ROULETTE – Go! (2025) *HQ*
Swedes ROULETTE are back, delivering another classic AOR / Melodic Rock song collection with their highly anticipated full-length album, “GO!”. Featuring 10 brand-new songs, this release follows the critically acclaimed “Now!” (2019) and continues the band’s remarkable musical evolution.
Their recent EP “From Now Until Today” (2024) showcased their ability to develop their songwriting while staying true to their roots. Now, “GO!” takes that journey even further. “We have connected to our roots of Thin Lizzy, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, and Van Halen,” says bass player Hansi Fellbrink.
Expect powerful melodies, soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and a pounding rhythm section-everything that defines Roulette’s signature sound.
Inspired by the sound of their idols the Swedes have recorded music that builds on excellent melody lines and that also reminds me partly of Europe. ‘Strangers’ is such a song, and Roulette have the perfect combination of catchy sounds and a certain level of hardness perfectly under control.
Despite being enthusiastic about the well-crafted melodies, the band never descends into triviality. There is always an underlying rock feel that gives upbeat songs like the opener, “Answer to My Prayers”, their drive.
Get ready to GO!
An ode to gratitude for being blessed with a companion, this optimistic AOR rocker opener has a chord progression not far removed from Harem Scarem, so much so that if you told me this song is a cover from them, I would believe you. I played it several times before moving on to other tracks. Fantastic!
There are winning tracks throughout so I’ll mention a few favorites.
‘Don’t Be Sorry’ is a strong Firehouse meets Def Leppard amalgamation. The melody line is reminiscent of Lepp track ‘Promises’ and that immediately pull you in by its infectious chorus. Straight up early 90s vibe that takes you back to the glory days of discovering a plethora of good bands.
While the album has an overall uplifting tone to it, is great to hear the heavier vibe of the Europe-inspired ‘Strangers’. With lyrics of rekindling a lost romance, the combo of desperate passion and aggression is killer. ‘Brand New Start’ is quite interesting as its thumping opening beat and guitar tone denote a darker track that builds to an uplifting chorus. Very well constructed.
Keyboards take to the forefront for ‘She Can’t Hide’ and are used to great effect, sprinkled sparingly to accent parts of the song. It adds a layer that is not present in other tracks and brings warmth to a track that lyrically deals with hidden pain.
I have to take the time to show my admiration to lead singer Thomas Lundgren. The man has great vibrato and control. He’s not a flashy, screaming-type singer. He has range limitations, but makes the most of it with his accentuation and clarity. Lundgren is not a singer that requires the listener to read a lyrics sheet to follow along with the song. His enunciation is clear and strong.
The one song it took a bit to warm to was lead single ‘Fire In Your Eyes’. It’s a solid mid-tempo rocker but the chorus initially was a letdown as I expected some type of chord lift, but it doesn’t come. Subsequent replays had me humming the tune and I like the way Mr. Lundgren carries and accents the words in the chorus. It would not have been my first choice as a single as I believe most other songs here are stronger.
This album is a straight through listen, consistent and enjoyable. No tracks I would skip. Surprisingly, the album has no ballads, which is something unexpected. While I would have appreciated that change-up, the album is not held back by its omission.
If you liked Roulette previous CD’s, this is a must purchase. If not, get them all. So glad these gentlemen have returned.
Highly Recommended
01 – Answer To My Prayers
02 – Fire In Your Eyes
03 – We Remember You
04 – Strangers
05 – What Are We Looking For
06 – Take Me As I Am
07 – Brand New Start
08 – Don’t Be Sorry
09 – She Cant Hide
10 – Better Walk Away
Thomas Lundgren – Vocals
Magnus Nelin – Guitars
Hansi Fellbrink – Bass
Mats Nelin – Drums
Pre order:
target.com/p/roulette-go-cd/-/A-1003426971
