LOS ANGELES – Neverland [Japan Edition +1] Out Of Print

Here’s the requested LOS ANGELES second album “Neverland” in its rare, out of print Japanese Edition including a worthy bonus track. Put together by talented vocalist Michele Luppi (Vision Divine, Whitesnake, Danger Zone) & Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, From the Inside, Vertigo) and including the likes of Tommy Denander and Eric Ragno, “Neverland” delivers a pure slice of Melodic Hard Rock / AOR inspired in the American sound of the genre, with songs composed by James & Tom Martin (Vega), Richard Marx, George Lynch, etc.
However, “Neverland” is a much more a ‘band album’ that Los Angeles debut, with many of the songs co-written by Luppi & Co.

There’s been some criticism of Luppi’s pronunciation / accent suggesting he doesn’t sound ‘American enough’ – however, I’m standing up for the man and believe the energy and emotion on display renders such gripes as irrelevant… and yes, he is Italian, which gives the overall AOR sound something different, in a good way.
His astounding vocals can be described as Mark Free meets Eric Martin with an ‘European touch’.

Of course the album is focused on the impassioned vocals of Luppi, gracing a slick and commercial soundscape that is a deliberate homage to the records that dominated the US airwaves during the 80s – early 90s.
Songs like opener title track “Neverland” shoots Michel’s trademark spitfire vocals right through the heart of the song, with a nice touch of Denander ripping a nice guitar solo to add a taste of dramatic flare.

Luppi’s classic roots pays true homage to the AOR greats the influence his music and it shows in full circle on the track “City of Angels”, with a nice soft undertone and trademark melodic rock guitar riff that any fan of the genre can appreciate. Is pretty amazing to hear the contrast between deliberate upbeat tempo riffs to a more subtle traditional approach here for Luppi and how well it works.
It’s really a testament to his superb voice and the quality musicians around him.

There’s a cover of Richard Marx’s “Nowhere To Hide” which starts with a cool down tempo bass while the keyboard line builds up the momentum perfectly with for a softer melodramatic subliminal sound as it peaks it’s way up for yet another quality power ballad. This version easily surpasses the original, mostly due to Luppi’s vocal prowess (he sings it as if his life depended on it!)

Some of the other highlights include the anthem-like sounds of “Higher Love” written by Grossi, the great harmonious AOR choruses of “Paradise”, and the Vega / Martin brothers awesome tune ‘Wait For You’.
Also the Japanese edition bonus track “Confessions Of A Broken Heart” with its pumping and melodious rhythm which somehow brings to mind the band Two Fires.

It seems like Michel Luppi can do no wrong as any project he has been involved in since his departure from Vision Divine has been strong efforts which paves way to showcase his amazing vocals.
Los Angeles is no different, as “Neverland” is another top chart melodic hard rock record, even better than debut because here most the songs are composed by the band members.

This is a purist AOR / MR experience, inspired by the glorious era for the genre yet with an updated feel.
Oh, one final comment – brilliant album sleeve, perfectly matches the concept, acts as a perfect visual teaser for the delights therein, and also reminiscent of the sort of thing Boston / Tom Scholz used to do.
HIGHLY Recommended

King Records ／ Nexus ～ 【KICP-1454】
ネヴァーランド

01 – Neverland
02 – Nothing To Hide
03 – City Of Angels
04 – Promises
05 – Wait For You
06 – Nowhere To Run
07 – Tonight Tonight
08 – Higher Love
09 – Living Inside
10 – Welcome To My Life
11 – Paradise
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
12 – Confessions Of A Broken Heart

Michele Luppi – vocals
Tommy Denander – guitar
Joey Sykes – guitar
Roberto Priori – guitar
Fabrizio Grossi – bass
Eric Ragno – keyboards

Try Here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Neverland-Los-Angeles/dp/B002Y3DF62
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICP-1454