• New Music Reviews
• |
• Archives
• |
• News
• |
• Submissions
• |
• About
• |
• 
• |
• 

October 2024

• Frost*: Life In The Wires
• Aries Descendant: From The Ashes Of Deceit
• Fans Of The Dark: Video
• Radioactive (Tommy Denander): Reset
• House Of Lords: Full Tilt Overdrive
• Cleanbreak: We Are The Fire

September 2024

• Sinner's Blood: Dark Horizons
• Serious Black: Rise Of Akhenaton
• Eclipse: Megalomanium II
• SteelCity: Reverence
• Hydra: ReHydrated
• Heartwind: III
• Gabrielle De Val and the Dragonlords: Tiger
• Find Me: Nightbound
• The Nail: The Nail
• Timeless Fairytale: A Story To Tell
• Stryper: When We Were Kings
• Phil Mogg: Moggs Motel
• Pure Reason Revolution: Coming Up To Consciousness
• Jordan Rudess: Permission To Fly

August 2024

• Siege Perilous: Creation's Call EP
• Paralydium: Universe Calls
• Mike Tramp: Songs Of White Lion Vol. II
• Bite The Bullet: Looking For Paradise
• All For Metal: Gods Of Metal (Year Of The Dragon)
• Hammerfall: Avenge The Fallen
• Jim Peterik & World Stage: Roots & Shoots Vol. 2

July 2024

• Ironflame: Kingdom Torn Asunder
• Spektra: Hypnotized
• (Michael) Palace: Reckless Heart
• Mr. Big: Ten
• Dark Mile: Dark Mile

June 2024

• Kaipa: Sommargryningsljus
• Sunbomb: Light Up The Sky
• Seven Spires: A Fortress Called Home
• Atlantic: Another World
• Xeneris: Eternal Rising
• New Horizon: Conquerors
• Issa: Another World

May 2024

• Rhapsody Of Fire: Challenge The Wind
• Cloven Hoof: Heathen Cross
• Perseus: Into The Silence
• Yes: Talk (1994/2024) Reissue
• Marty Friedman: Drama
• Demon: Invincible
• The Treatment: Wake Up The Neighbourhood
• The Tangent: To Follow Polaris
• Riot V: Mean Streets
• Anette Olzon: Rapture
• FM: Old Habits Die Hard

[ More Music Reviews ]

Houston: Houston

AOR/Melodic Rock

4.5/5.0

Rocket Songs/Sound Pollution
www.myspace.com/houstontheband
www.rocketsongs.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  09.06.2010

Sweden's Houston says their music is inspired by the great 80's music. Actually, I think you can step back another five to ten years into 70's AOR, melodic rock and, more than likely, the indefatigable West Coast sound. Houston (the duo of Hampus "Hank" Erix and Freddie Allen) offer a breezy platter of tightly woven melodic rock. That's the canvas and its painted with beautiful melodies, rich vocal harmonies, strong infectious choruses, and an airy comfortable feel that immediately puts you at ease. However these two disciples of all things 'old school' AOR came to their craft, the path was perfect and their craftsmanship is more than sound. (And I find it interesting that this 'sound' is finding its greatest proponents in Scandinavia: consider State Cows.) While there are few other current examples of bands doing this style, Houston is clearly one of the best going. Best tracks include Truth Slips, Hold On, She's a Mystery, and 1000 Songs. Houston's debut is accurate and entertaining AOR/melodic rock. It's definitely worth your attention if you love this classic style.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Houston's debut is accurate and entertaining AOR/melodic rock. It's definitely worth your attention if you love this classic style.

Alphabetical Index

By far, Sweden's Eclipse is one of my favorite bands. Always consistent and always entertaining, Eclipse has been delivering their 21st century version of melodic metal rock since songwriter, producer ... [ Read More ]