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Three Lions: Three Lions
Three Lions 2014 Self-titled Debut CD Album Review

Three Lions: Three Lions

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Records
Words by Craig Hartranft,  10.04.2014

Brought together by Frontiers president Serafino Perugino and producer Alessandro Del Vecchio at the 2012 Firefest festival, the three 'lions' of Three Lions are veteran British musicians Vinny Burns (Dare, Ten, Asia) on guitar, Greg Morgan (Dare, Ten) on drums and Nigel Bailey on vocals and bass.

Three Lions Band Photo

Three Lions: none to happy.

Considering Burns and Morgan's past experience with Ten and Dare, you have some expectation of what you might hear from Three Lions. This is classic AOR melodic hard rock in the form of a power trio. While certainily not dismissing the rhythm section, one listen to this album puts Burns' guitar work in forefront. From riffs to leads, his work is sharp and entertaining. But the rhythm section is sturdy and powerful, propelling the songs with sweet grooves. Bailey's bass work is bright, but his voice is likely his best asset: smooth, clear, with just enough rock edge. Often he reminded me a bit of Asia's John Whetton.

All this would be nothing without good songs, and the three lions concoct some darn catchy rock tunes. The first single Trouble in a Red Dress, brings groove and slick licks, and turns on a terrific catchy refrain. But this could define most everything here. Melody and harmony are in a permanemt marriage with the hard rock groove, and that's the heart and soul of good music. Yet, Three Lions aren't afraid to get rambunctions, turn up the knobs, and get heavy. They do this with Twisted Soul, but you wouldn't know it from it's mild beginning, before the jams are kicked out. Just A Man is another similar number, offer rowdy, but darn, catchy rock. Another one is Hellfire Highway which rips along with some speed, powered by possibly the heaviest riffs from Burns.

Alternatively, Three Lions can turn things down. Made for One Another, Winter Sun, and Two Hearts Beat As One run the familiar path from rock anthem to ballad. Don't Let Me Fall and Kathmandu tend more to the anthem side of things, yet for some reason remind of something Asia. I think likely because the sound large, three guys creating an epic wall of sound. They are also terrific examples of Bailey's depth and strength on vocals. All in all, Three Lions' debut is pretty terrific melodic hard rock, great tunes with lots of groove, gusto, and fiery guitar work. Easily recommended.


Three Lions - Trouble in a Red Dress





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In Short

Three Lions' debut is pretty terrific melodic hard rock, great tunes with lots of groove, gusto, and fiery guitar work. Easily recommended.

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