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Brock, Terry: Diamond Blue

Melodic Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

Frontiers Records
www.frontiers.it
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.23.2010

Vocalist Terry Brock is a busy guy; actually, he probably never sits still for too long. Last year he became the new frontman for melodic hard rock legends Giant, performing on 2010's excellent Promised Land. Recently, Brock announced his intentions to rejoin Strangeways, the significant AOR band from Scotland that put his vocal presence on the world stage back in the late 80's. In between, he's found the time to create his second solo album Diamond Blue.

Without question, the focus of Diamond Blue is upon Terry Brock's formidable vocal talent. This talent performs over some well-rounded AOR/melodic rock songs. However, these songs are bolstered by the compositional and musical from renowned guitarist/producer/songwriter Mike Slamer, so except so dynamic fret work as well. (Brock and Slamer worked together on Seventh Key and Slamer's project Nowhere Land.)

Overall, Diamond Blue is melodic ear candy, sometimes lighter (It's You, Rain), sometimes heavier (Nice Guy, Diamond Blue). Some songs are simply moody, swinging effortlessly between the two, like Broken. Most all songs are pure arena or radio friendly rock, catchy with swells of grandeur as found in Too Young or Face in the Crowd. Again, the unequivocal star here is Brock's effortless, strong, and amazingly versatile style. He handles every song with aplomb. There are few weak spots here. I struggled with Jessi's Gone as it seemed like cheesy pop melodic rock, and near filler for the album. That's more a mild blemish, than a sore black eye for Diamond Blue. Otherwise, Diamond Blue is an exceptional work displaying Terry Brock's versatile vocal talent in some very vibrant melodic rock songs. Very recommended.

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Diamond Blue is an exceptional work displaying Terry Brock's versatile vocal talent in some very vibrant melodic rock songs.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]