TERRA NOVA – Reinvent Yourself (2015)
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Dutch AOR Melodic Rockers TERRA NOVA are ready to release their forthcoming 6th studio album “Reinvent Yourself” on March 23rd via Melodic Rock Records.
The quartet fronted by Fred Hendrix is one of the long-lasting bands of the genre from Netherlands, as they remain active – with some breaks in-between – since their highly acclaimed debut album appeared in 1996.
Terra Nova’s last 2 albums were released by Frontiers Records, but for “Reinvent Yourself” the band and the label had different views on which direction the record should take. This resulted in Terra Nova moving on to Melodic Rock Records.
Anyway, “Reinvent Yourself” is faithful to Terra Nova’s classic sound; well-dosed in big arrangements, hooks and production, this new album still sounds like ’80s / ’90s arena rock.
Perhaps there’s a few more modern approach on some cuts like “Shadow Man” or “Rock Army” where Terra Nova sounds similar to Two Of A Kind, the project formed by Fred & Ron Hendrix in 2007 which give birth to a very good self-titled album.
Nevertheless, the keyboards are used in a more complementary fashion, the guitar work more fiery, and Fred’s vocals are more straight.
If anything, “Reinvent Yourself” may be Terra Nova’s ‘more rocking’ disc to date.
But this band has a true Melodic Rock spirit, and most of the record is firmly planted in the traditional stylings of the genre.
There’s lots of harmony vocals and catchy refrains / choruses on the great opener “Meltdown”, title track “Reinvent Yourself” or the highly melodious “Expectations”, with a jumping guitar work and synth flourishes.
The vocal arrangements also spark on the vital AOR of “Broken” – a highlight, while “Jenna” is a trademark Terra Nova mid-tempo ballad with a classy early ’90s style.
I don’t know why Frontiers Records dropped Terra Nova for “Reinvent Yourself”, as this is a true Melodic Rock album much more ‘melodic’ than many artists in their roster at the present time.
In fact, Terra Nova’s “Reinvent Yourself” is one of the best Melodic Rock albums appeared lately, at least speaking about variation between songcraft / sound. Some tracks are quite rocking while others AOR mid-tempo, providing a nice balance.
With a very good, clean production, “Reinvent Yourself” is a Highly Recommended listen by this blog.
01. Meltdown
02. Shadow Man
03. Broken
04. Promises
05. Jenna
06. Rock Army
07. Reinvent Yourself
08. Expectations
09. Reincarnation
10. The Freeway To Our Destiny
Fred Hendrix – Vocals
Ron Hendrix – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Gesuino Derosas – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Lars Beuving – Drums
BUY IT !
www.aorheaven.com/index.php/englisch_b/review/product/list/id/3639/
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