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Talon: III

Melodic (Hard) Rock/AOR

3.5/5.0

Escape Music
Website
by Craig Hartranft,  11.21.2011

I'll admit my knowledge of California band Talon is a bit shallow. Promo material and Internet searching makes this information even more elusive and ambiguous. (If any reader can find a website or Facebook page, let me know.) Suffice it to say that this five-piece plays classic melodic rock, sometimes on the AOR side, often on the harder side. On their third release, III, this time signed to England's Escape Music, the band weaves through both territories.

III is characterized by strong songwriting, bolstered by Shawn Pelata's raspy rock vocals and some stinging guitar work from Jim Kee. On the 'AOR' side of the melodic rock equation The Last Time and Did You Have to Say offer a smoother side of Talon. The latter nears ballad territory, but certainly has an arena rock flare. The same could be for Take You All the Way where Jeff Scott Soto provides the lead vocals. Certainly their cover of Jefferson Starship's Jane brings power of arena rock.

To the 'harder' melodic rock side, Everytime offers some dense riffage, and later songs When Will I and You Got What It Takes punch of the riffs, rock, and volume. Crossing the boundaries of these styles is the opening song Crying to Me which is powered by a strong rock groove. It's likely the best song here.

Of course, what would Eighties based classic rock be without some strong ballads. The aforementioned Did You Have to Say comes close. But, the acoustic driven Maybe One Day and the ode to friendship of Brothers are more representative.

Talon's III offers a variety of classic rock, traversing it's lighter AOR side to it's melodic hard rock side. It may seem uneven at times, but certainly displays the band's talent in song craftsmanship and musicianship. After several listens it will easily grow on you. Recommended.

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

Talon's III offers a variety of classic rock, traversing it's lighter AOR side to it's melodic hard rock side. It may seem uneven at times, but certainly displays the band's talent in song craftsmanship and musicianship.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]