FERREIRA - Are You In? (2011)

Seems singer, songwriter and musician Marc Ferreira momentary has left aside his bands / projects Goodbye Thrill and Venturia to concentrate on his solo career, or better said, on his own moniker.
After last year's 'Better Run !!!' (already presented here at 0day), Ferreira is back with his 4th solo album; "Are You In?".
While 'Better Run !!!' had a hard 'n heavy edge, this new material is decidedly melodic rock oriented.

Looking at the album cover, this fact sounds like a lie. A cover art compliments the whole music and the band, and usually a little marketing study is recommended to attract potential listeners.
"Are You In?" sleeve, with a yelling guitar player and walls coming down, makes you think about heavy or thrash metal. Marc's brother, apart for being drummer, seems to be a fledgling artist, painter or whatever, is the responsible of all Ferreira's artwork.
Yeah, it's cool to have your bro decorating your albums, but in this case it's just horrible and out of place.
Well, let's talk about the music, much much better fortunately.

This is all Marc Ferreira; he wrote all of the songs, plays rhythm, lead and bass guitars, as well as keyboards, and produced the album. He also handles all the vocals, and very well indeed.
Opener "The More I Know" is a melodic rocker on all cylinders, with strong riffs, a portentous guitar solo and some dark vibe.
"Searching (2011 version)" is the best tune on the album, a rework of a song originally appeared in Marc's 'Fallen Heroes' (2002) album. This is a pure melodic rock / AOR track much in the vein of Goodbye Thrill, or the Harem Scarem / Firehouse style. A winner.
"Tab Of Yesterdays" has much of Harem Scarem as well, and is full of energy. Nice melody and catchy chorus, really enjoyable song.
"Like A Glove" has a party, American '80s vibe. On the instant, commercial catchy chorus with two-part harmonies, it’s Ferreira accompanying himself, and you’ll have to give him props on his vocal prowess.

"Woman" has a completely different direction. A track with acoustic guitars, but that 'heavy acoustics' in the Mr. Big style. Very nice melody, good lyrics, and tons of multi-track layered guitars (including some electric). This is a very well crafted song, simple, but with a lot of work in its conception.
Title track "Are You In" is a somehow mid-paced mellow track. Basically a melodic rock, but Marc explores here a different approach for his standards. If it wasn’t for the melodic little chorus, you’d think this was a minor attempt at mainstream songwriting.
"Out Of Love" is a bit modern rocker with Marc getting gritty on some of the verses with a vocoder-like processor, but the chorus is melodic.
Next we have a nice little acoustic-only piece; "She's Building A Faire House", followed by the some kind of retro-tribute song "Manner's Song". While Ferriera is better known for his Melodic Rock persona, you can’t help but be reminded of Butch Walker when you hear this track, and Butch isn’t exactly Melodic Rock. Ferreira seems to be able to take the best of the genres he listens to and weave those sounds together into his own formula. Cool.
"Send It On" closes out the release. It's a generic rocker, nothing memorable, just a simple track with some clean guitars included. Ferreira’s solo is playful, keeping in line with the song’s vibe.


Ferreira's "Are You In ?" is a good and enjoyable recording, a return to his melodic rock roots, with some instantly catchy songs entwined around others with a slight contemporary approach that take a little time to become as familiar.
Marc keeps seeking outlets for his musical creativity, and on his new album succeeds for the most part.
The production quality is ok for a 'one-man-band' indie record and a small budget. I'd like to hear a little more kick in the drums and a sharper sound overall, but the guitars, vocals and harmonies are recorded nicely and any deficiencies there is not enough to take away from the infectious quality of the songs.
"Are You In ?" still hasn't a label / distribution deal, and as far I know is only available online.
Good Rockin' Stuff.


01 - The More I Know
02 - Searching (2011 version)
03 - Tab Of Yesterdays
04 - Like A Glove
05 - Woman
06 - Are You In
07 - Pay With Pain
08 - Out Of Love
09 - She's Building A Faire House
10 - Manner's Song
11 - Send It On
12 - The End [Hidden track]


Marc Ferreira - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Gus Monsanto - Bass
Alex Ferreira - Drums



BUY IT !
www.reverbnation.com/store/index/artist_750383
www.myspace.com/marcferr



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