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Bonrud: Save Tomorrow

Melodic Hard Rock

3.5/5.0

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Escape Music
by Craig Hartranft,  09.12.2012

Bonrud is the project created by producer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Bonrud; Save Tomorrow is his sophomore effort, the first in eight years. He's joined in this session by talented vocalist Rick Forsgren, known for his four octave range.

Paul Bonrud: rips it up.

The abundance of the material on Save Tomorrow is straight Eighties melodic hard rock. The arrangements are well-crafted as one would expect from Bonrud, and extensively feature his lead guitar work. However, it would be incorrect to call this a guitar rock album. Rather, this is a collection of songs, where the principal components are the guitar leads and Forsgren's vocal arrangements. Like any good rock song, most tunes here offer tight melodies and crafty hooks. Be example, you'll hear this on Dominoes, American Dream, or Save Tomorrow. Bonrud definitely has a heavier side, a near metal edge, as on We Collide or Bullet in the Back. But there are also some psuedo-anthems or ballads in Liquid Sun, and maybe You're the One and End of Days.

Generally, however, Save Tomorrow is a rock album, plain and simple. While there's significant variation among the songs, there's also a certain familiarity like you've heard this all before. That certainly doesn't diminish the quality of the album, especially considering the talent involved and well-composed songs. But it is cause for reflection as after several spins I was ready to move on. Nevertheless, lovers of pure Eighties-style melodic hard rock will dig this album. 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.

Bonrud's Save Tomorrow is a rock album: lovers of pure Eighties-style melodic hard rock will dig this album.

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