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Two Of A Kind: Rise
Two Of A Kind - Rise Music Review

Two Of A Kind: Rise

AOR Melodic Rock
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Released: 13.07.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.07.2018

Have they been flying under the melodic rock radar or simply been off the grid? The last we heard from Fred Hendrix (Terra Nova) and his Two Of A Kind project was 2007's self-titled debut. From the "where have they been" file, Two Of A Kind is back with their, long awaited shall we say, second album, Rise.

Two Of A Kind Band Photo Click For Larger Image

Two Of A Kind

To refresh our collective memories, Two Of A Kind features two female vocalists, Esther Brouns and Anita Craenmehr, backed up by the guys from Terra Nova. Think something like Heart folded into classic melodic rock, without the big Eighties hair, yet overflowing with pop AOR accessibility. The gals are exceptional singers whether one is singing lead or they join in vocal harmony. They are a pleasure to listen to: smooth, melodic, well-balanced, strong. The songs mimic those characteristics. They are large on infectious melody, vocal harmony, rock groove, stirring guitar solos, and catchy refrains. Memorable hooks are everywhere, but mostly your ears will hang on to the ladies' vocal presence, then the song melodies, followed by the choruses. I mentioned the guitar solos which are abundant and satisfying. But also notable is the strength of the bass line, which is well heard in each song.

As for the songs, there's not a runt in the litter. Mostly, besides the female vocal harmony, I was drawn to the songs with an upbeat groove and a tasty refrain. These would include Here Is The Now, Rock Your World, the guitar edgy Touch The Roof, It Ain't Over, and Rise, which includes some fine Hammond organ. With Without You, you'll find a lighter AOR rocker turning on acoustic guitar and, once more, the vocal harmony. Anthemic ballads arrive with the stirring and emotional Naked and the short, yet poignant and mellow, Alienation.

Bottom line, Two Of A Kind's Rise is simply a fine and entertaining album of classic AOR melodic rock, driven by sweet and strong female voices and vocal harmony. Hopefully, we won't need to wait another 11 years for the next album. Easily recommended.




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The Bottom Line

Two Of A Kind's Rise is simply a fine and entertaining album of classic AOR melodic rock, driven by sweet and strong female voices and vocal harmony. Easily recommended.

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