BRYAN COLE – Sands Of Time (2016)

We presented last year on the website in exclusive the fist single of BRYAN COLE, now released by MelodicRock Records arrives his awesome full-length debut titled “Sands Of Time“.
Hailing from Pittsburg, Cole is an experienced musician having shared stages with Ted Nugent, Quiet Riot, Eddie Money, etc, but he is also a seasoned record producer and mixing engineer helping both aspiring and established artists achieve their fullest potential.
Bryan Cole’s sensational “Sands Of Time” has the classic sound of bands like Giant, Survivor and both Pride Of Lions and Brett Walker – the latter two artists both included in the material that comprises the album. Jim Peterik contributed assistance and four amazing songs to the project.

Since the great opener ‘Burning With A Reason’ – the first Jim Peterik contribution co-penned with Johnny Van Zant – you can hear how Bryan Cole brings all his classy influences; ’80s AOR / Melodic Rock with a true American sound.
Then we have a wonderful version of Brett Walker’s ‘Hard To Find An Easy Way’ done in more edgy melodic rock style yet retaining its charming melody, followed by the anthemic, chorus gold of ‘When Love Breaks’.
‘What Kind Of Fool’ was originally recorded by Pride Of Lions / Jim Peterik and let me tell you this kickin’ Cole version has nothing to envy to the original. Killer.

Then the sublime ‘Turn To Me’ is one of the highlights; this is pure Survivor / Pride Of Lions with a classic style & sound from the glory days. It’s a great Peterik song and Cole really does it justice.
But Bryan Cole shows he can write terrific songs as well.
Check the great ‘I Will Be There For You’, a semi-ballad akin the glory days of Bad English, or the mind-blowing ‘We Lost The Fire’ in a pure Giant / Dann Huff tradition. I love this! Did I mentioned ex Giant bassist Mike Brignardello plays here?

‘Is It Really Love’ is close to Melodic Rock perfection with its great rhythms, another Peterik tune titled ‘Courage To Love’ features some strong vocal work from Cole, the album finishing up with the awesome AOR of ‘Nothing Matters’, co-written by Larry King from the excellent band Soleil Moon, already featured on this blog.

To say that “Sands Of Time” is a ‘strong’ debut from Bryan Cole is being too much simplistic. No, “Sands Of Time” is an amazing album for all classy Melodic Rock / AOR fans delight.
Not only Cole’s vocal color and performing style evoke the glorious years form the genre, but also the songwriting and production approach.
Delicious from start to finish.
HIGHLY Recommended

01. Burning With A Reason (J.Peterik, J.Van Zant)
02. Hard To Find An Easy Way (B.Walker)
03. When Love Breaks (S.McClintock)
04. What Kind Of Fool (J.Peterik)
05. Turn To Me (J.Peterik)
06. I’ll Be There For You (B.Cole, D.Gleeson)
07. We Lost The Fire (B.Cole, D.Gleeson)
08. More Than A Memory (B.Walker, C.Dixon)
09. Is It Really Love (S.Mcclintock)
10. Courage To Love (J.Peterik)
11. Nothing Matters (J.Scott, L.King)

Bryan Cole – vocals, all instruments
Mike Brignardello – bass
and various unlisted musicians

BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/ColeSands.htm
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