JEFF AUSTIN PROJECT – Go Big Or Stay Home [Frontiers Music] (2002)

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Keyboardist Jeff Austin is the product of the great Canadian upbringing that seems to insist all performers and songwriters are extremely capable hook writers. It is rare to hear a duff tune come from a Canadian artist. Jeff isn’t about to buckle that trend.
JEFF AUSTIN PROJECT consists of series of songs that were written and recorded over a long period of time starting in the early 90s. Jeff self-released these tracks on CD in 1997 under the band title ‘AUSTIN’, however, as requested, this is the Frontiers Music release from 2002.
Titled “Go Big Or Stay Home“, the album is a great experience in the time-long-gone machine to the sounds of North American 80s FM melodic rock / AOR.
Opener ‘Lisa’ is a perfect example of keyboard / guitar driven Eighties AOR, with a sweet anthem chorus followed by passionate guitar solo and more chorus refrains. Kinda brings to mind the excellent band TWO FIRES (Kevin Chalfant at the mic). Next ‘Hideaway’ is equal parts BOSTON and JOURNEY, both in their very early 80s stages.

‘Too Late For Love’ is reminiscent of the most dominating style / influence of the album. This is pure 80s TRIUMPH! Lead singer Mark Roebuck has a district Rik Emmett vocal feel to him and the style matches that of TRIUMPH albums around the Thunder Seven era. ‘Forever’ has a little of a STEVE PERRY / HUGO feel to it, again mixed with TRIUMPH and even some Geddy Lee.
A couple of interesting covers are included, the first being ‘I’m A Fighter’ – a COBRA / VAN ZANT song written by none else than Jimi Jamison and guitarist Mandy Meyer of ASIA / GOTTHARD fame. It’s a good version with a harder edge guitar and production sound than the other more keyboard orientated tracks.

The other cool cover is ‘So You Ran’, written by Barry Goudreau of BOSTON (originally recorded by the band ORION THE HUNTER). Big in one word. With a very Rik Emmett vocal, this highly melodic song fits the album’s tyle perfectly. The chorus contains everything a BOSTON fan could wish for, in soaring vocals and major harmonies.

JEFF AUSTIN PROJECT is a trip back into the 80s melodic rock scene from a Canadian point of view. Not your average 80s AOR album, as you have to add the Canadian twist, the TRIUMPH and BOSTON touches, and a fine vocal performance. Production is pretty basic, however the layered harmony vocals are very well mixed & arranged.
Fans of the 1984-85 AOR / Melodic Rock sound need to hear ”Go Big Or Stay Home”.
Highly Recommended

01 – Lisa
02 – Hideaway
03 – Too Late For Love
04 – Forever
05 – I’m A Fighter
06 – Too Many Midnights
07 – Caught Up In Ecstacy
08 – Find A Way
09 – So You Ran

Mark Roebuck – Vocals
Mark Severns – Guitars
Rex Alan – Bass
Jeff Austin – Drums, Keyboards, Backing Vocals

BUY
www.amazon.com/Big-Stay-Home-Jeff-Austin/dp/B0000636NC