XIX YEARS – Never Fall Again (2020)
“Never Fall Again” is the debut work from new Spanish AOR project XIX YEARS lead by vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Ivan Ruiz. Immaculate produced with a crisp sound by well known musician Ivan Gonzalez (91 Suite, Raintimes, Secret) and featuring collaborations such as exceptional Swedish guitarist Sven Larsson (Street Talk, Raintimes), “Never Fall Again” delivers really well composed tunes with an Eighties feel.
Ruiz (Meridian Zero guitarist) is a confessed admirer of great classic bands such as Journey, Toto or Work Of Art and that inspiration it’s seen reflected throughout all the songs
In this project he’s helped by very interesting keyboardist Fernando Ortí (fine taste on the ivory), Akior García on drums, Gabriel Cruz on bass and Juan Carlos Leon providing some sax touches.
We start with “It´s not too late” where they remind me of how Pride Of Lions songs begin with those very melodic intros that precede the verses: the voice perfectly in tune with the instrumentation, creating atmospheres. The keyboard play an essential role for the harmonies, while the guitar line are arranged with gusto. Great opener.
“Never fall again” is more guitar driven, and the song is built with a melodic rock heart. There’s a great multi-track vocal mix into the chorus, and there’s an strong solo.
“You are in love again” is the ballad, atmospheric and elegant, where I hear some of Canadians Boulevard, and the sax appears to give the song an even more melancholy mood. Nice guest guitar solo by Larsson too.
Back to classic AOR in a midtempo mode is ‘Save Me’, really smooth and arranged with class with a certain British touch. Love the keys / synths that blend nicely with the vocals. A highlight.
Work Of Art was mentioned above as influence, and you can hear this on “The game”. The rhythm is tremendously addictive and makes you tap your feet while bass & guitar reach you through the speakers creating addiction to the tune, seamlessly blended with the synth arrangement. This is good, very good.
XIX YEARS is a project to keep an eye on. There’s a lot of class here, true love for classic AOR and timeless melodic rock marvelously written, performed and flawlessly produced / recorded.
Highly Recommended
01 – It’s Not Too Late
02 – Never Fall Again
03 – You Are in Love Again
04 – Save Me
05 – The Game
Ivan Perez Ruiz – vocals, guitars
Fernando Ortí – keyboards
Juan Carlos Leon – sax
Gabriel Cruz – bass
Akior García – drums
guest:
Sven Larsson (Street Talk, Raintimes) – guitar
BUY IT
www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Fall-Again-Xix-Years/dp/B087CW4Y16