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Space Elevator: II

Melodic Rock/AOR

5.0/5.0

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SPV/Steamhammer
Releasing: 25.05.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 16.05.2018

Some four years ago, England's Space Elevator, formed by guitarist David Young and flamboyant vocalist The Duchess, dropped their debut album. They promptly shocked and pleased the music community with their surprising and entertaining AOR melodic rock. Well, folks, Space Elevator is back to do it again with the aptly and unremarkably titled II.

Space Elevator

Suffice to say, II picks up where the first album left off. Space Elevator delivers more catchy AOR rock developed around tight arrangements that turn on keen melodies and harmonies, sweet refrains, smooth beat and groove, slick guitar solos, and The Duchess' amazing and versatile voice. Left to me, I would buy this album just to hear her sing.

But you also might hear something different, in the best sense, this time around. There's some more edge to some songs, notably in Young's guitar lines. Take The Pain and Talk Talk start the album. The former turns more upon melodic hard rock with sharp riffs and a tough solo. The latter moderates only slightly, turning on a bouncy beat and groove, but getting bolder with the guitar solo in the second half. Far Away Boy starts with a big drum beat tied to more slick riffs, then the pace quickens as the song stays strong. The band adds a bit of a "pop" music twist to the otherwise rocker, Crazies. Alternatively, you'll find more of Space Elevator's lighter AOR rock with World Of Possibilities, All This Time, Lucky Girl, and the ballad, The One That Got Away. The best thing about the softer songs is the simple fact that The Duchess' voice rises higher above the music. Yet, the most unique and quirky song here is W.Y.T.A.T which juxtaposes a classic rock groove with a hip hop beat, and The Duchess taking a turn at rapping. And it wraps up with another killer Young guitar solo.

All in all, Space Elevator's sophomore effort is a fine one, another tasty album of their catchy AOR melodic rock featuring the beautiful and versatile voice of The Duchess. Get it. 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.

All in all, Space Elevator's sophomore effort is a fine one, another tasty album of their catchy AOR melodic rock featuring the beautiful and versatile voice of The Duchess. Recommended.

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