Best ‘Comeback album’ 2017, #3 : DA VINCI – Ambition Rocks (2017)
Near the end of the year, it’s time to recap about the best 2017 releases, by category.
DA VINCI returned in full form with a really good CD, ‘Ambition Rocks’, melodic and rocking at the same time.
Another all time favorite bands from the ’80s is back: Norwegians DA VINCI, with their brand new album “Ambition Rocks” released via AOR Heaven. As part of that decade Scandinavian Melodic Rock / AOR explosion, Da Vinci recorded two stupendous albums and conquered UK and beyond.
With a single spin of “Ambition Rocks”, you’ll be transported back to 1986 for classic melodic hard rock in an AOR wrapper and that classic Scandi sound.
This 2017 Da Vinci version stands upon two pillars: Westlie’s guitar lines and Selboskar’s keyboard textures. Most songs begin with one or the other, often together.
In short, this is pure keyboard-driven stuff with sharp guitars.
New singer Erling Ellingsen sings clean, melodic and strong, while the rhythm section arrangements & style are faithful to the traditional style for the genre.
‘The Return (Intro)’ brings to mind Aldo Nova with lots of effects and helicopter whirring, but then the synths take the command on ‘Vicious Circle’: Da Vinci are back!
Dou you need more AOR-keyboard madness? Check out ‘Curious Sensation’ and ‘I’ve Come All This Way’. Love these.
Alternatively, a song like ‘Little Lonely’ moderates the pace with a steady groove, and you may sense a subtle bluesy feeling. Better for that rocking groove is ‘Painted Lady’, driven by thick riffs accompanied by a prevalent bass line.
‘Soul Survivor’ is winnner, a pure Melodic Rock tune in a classy ’80s fashion, and there’s great arrangements in ‘Rocket Of Fame’ and ‘Storm On The Horizon’ , two of the more elaborated tracks on the CD.
If you need ballads ‘See You’ will put a big smile in the face (even a tear) of all ’80s fans, being ‘You’re Mine’ the other with a little midtempo pace.
Closer ‘Touch Of Humanity’ is another highlight with class all over mixing some Toto, Street Talk and Houston to great effect.
Da Vinci are back in full form, and the current Melodic Rock / AOR scene has recovered a legendary band to make it better and better.
“Ambition Rocks” sounds modern and with an updated production, but in essence and focus, this is pure ’80s stuff full of magic.
Alongside LionHeart, Da Vinci are one of THE comebacks of 2017, and “Ambition Rocks” will a find a place on many Best Of lists of the year.
MANDATORY LISTEN
01 – The Return (Intro)
02 – Vicious Circle
03 – Curious Sensation
04 – I’ve Come All This Way
05 – See U When I See U
06 – Rocket of Fame
07 – Angel
08 – Storm on the Horizon
09 – Little Lonely
10 – Sole Survivor
11 – Painted Lady
12 – Your Mine
13 – Touch of Humanity
Gunnar Westlie (guitar)
Dag Selboskar (keyboards)
Erling Ellingsen (vocals)
Roy Funner (bass)
Bjørn Olav Lauvdal (drums)
BUY IT !
www.amazon.de/Ambition-Rocks-Da-Vinci/dp/B072Z8PPTG
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