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Danger Avenue: Danger Avenue EP

Danger Avenue: Danger Avenue EP

AOR/Melodic Rock
Rating: 3.0/5.0

www.dangeravenue.com
Wishing Well Entertainment (US Distribution)
www.myspace.com/dangeravenuerock

Taking a walk on Danger Avenue is like stepping back in time, 20 to 30 years back in time. This five piece from Sweden has entered into a serious time warp. One look at their influences, which hearken back even farther into 70's rock, and you will understand their music. This classic 80's melodic rock: a big sound with catchy riffs and melodies under girded by the customary keyboards and accented by zippy guitar solos. Guitarist Victor DiCola puts well when he says, 'A good melody, a good lyric and a band that can reach the listener and make him or her feel it.'

These are lofty intentions indeed. Danger Avenue succeeds extremely well on the first point: their debut is filled with tight and contagious melodies. Additional strengths include their vocal harmonies throughout and the excellent fret work especially on 'The Distance' and 'Beat The Night.' As for the second point, the lyrics are above average and never come across cheesy.

As for the final ambition of reaching the listener, here I'm not quite sure if Danger Avenue will succeed. Certainly, the album was interesting. However, as much as the musicianship and compositions were adequate, I was left unmoved and uninspired. Maybe this was because the sound was too retro rather than trying to bring the merits of the past into the present in a new form. Or possibly, it is because Danger Avenue's inherent enthusiasm for their work didn't translate well from stage to studio. Either way, after one listen, I did feel any compulsion or need to listen to this disc again.

Danger Avenue's strength is in their exceptional ability to interpret and present the melodic rock of yesteryear for the current generation. However, too much of living in the past could be their downfall as well. Most fans of melodic rock appreciate the influence of old, but desire to hear them made fresh for the current day. That is not necessarily happening here.

In Short

Danger Avenue's strength is in their exceptional ability to interpret and present the melodic rock of yesteryear for the current generation. However, too much of living in the past could be their downfall as well.

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