HYDRA – ReHydration (2024)
Swedish AOR band HYDRA returns on September 20th, 2024 with their sophomore release “ReHydration” via Pride & Joy Music. With a stable line-up, the group still consists of long-time friends and experienced musicians from the Swedish rock scene, i.e. songwriter/musician Henrik Hedström, drummer/producer Daniel Flores (Find Me), bassist Jonny Trobro, and singer Andi Kravljaca (ex Seventh Wonder).
HYDRA once again delivers a high-class classic AOR release with some obvious influences from the ’80s. HYDRA is quite different than the current AOR bands out there, due to their special use of keyboards along with the guitars, and much of their music on the album is deep in emotion, plenty of big hooks.
The heavily keyboard laden opener “We Belong” is a winner, with its heavy and rough edge thick with melodies, and its massive chorus. There’s joyful bright synths on “Marionette”, as said above, playing a nice game with the clean guitars.
“Still the same” has a tender melody, and the vocals shine. Kravljaca delivers a wonderful performance all over the album, powerful when needed, subtle at places – always melodic and perfect pitch.
“Made up stories” has a rocking sound, still high with emotion, and the big / rapid keyboards are great.
“Clown without a circus” is another highlight, with strong hooks and charming melodies. We get a DANGER DANGER vibe in this one. “Two of a kind” is that kind of ’80s tunes we love so much, but Hydra imprints a modern sound.
“Out in the cold” has a strong yearning quality to go along with its energetic pace and rough riff. The final cut, “Me minus you” closes the album in ballad form, with acoustic guitars in the mix, rich in harmonies.
Flores performs drums & additional keyboards on the album also being some kind of a musical director, Henrik play keyboards & acoustic clean guitars, Trobro serves deep bass lines, while Andi Kravljaca not only provide classy vocals but also perform electric guitars.
This is a really well crafted AOR / Melodic rock platter, dynamic, with spark. At places brings to mind great act Find Me, which is logic as most Hydra members are involved into that band.
Highly Recommended
01 – We Belong
02 – Marionette
03 – Still The Same
04 – Eye Of The Storm
05 – Made Up Stories
06 – Clown Without A Circus
07 – Two Of A Kind
08 – I Remember
09 – Out In The Cold
10 – Love Remains
11 – Me Minus You
Andi Kravljaca – Vocals, lead & rythm guitars
Henrik Hedström – Keyboards, acoustic & clean guitars
Daniel Flores – Drums and keyboards
Jonny Trobro – Bass, Fretless bass
Pre order:
shop.season-of-mist.com/hydra-rehydration-cd
