NIVA – Atmospherical (2016)
Former Lion’s Share vocalist Tony Niva will release tomorrow his own band NIVA sixth album titled “Atmospherical” via AOR Heaven Records. On this album he is joined by Lars Chriss – who has played and produced on many melodic rock albums including Overland, Seven and Radioactive, Kay Backlund (Lion’s Share) on keys and bassist Andy Loos (Covered Call, Seven), plus Nigel Bailey (Lifeline, Three Lions) adds backing vocals.
The Lion’s Share connection appears not only in the musicians involved but in the reworking of that band’s B-side ‘I’m On A Roll’, complete with a Dio-era Rainbow keyboard intro.
This one and ‘Deja Vu’ reminded me of Treat, another band who seem to produce melodic rock gems at the drop of a hat. ‘Dressed to Kill’ is a fine opener but it’s strange that has been chosen as single / video as it isn’t the best song on the album.
The hooks keep on coming in the songs be it the instant melody on ‘Evil Rose’ or the keyboards-led AOR of ‘The Mountain’. I am a sucker for a harmony filled chorus and this song hits the spot nicely.
Despite the press release saying Tony Niva wanted a heavier sound and less emphasis on the keyboards on this new Niva album, they still play an important role in the majority of the songs.
In fact, I found “Atmospherical” even more melodic and AORrish than the previous Niva album.
“Atmospherical” is another fine Melodic Rock / AOR album featuring the vocal talents of Tony Niva.
It has the songs and musicianship to make this one go to the top of melodic rock fans’ shopping lists this year. Yeah, it’s really solid stuff through all its 10 tracks.
Highly Recommended
01 – Dressed to Kill
02 – Deja Vu
03 – Spirit of the Night
04 – Forbidden Lover
05 – I’m on a Roll
06 – Evil Rose
07 – Raise Your Voice
08 – The Mountain
09 – Play Our Songs
10 – Wall of Bricks
Tony Niva – Lead vocals
Lars Chriss – Guitars, Drums
Andy Loos – Bass
Kay Backlund, Fredrik Bergh – Keyboards
Nigel Bailey – Backing vocals
Mick Devine, George Bailey – Add. backing vocals
BUY IT !
www.aorheaven.com/index.php/german_b/niva-atmospherical.html
.
