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Mick Devine: Hear Now
Mick Devine - Hear Now Music Review

Mick Devine: Hear Now

AOR Melodic Rock
4.5/5.0

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Escape Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 16.10.2019 | Released: 18.10.2019

The last we heard from vocalist and songwriter Mick Devine was the second coming of cult UK AOR melodic rock band, Seven and 2016's Shattered, a phenomenal album. Now at the behest and encouragement of Escape Music guru Khalil Turk, Devine partners with American producer and musician Brian J. Anthony (Lonerider, Steve Walsh, Overland, et al) for his first solo album. The recording also features exceptional guitarist Steve Morris (Lonerider, Hearland, et al).

Mick Devine - Click For Larger Image

Mick Devine

Needless to say, with Hear Now Mick Devine deviates little from his chosen genre, classic AOR melodic rock. While the songwriting and musicianship are fabulous, it's Devine's voice that rises to the forefront to carry the song melody and harmony. Devine is simply an exceptional vocalist. Hands down. Singing strong, clean, and melodic, he's always smooth, never strained. Like many of the songs within Hear Now, Mick Devine has something of a West Coast music timbre to his vocal vibe. Simply then, put together, the songs are a showcase for his voice, and his voice makes the songs outstanding and entertaining. At this point the basic conclusion is also simple: buy Mick Devine's Hear Now, and you won't be disappointed.

But for a taste of those tunes, here's some highlights. For some songs with some punch and power, Strange Voices, Live Forever, and Game Over, find Devine and company tapping into the heavier side melodic rock. The aforementioned West Coast air rises within So Much Better Now, Standing In The Middle, and Another Way, all developed by some lighter acoustic and electric lines and wrapped in AOR accessibility. For a ballad, listen for Home which moves by some Hammond-like organ and, perhaps, a little blues groove. Another anthem comes with Hope Rising which, with guitar line, sounds like it was composed in Nashville. A slight twist in the arrangement and it could be an American country song. With those things said, throughout you'll find sweet harmony in the vocal arrangements and more than a few stirring guitar solos.

Suffice to say, with Hear Now, vocalist Mick Devine drops an exceptional solo album filled with well-crafted and entertaining AOR melodic rock. Easily recommended.


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The Bottom Line

With Hear Now, vocalist Mick Devine drops an exceptional solo album filled with well-crafted and entertaining AOR melodic rock. Easily recommended.

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