PROTOTYPE – Prototype [AOR Heaven reissue]

Now this is an expected, more than welcomed reissue: AOR Heaven Records is releasing “Prototype”, the self-titled one and only album by Canadians PROTOTYPE, certainly a wonderful slab of 80’s AOR particularly of the pompiest kind blended with the commercial melodic wave of the era, 1983.
“Prototype” was released on CD for the first time fifteen years ago but went out of print since a long time. This reissue takes the same remaster values but don’t worry, sounds incredibly good.

Holy cow, this is how true, pure ’80 AOR should sound. Thanks to the terrific original production, “Prototype” is the kind of albums from the era that still comes vital and fresh out of the speakers.
Tons of keyboards, sharp guitars, classy vocals and superb harmonies are the motto of these 10 awesome tracks, really varied with no one of them sounding similar.

Just take the killer opener as example, “Behind Your Eyes”, a monster pumping AOR tune driving by heavenly keys. The chorus is pure gold, a pure Eighties dream.
‘Video Kids’ was a minor hit, but deserved to have been huge with its video game effects (really arcade), then ‘Live Forever’ is simply top class, something in the vein of Orion The Hunter or Charlie.

I could not imagine a more ’80s title for a song than ‘Mean Street’, and indeed it’s a fan-damn-tastic AOR track with all the magic of early Dakota or ArcAngel pleny of killer synths and super melodious vocals.

‘Soldier’ rocks in style of the great Streets (Mike Slamer band) or Foreigner, and the dynamic uptempo melodic rocker ‘Communique’ brings to mind Spys (Al Greenwood band). This track ends abruptly on purpose, some kind of joke and not a remaster fault.

‘I’m Sorry’ is an elegant, excellent power ballad full of atmosphere and a pompy feel akin Touch (Mark Mangold), then on ‘Any Moment’ Prototype try – and succeed – with a poppy AOR sound in the vein of Preview, while closer ‘Money Talks’ is more melodic rock oriented in a Charlie mold.
As said, the entire album is really varied and you can’t pick a favorite; all are great.

If you are a Classic AOR freak you need “Prototype” as water in the desert, regarded as a classic album for the genre but unknown by many.
This reissue is your opportunity to add this gem to your collection alongside your more precious AOR albums of all time.
A Must 

01 – Behind Your Eyes
02 – Video Kids
03 – Mean Street
04 – I’m Sorry
05 – Communique
06 – Live Forever
07 – Soldier
08 – I Want You
09 – Any Moment
10 – Money Talks

Doug Riley – lead vocals
Dan Lowe – guitars
Brad Steckel – guitar, bass, vocals
Ted Alexander – keyboards, vocals
Brian Island – bass, vocals
Jerry Adolphe – drums, percussion
Amin Bahtia – additional synthesizer
Lee Oliphant – additional bass

BUY IT !
www.aorheaven.com/index.php/englisch_b/prototype-prototype.html
www.nehrecords.com/shop/PrototypePrototype.htm

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