HUNTER – L.A. Crossfire [Retrospect Records release] *HQ*

As requested, here’s the stupendous album “L.A. Crossfire” from American melodic rockers HUNTER, recorded in the mid-80s but never properly released. Fortunately Retrospect Records unearthed this little gem for this remastered reissue.
Produced by TOTO’s Bobby Kimball (who also does backing vocals), L.A. Crossfire is pure US Melodic Rock / AOR circa 1986 in terms of sound; polished sound, melodic, with keyboard flourishes and heavenly choruses.
Named after vocalist Stephen Hunter, a smooth performer with a vocal color similar to Max Bacon, the band deliver quality material here in a similar vein of Arrival, Fortune, Biloxi, Giuffria, Journey, etc. On keyboards there’s future Takara ivory-man Brook Hansen providing some awesome synths like Gregg Giufrria, while guitarist Michael Taris is second to none, melodic & elegant.

Songwriting is strong, from uptempo melodic rockers full of hooks – like “Hang On”, “Don’t Put Out The Fire”, title track “L.A Crossfire” to power ballads “One More Night On The Road” & “Now That I Found You”. And we love the AOR ‘factor’ on gems such as “Long Nights” “Where Do We Go From Here” and “Never Surrender”.

It’s a shame “L.A. Crossfire” never was released back in the time. But never it’s too late: this is one of the best, previously unreleased album from the late Eighties, a delight for AOR / Melodic Rock from the American factory
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Never Surrender
02 – L.A Crossfire
03 – What Comes Around Goes Around
04 – One More Night On The Road
05 – Break Down The Walls
06 – Long Nights
07 – The Last Gunslinger
08 – Now That I Found You
09 – Where Do We Go From Here
10 – Hang On
11 – Don’t Put Out The Fire
12 – Long Nights (Original Version)
13 – Hunters In The Night (Live)

Stephen Hunter – Vocals
Michael Taris – Guitar
Dave Acashia – Bass
Brook Hansen – Keyboards
Vinnie Silver – Drums
Bobby Kimball – Backing Vocals, Producer

Try here:
jbsrecordlounge.com/UPC/700261843995