AVION – White Noise 1986 [MelodicRock Classics remastered +2] (2024) *HQ*

Australian AOR / Melodic Rock act AVION second studio album ‘White Noise’ (1986) has been the subject of bootlegs but have never had an official CD release. Now MelodicRock Classics is releasing AVION’s “White Noise [MelodicRock Classics remastered +2]” remastered by JK Northrup from the best available master sources and featuring non-album single B-sides as bonus tracks.
Avion’s lead guitarist and lead singer Randall Waller had previously released two albums as a solo artist. In 1981 Waller formed pop rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martyn Toole on guitar, and his two brothers: John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass guitar – the group was soon renamed as AVION.
Avion signed with RCA Records and, in September 1983, released their debut self-titled album. After some singles, in 1986 Avion signed a deal with EMI Records for the band’s second album, “White Noise”.

This is first class crystal clear mid-Eighties AOR, elegant, finely arranged & performed. The sound is closer to Strangeways and the very first FM and Dare, however AVION formed earlier and shaped their sound before these acts. Add a graceful stylized rock&pop sound akin Mr. Mister, and you have “White Noise”, a must in your ’80s music collection.

All songs are good – to mention some highlights tracks like “Celebration,” “Elle,” and “In My Mind,” showcase the band’s ability to craft infectious melodies and memorable hooks. The album also features the emotional “Never Too Late,” dedicated to their late keyboardist Evan Murray who passed away in a car accident in 1987. The vocal performance by Randall Waller is amazing here where he on the same level as Chris Thompson.

Sadly, the band’s success was cut short after Murray died, and the failure to break through commercially outside Australia finally led the remaining members to call an end to Avion’s tenure.
But their music continues to live on, and this remastered edition of ”White Noise” is a testament to their talent and impact on the Australian melodic rock scene.
As bonus we have two songs only released as Single B-sides.
HIGHLY Recommended

01. Celebration
02. Berlin Wall
03. Elle
04. In My Mind
05. Ships
06. We’ve Got Secrets
07. Calm Before The Storm
08. The Next Big Thing
09. On And On
10. Never Too Late
BONUS TRACKS:
11. The Bigger You Are (1985 B-Side)
12. Ransom (1986 B-Side)

Randall Waller: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Paul Gannell: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Kendall Waller: Bass, Backing Vocals
Evan Murray: Keyboards, Synths, Backing Vocals
John Waller: Drums, Backing Vocals
Sam Mac Nally: additional Synths

BUT
www.amazon.com/Whitenoise-Avion/dp/B0CTCXNTBG