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February 2025

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January 2025

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Landfall: Wide Open Sky

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 15.01.2025 | Released: 17.01.2025

Twenty five months after their sophomore effort Elevate, Brazil's Landfall returns with their third studio album, Wide Open Sky. The band personnel remains constant with Marcelo Gelbcke (g,bgvs), Luis Rocha (b,bgvs), Felipe Souzza (d,bgvs), and singer-songwriter Gui Oliver. Oliver has written songs for Jimi Jamison, Bobby Kimball, Issa, and Fergie Frederiksen. Gelbcke, who has helped writing songs for Brazil's Icon Of Sin, became that band's lead guitarist for their latest album, 2023's Legends.

Landfall

Speaking to Landfall's Wide Open Sky, the band is following the same musical course as their two previous albums: AOR-infused melodic hard rock. The band describes their sound "as falling somewhere between classic melodic rock, like Journey, and slightly heavier influences, such as classic era Dokken, White Lion, and Extreme." That nails it.

After the first spin, honestly, I found the songwriting and musicianship to be exceptional, especially the attention to song melody, rock rhythm and groove, fine gang vocal harmony, and very strong guitar solos. Yet no songs really jumped out. However, like most new music, additional spins allows the music to sink deeper into your consciousness.

Heavier rockers arrive with No Tomorrow, Running In Circles, and the faster riff rocker, Coming Home. More notable AOR influences, SOS, Tree Of Life, and Intoxicated, which turn on hooks in riffs, groove, and catchy refrains. Landfall offers a power ballad with A Letter To You. Finally, you might find some subtle prog nuances within Hourglass and the title track, Wide Open Sky, where the band gives their significant musical talents room to stretch.

Most things considered, Landfall's third studio album, Wide Open Sky continues to demonstrate the band's commitment to AOR-inspired melodic hard rock which turns upon exceptional songwriting and musicianship, especially song melody and groove with fine vocal harmony. Recommeded.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Landfall's third studio album, Wide Open Sky continues to demonstrate the band's commitment to AOR-inspired melodic hard rock which turns upon exceptional songwriting and musicianship, especially song melody and groove with fine vocal harmony. Recommeded.

Support the artist, click the link below to buy the album at Amazon (US site) in your favorite format.

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