DEVICE – 22B3 [CD version reissue] *Exclusive*

A remastered reissue of “22B3“, the only album from short-lived American trio DEVICE was requested at this blog. Truth is that “22B3” never has been officially released on CD, hence, never remastered.
This is the reissue done by American reissue label Renaissance Records, known for resurrect long lost (sometimes obscure) deleted albums mostly from the melodic hard rock, rock-pop genres. The master tapes of these recordings in many cases are lost, and while the reissues are done taking vinyl LP’s as source, at least we have the chance to hear that music again.
In the case of DEVICE’s “22B3” the sound quality is very good, with the release being approved by the band members. Additionally, this CD is the Renaissance re-release, and compared to their previous pressing, there’s a much better source / digital transfer / signal.

Perhaps the name DEVICE doesn’t ring any bell for some, but for sure its talented members: AOR goddess vocalist Holly Knight, ex Spider and who has penned hits for Pat Benatar, Heart, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, great guitarist / songwriter Gene Black (Wild Blue, Tim Feehan, Mark Free) and vocalist Paul Engemann (Moroder, Animotion).

Produced by Mike Chapman (Lita Ford) the album got a Top 40 single in the U.S. with “Hanging on a Heart Attack,” which peaked at #35 on the Hot 100, then “Who Says” peaked at #79. Both of these songs were promoted by music videos which garnered MTV rotation.

Device’s “22B3” is pure ’86 in sound & style, mixing elaborated synth power pop with Lite AOR melodies.
The hi-tech attack is relentless on tracks such as “Who Says” and “Tough And Tender”. Even on midtempo “When Love Is Good”, the choruses are soaring and guitars are absolutely swinging.

Other favorites are the dynamic “Didn’t I Read You Right”, and “Hanging On A Heart Attack” & “I’ve Got No Room For Your Love”, both classic 80s AOR songs, just ‘electro-flavored’ production wise.

I always thought Device’s “22B3” as the perfect soundtrack for any mid-80s movie. It has that magic, that kind of sound and atmosphere you simply can’t recreate anymore.
Simply one of the best Hi-Tech Pop/AOR bands ever.
A true ’80s gem, regarded by many AOR fans as cult classic from one of the best Hi-Tech Pop / AOR bands ever.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Hanging On A Heart Attack
02 – Who Says
03 – Pieces On The Ground
04 – Tough And Tender
05 – When Love Is Good
06 – Didn’t I Read You Right
07 – Fall Apart, Golden Heart
08 – I’ve Got No Room For Your Love
09 – Who’s On The Line
10 – Sand, Stone, Cobwebs And Dust

Holly Knight – keyboards, bass, vocals
Gene Black – guitars
Paul Engenmann – vocals

BUY
www.amazon.com/22b3-Device/dp/B000005NMV