – Sgt Penney 1945
09 – Fanfare
10 – Foot of the Cross
11 – Some People May Ask
12 – Anthem
13 – Him Alone
Marq Andrew Speck – lead vocals, anything with keys
Bill Blatter – backup vocals, anything with strings
Steve Wieser – anything hit with sticks
Chuck Alkazian – additional bass, keys and programming
Amy Susan Heard, Gail Engling, Kathy Oyster – backing vocals
BUY IT !
www.cdbaby.com/cd/sweetcrystal10
www.amazon.com/5-Carat-Rock-Sweet-Crystal/dp/B01H5SDVIW
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