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November 2024

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Houston: IV

AOR/Melodic Hard Rock

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 29.09.2021 | Released: 08.10.2021

Sweden's Houston is another fine AOR band making their return to the studio after a significant, but short, absence. Their previous album III dropped in 2017, and was followed by several tours and festival appearances. In the next year, vocalist Hank Erix was tapped by Frontiers Music for his first solo album which, not unlike Houston albums, was a success. Now, and sticking with their Roman numerals, Houston returns with IV, their fourth and latest studio album.

Houston

The album features the return of producer, multi-instrumentalist, and former Houston member Ricky Delin who helped with songwriting and produced the new studio album. The band credits Delin's musical input for the early success of Houston. Additionally, and musically, IV features Houston's well versed AOR melodic hard rock with influences from Survivor to Foreigner, Journey to John Farnham.

You'll hear these musical influence (and many more) early on with She Is The Night, but also later with A Lifetime In A Moment, and Until The Morning Comes where the Eighties synthesizer influence rises to lead and reinforce the songs' texture. Alternatively, strong riffs move Such Is Love and Heart Of A Warrior, making Houston's AOR sound tougher while, at the same time, tempered by those keyboard and vocal harmonies. For Hero, the bass and drums of the rhythm section lead the song's groove as it builds into a steady tune with a smooth memorable chorus. The closing number, Into Thin Air, an upbeat and faster song, turns on the combination of Erix's voice, the sharp guitar harmony, and the subtle, lingering piano line. All in all, if you're a Houston fan or simply fond of classic early to mid-Eighties AOR melodic hard rock (as found in a John Hughes film), you will enjoy IV, Houston's latest and fourth album. 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.

If you're a Houston fan or simply fond of classic early to mid-Eighties AOR melodic hard rock (as found in a John Hughes film), you will enjoy IV, Houston's latest and fourth album. Recommended.

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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]

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