T.U.R.N. – The United Rock Nations (2021)
The United Rock Nations (T.U.R.N.) is a band that has broken the norm of music making. They create music together in separate locations around the world: USA, Sweden & UK. This ten-song release brings the familiarity of the ’80s into 2021 hailing with the inspiration of Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions, Skid Row, Def Leppard, Van Halen, etc.
It’s fun stuff composed & arranged with a hard rock style circa 1984, complete with over the top vocals, cowbell, etc.
Originally formed by Hammer Head (Bass, USA) and Daniel Valberg (Vocals, Sweden) as a cover project, both soon realized they figured a formula to start an original band that has rarely been done before. Hammer found a multi-instrument musical new member in Graham Lane (Guitar, Keyboards, England).
The three started working on songs that had been laying around in their catalog. Once the band started rolling they continued to perfect their craft of remote recording and writing together, Hammer then recruiter his talented brother Des Samita (Guitar, USA).
There was still a missing piece and after many try outs and failures the band didn’t give up at finding their drummer. After 18 months of working together they found Spencer Langley (Drums, USA). T.U.R.N. had found its groove.
There’s pretty good songs in offer here, like the melodic Van Halen-esque ‘Can’t Keep Me Away’, the slightly Stryper-like ‘Unreal Dreams’, or midtempo melodic rocker ‘Stormy Nights’. They do strong ballads too as heard in ‘Shine’, or closer ‘Children of this Time’.
While mix/engineering could be better in the hands of an expert (everything is managed by the guys), the album is benefited by its short, effective 3 and a half songs.
Fun 80s-style stuff. Highly Recommended.
01. Demons
02. Unreal Dreams
03. Can’t Keep Me Away
04. Stormy Nights
05. Living in Chains
06. Love Shack
07. Shine
08. Forgotten Souls
09. Potion of Endless Love
10. Children of this Time
Daniel Valberg (Sweden) – lead vocals
Hammer Head (USA) – bass
Graham Lane (UK) – guitar
Des Samita (USA) – guitar
Spencer Langley (USA) – drums
BUY IT
music.apple.com/us/album/the-united-rock-nations/1552240666
