ALYSON AVENUE - Changes (2011)

"Changes" is the 3rd smokin' hot release and highly anticipated comeback of the female fronted Swedish melodic rockers Alyson Avenue.
After the departure of original vocalist Anette Olzon to Nightwish in 2007, the rest of the band started the search of a new singer.
In 2009 Arabella Vitanc, a hidden Swedish jewel, joined the band giving Alyson Avenue new energy to start the work on new songs.

Even with a new vocalist, some things have not changed for Alyson Avenue: they still deliver solid and entertaining AOR / melodic rock.
This time out their helped by some significant contributors including back up vocals from Olzon, Michael Bormann, guitar work from Rob Marcello (Danger Danger, Marcello-Vestry), and production from veteran Chris Laney (Crazy Lixx, H.E.A.T).

The album kicks off with the hard-edged "Liar", which, ironically, has some Nightwish-y elements, especially in the vocal melodies. But basically is typical european melodicrocker with hard guitars and tons of keyboards.
"Will I Make Love" features Michael Bormann (ex-Jaded Heart, Bloodbound, etc) dueting with Arabella, and they do sound very good together. A very commercial modern AOR tune.
"Changes" is another heavier track (written by Shiva's Mats Edström) and features Rob Marcello on a scorching lead guitar solo.
"Amazing Days" is a favourite, a pure swedish female-style AOR very eighties, much in the style of Erika's works. A winner.

Next up, "Don't Know If Love Is Alive" a mid-tempo tune with very Heart-like verses and a melodious chorus.
"Fallen" features a strong riff and a typical scandi-AOR sound like Treat but with female vocals. Nice Keyboards and cool chorus here.
Same with "Into The Fire", one of my favorites, very 'swedish retro' but with a modern sound.
Maybe the most complete vocal performance by Arabella is on "I Will Be Waiting", hitting some higher notes. The lead guitar solo is sparkling and the keyboards provide a meaty substance.
"Somewhere" is a more contemporary melodic hard rocker with a modern feel, while "Always Keep On Loving You" again remembers you late eighties rock in a good form.


"Changes" is a classy pure AOR and Melodic Rock album with an updated sound. Niclass Olssson (keyboards and background vocals) handles most of the writing on the record and it shows a more mature touch to each song. Some of the material reminds of older Treat with a modern touch.
As to debate over the vocals I don’t see any, I think both Anette and new singer Arabella are talented female vocalists in their own right, but the latter probably has less range but still fits the style of the band pretty well with the type of music they play.
Mike Andersson of Cloudscape and Fullforce actually sings background vocals on half of the tracks on here adding a nice depth.
The band itself and mix master Chris Laney handled the production duties skillfully.
For Alyson Ave, "Changes" is a fine return to the fold of European Melodic Rock. Easily Recommended.


01 - Liar
02 - Will I Make Love
03 - Changes
04 - Amazing Days
05 - Don't Know If Love Is Alive
06 - Fallen
07 - Into The Fire
08 - I Will Be Waiting
09 - I'll Cry For You
10 - Somewhere
11 - Always Keep On Loving You


Arabella Vitanc - Vocals
Niclas Olsson - Keyboards
Thomas Löyskä - Bass
Tony Rohtla - Guitars
Fredrik Eriksson - Drums

Guests:
Michael Bormann - Vocal duet on "Will I Make Love"
Rob Marcello (Danger Danger) - Guitar
Mike Andersson (Cloudscape) - Backing Vocals
Anette Olzon (Nightwish, ex-Alyson Avenue) - Backing Vocals
Tommy Stråhle (Cloudscape) - Backing Vocals



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