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Action: Action
Melodic Hard Rock
Rating: 4.5/5.0

www.frontiers.it
www.myspace.com/actiontheband

If you think you have entered a time machine and transported back to the mid-eighties when listening to Action's self-titled debut, you are more right than you know. Action was conceived in that time by songwriter and guitarist David 'Chip' Ramos. Though he shared the stage with notable bands of the time (Slaughter, Firehouse, Quiet Riot), Action never saw any label action. Fast forward to 2000 when, Ramos and vocalist Jack Marques begin renewing the Action vision by writing together. Demos were recorded and a label deal waited in the wings. Alas, Action was again put on hold as Ramos and Marques pursued Mars Hill, a nu-breed band for which I know little about, for three years. Finally, Ramos, believing Action still needed to see the light of day, had the earlier material pitched to Frontiers . The album was scooped up, new songs were written, and now Action is in action. And so we've come full circle.

Action has the big sound of Eighties melodic rock and metal nailed with anthemic melodies, big vocals, catchy choruses and soaring guitar work. Honestly, this is a thoroughly consistent work with not a single bad song on it, although I found some less impressive spots. 'Action,' an album mostly about love lost and found, is book ended by two classy melodic rock songs in 'Without Your Love' and 'Is It Love,' the former features some very smooth vocal harmonies, and the later, simply rocks. In between, there are some great tracks and it's hard to pick a favorite. I would include 'Here In My Heart,' 'Forever,' 'Heaven Tonight' and the striking, yet all too brief, 'Loveless' as some favorite tracks. As for the less impressive numbers, I wasn't particularly moved by 'Someday' or 'Cinderella.' However, though average to me, both are solid melodic rock songs and should not deter you from this work.

Without a single doubt, Ramos and Marques know how to compose some stylish melodic rock songs and Action should have graced our ears long before this time. I wonder if we would have heard the same twenty years ago. Time, experience, and, yes, providence has a way bringing out the best at the right time. Action is classic melodic hard rock that should be embraced eagerly. Highly recommended.

In Short

The Eighties meet the 21st century on the debut disc by Action. This is classic melodic hard rock in a strongly Eighties way. And it's all good. Genereous melodies, big vocals, and striking guitar work deliver strong songs ready for arena rock.

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