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"Without being Newman's best album, "Ignition" is no less a further demonstration of his finely chiselled AOR, both melodic and muscular."
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4/5
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Since a decade, it was rare that Newman left us more than a year without a new album to enjoy. At worst, two years could separate two studio opuses, but they always saw a compilation or a re-release slipping in between them. As much to say that without a new offering since the magnificent "Aerial" (2017), fans were beginning to feel alone. Yet, Steve Newman was far from remaining inactive, busy as he was writing for others (Toby Hitchcock, Cry Of Dawn...) or participating to new projects (Compass). In the midst of all his activities, the Briton still managed to compose and record the twelfth studio album of his band and "Ignition" lands on our impatient turntables in this year of confinement.
If it won't fundamentally revolutionize Newman's identity, this opus is nevertheless a new proof of his genitor's capacities to explore new paths without distorting his muscular AOR always flirting with the limits of hard melodic. 'End Of The Road' directly grabs the listener in the opening with its nervous and almost aggressive riff, its sharp guitars and its hyper-speedy solo, all this without forgetting a catchy chorus. No sooner does 'Chasing Midnight', more traditional but still energetic and melodic, come to an end than the eponymous track surprises in its turn. The keyboards take over and a very typical 80's electro ritornello makes this track a surprising breath of fresh air with the accents of Dan Reed Network's 'Get To You'.
The sequel will prove to be more classic for the English band but it will not be possible to miss a 'Worth Dying For' perfectly combining power and melody while adding unifying choruses. Launched by its a cappella chorus, 'To Go On Loving You' becomes bewitching, when 'Moving Target' reminds us of some of Jim Peterik's compositions (Survivor, Pride Of Lions, etc...). We will also remember the keyboards close to Asia on a darker 'Life In The Underground', the Foreigner approach of the melodic and dynamic 'Wild Child', and the sunny mid-tempo 'The Island' with its seaside sounds and its accentuated reverb on the instruments. All these festivities end with a 'Welcome To That Rush' with the ingredients of 'The End Of The Road' for an equally unstoppable result.
Unsurprisingly, Steve Newman didn't lose his touch and once again offers an excellent album of a melodic and muscular AOR, with catchy choruses and a distinctive identity. Without being Newman's best album, "Ignition" is nevertheless another demonstration of the talent of its author to offer finely chiselled compositions with a contagious energy. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. End Of The Road - 4:14
02. Chasing Midnight - 4:43
03. Ignition - 3:55
04. Worth Dying For - 4:30
05. To Go On Loving You - 5:14
06. Moving Target - 4:20
07. Last Chance - 4:29
08. Life In The Underground - 5:07
09. Wild Child - 4:40
10. Promise Me - 4:34
11. The Island - 5:07
12. Welcome To The Rush - 3:46
LINEUP:
Rob McEwen : Batterie
Steve Newman: Chant / Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Dave Bartlett: Chant / Invité
Mark Thompson-Smith : Chant / Invité
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (1 view(s))
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