DAVID A. SAYLOR – Ship To Nowhere (out of print)
Recorded in Birmingham at the Front Room Studios, “Ship To Nowhere” is the last album from DAVID A. SAYLOR (RIP), one of the vocalists / musicians from the last decade more faithful to the classic AOR sound of the ’80s.
“Ship To Nowhere” consists of 12 songs all composed by Saylor except the two listed as bonus tracks; ‘Can’t Break Away From You’ written by his friend Jon Dewsbury (who also play keyboards), and the cover of John Waite’s hit ‘Missing You’, very well done by the way.
The disc begins with the atmospheric instrumental ‘Tempest’ which sets the tone for the title track ‘Ship To Nowhere’ full of pompous keyboards that create an intense melodic rock feel. The elegance of the vocals are in Saylor’s trademark fashion, making this cut of one the highlights.
On ‘We Won’t Sacrifice’ there’s an interesting duet with Phil Bates from the band Atlantic, a nice surprise as both vocalists glue perfectly.
Next arrives another gem, the AOR bliss of “Open Door”, followed by another AOR pearl called ‘Blood In My Veins’, this time in a midtempo pace adorned with great harmonies.
The cheerful ‘Make It Right’ is a pure delight in the best Strangeways vein, and more enjoyment come with ‘Hearts On Fire’, a melodic rocker that can’t fail with such title. Love it!
The humming ‘Pray For Time’ is driven by guitars – and I really like this change of focus – where Saylor’s vocals shine as well. More welcomed variation arrive with the poppy & melodic ‘Have It All’, same with the dynamic ‘Don’t Go’ featuring more relaxed lead vocals.
The aforementioned ‘Can’t Break Away From You’ is a semi-ballad with an early ’90s melodic rock feel, and for the end we have an elegant version of ‘Missing You’, faithful to the original with Saylor’s own touch.
On “Ship To Nowhere”, David A. Saylor confirms once again his love for classic AOR / Melodic Rock, performed with a passion like few in the current scene can deliver.
Delicious
01. Tempest
02. Ship To Nowhere
03. We Won’t Sacrifice (duet with Phil Bates)
04. Open Door
05. Blood In My Veins
06. Make It Right
07. Hearts On Fire
08. Pray For Time
09. Have It All
10. Don’t Go
Bonus Tracks:
11. Can’t Break Away From You
12. Missing You (John Waite cover)
David A Saylor – Vocals, Guitar
Paul Pryor – Bass
Rob Hewins – Drums
Brett Hammond, Ray Hatfield, Rob Hewins – Guitar Solos
Jon Dewsbury – Keyboards
Erika Jones, Cristian Antonio, Romany May – Backing Vocals
Try Here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Ship-Nowhere-David-Saylor/dp/B01HAYBHCI
