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Kryptonite: Kryptonite
Kryptonite 2017 Self-titled Debut CD Album Review

Kryptonite: Kryptonite

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 02.08.2017

From the Frontiers music factory comes another new band, Kryptonite, formed when vocalist Jacob Samuel (The Poodles) had a chance meeting with uber and ubiquitous songwriter and producer Alessandro Del Vecchio, a linchpin in the Frontiers camp. Huddling to write songs, Samuel and Del Vecchio also recruited additional players from the Swedish music scene. Pontus Egberg, a former Poodle, came on to play bass; Robban Back from Mustach to play drums; and young fret sensation Mike Palace to play guitar.

Kryptonite Band Photo

Kryptonite

Hands down, Kryptonite's self-titled debut is a terrific album with great songs. For a classic AOR melodic hard rock, I love everything about this work. There's great melody and harmony hooks in the compositions, notably from the guitar lines but also the vocal arrangements. Palace lays down some harmonious riffs, and delivers sting guitar solos. The songs also reverberate with rhythm and groove, giving the Kryptonite sound true AOR accessibility. And there's an abundance of catchy and memorable refrains as within Across The Water, Keep The Dream Alive, Get Out Be Gone. Essentially, Kryptonite delivers AOR melodic rock ear candy. But here's the rub: it sounds like another Poodles (technically The Poodles) album. The single significant reason for that is Jacob Samuel's voice. His vocal style is immediately recognizable, but also intimately intertwined with The Poodles sound. After all he has been that band's only vocalist. But (The) Poodles similarity is no reason to dismiss the album. Actually, it's probably a convincing reason to buy this album.

Of the songs, a brief mention of a few is in order. Some of the best AOR rockers come with Fallen Angels, Keep The Dream Alive, the rowdy rocker Get Out Be Gone (crazy good chorus, too), and the symphonic and inspiring Across The Water. A personal favorite, it has the best vocal arrangement of all the songs. A ballad comes with Knowing Both Of Us, being lead by a gentle piano line and supported by symphonic synths. Similar in a sense, One Soul moves lyrical storytelling, a sweet groove, and hooks in the melody and refrain. After these things, some recognition of the art work is necessary. The retro comic book cover as album art is quite creative. (I'm old enough to remember 12 cent comic books.)

Kryptonite, even with obvious musical references to The Poodles, delivers an exceptional and entertaining album of classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.



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The Bottom Line

Kryptonite, even with obvious musical references to The Poodles, delivers an exceptional and entertaining album of classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.

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