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Last Autumn's Dream: Nine Lives

AOR/Melodic Rock

4.0/5.0

Website (Label)
GMR Music
review by Craig Hartranft,  01.30.2012

Perhaps the most consistent, if not prolific, AOR Melodic rock outfit of recent years is Last Autumn's Dream. Since 2003, over ten years, they've cut nine studio albums, the appropriately titled Nine Lives.

Above, Last Autumn's Dream: one member got the memo to wear shoes to match the wall.

The character of consistency certainly also defines LAD's music. With Nine Lives there's no variation from the form, basic melodic rock, expect no dramatic swerves. Strong melodies and vocal harmonies bolstered by big catchy hooks and traditional guitar work are the working pattern. As Solomon once said, 'There's nothing new under the sun.' LAD remains faithful to their style, and why not? It works.

What's left to ponder are the particulars of the album. Nine Lives had a sluggish start to these ears, but rebounds in the fourth track Merry-go-round. This track reminds me of what The Monkees would sound like if they were warped 45 years into the future. Golden Cage, All I Can Think Of, The Last to Know (with Jeff Scott Soto), and Angel Eyes (with Jenny Redenkvist) are solid songs; Megalomania not so much. A fine arena ballad, Don't Let Love Fade Away, closes the album.

Nine Lives, their ninth album, is classic Last Autumn's Dream, pure and simple. Why reinvent the wheel. Expect number ten next year.

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Nine Lives, there ninth album, is classic Last Autumn's Dream, pure and simple. Why reinvent the wheel. Expect number ten next year.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]