Best Classic Rock album 2017, #2 : CATS IN SPACE – Scarecrow (2017)
Near the end of the year, it’s time to recap about the best 2017 releases, by category.
CATS IN SPACE debut was pretty damn fine, so there were high expectations for album number two, and they delivered. A marvellous mix of ’70s rock, pomp, pop and more melodies than you can shake a stick at.
A couple years ago CATS IN SPACE landed with their critically acclaimed debut album with their total disregard for current musical trends, and creative, somewhat retro, approach to AOR / melodic rock / FM rock. Now they are set to unleash that difficult second album… no, not for these cats as they have musical ideas and tunes many bands would kill to have.
Yeah, two be released tomorrow, “Scarecrow” is another fantastic CD from these talented musicians.
On this new effort, Cats In Space carry on where they left off on their debut with songs bursting full of melodies, harmony vocals, pomp-tastic keys and some seriously groovy guitar solos courtesy of Greg Hart and Dean Howard.
Opener ‘Jupiter Calling’ is an immediate hit with your ears – big chorus and the wonderful singing of Paul Manzi.
They love the good Seventies and what’s not to love on ‘September Rain’ which recalls Queen and ELO – a fantastic tune, again you marvel at the harmony vocals the band create between them. The mid section will blow you away and quite possibly any loose furnishings and ornaments that maybe near you as you listen to the song.
‘Two Fifty Nine’ is so darn catchy and a clever little ditty recalling how DJ’s always cut songs off in their prime, hence if under three minutes you may get all of the song played. The rhythm section of Jeff Brown and Steevi Bacon give the song a watertight beat – this band have some serious talent and work seamlessly together.
‘Felix & the Golden Sun’ has the Cats dip a musical toe for a little Beach Boys styling and the one song that really reminds me of ELO (and Brian May on that guitar solo!).
Like the debut there is a seven minute epic, this time it is the title track and the Cats do prog! Well, more like the musical treats bands like Styx, Queen, Supertramp did at their prime, plenty of melodic passages and harmonies.
An top album among the best of the year with ease, Cats In Space have done it again with ‘Scarecrow’ and the only way for them is onwards and upwards.
A lovely, sweet ear candy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01. Jupiter Calling
02. Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
03. Clown in Your Nightmare
04. Scars
05. September Rain
06. Broken Wing
07. Two Fifty Nine
08. Felix & the Golden Sun
09. Timebomb
10. Scarecrow
Paul Manzi – Lead Vocals (Arena)
Dean Howard – Guitar (Airrace)
Jeff Brown – Bass (The Sweet)
Andy Stewart – Keyboards
Greg Hart – Guitars / Vocals
Steevi Bacon – Drums
PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.de/Scarecrow-Cats-Space/dp/B074126BF3
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