ANDY ROCK - Into The Night (2012)

*

Greek guitarist ANDY ROCK started to play in rock bands in the early 2000. His main influences are some of the greatest rock acts such as Bon Jovi, '80s Michael Bolton and Richard Marx.
In 2004, Andy formed Wild Rose and together released the sensational Melodic Rock AOR album 'Half Past Midnight' in 2011, highly praised by the fans of the genre.
"Into The Night" is Andy Rock solo debut CD where he plays most of the instruments including singing, except for drums which are provided by Giannis Papavasiliou.

If I had been handed this album and told it was the second album from Wild Rose, I would have believed them. So if you’re an established fan of the aforementioned band you'll know exactly what to expect, and trust me, you'll love it.
Andy unashamedly writes in a very eighties American AOR style, filled with full frontal keyboards, wall to wall melodies and anthemic choruses.
"Love is Not A Game" has a driving riff which is combined with an infectious keyboard line underpining this great opening track. It's a smooth rocker with a chorus that captures you from the first spin. There's some great guitar licks and solo's and the fluttering keyboards make the song have a real impact.
"It's Not Over" would fit perfectly in Wild Rose's debut album. A lovable smooth AOR tune and one of my personal favourite from this debut. "U Belong To Me" has some parping synths and it's a song that builds nicely to a huge chorus.
The atmospheric ballad "Lonely Heart" will definitely hit the spot with west coast AOR fans. It's soft and cheesy, but really nice to the ears.

Perhaps the more solid track on this CD is "Cryin' Every Night (In The Rain)", a driving AOR melody with a sing along chorus. There’s a fabulous guitar riff that powers the song.
"I Wanna Be With You" is a laid back ballad, a bit poppy, with a gripping guitar rhythm and a tranquil chorus, followed by the synth laden mid-tempo rocker "Waiting For Your Love".
"Without You" is really catchy and extremely radio friendly, much in the vein of Wild Rose. Instrumental "Emotions" is an ok atmospheric and laid back piece, and leads into the dance floor filling finale of the album.
"Out In The Streets" is an energetic and infectious melodic rocker with an anthemic chorus and rapid-fire keyboards, whilst title track "Into The Night" rocks with catchiness over a wonderful melodic guitar riff.


As expected, "Into The Night", Andy Rock's solo debut is inspired by the sound of the AOR genre’s heyday, a collection of summertime feel-good tunes performed with passion and affection.
I like the way Andy blends the guitar and keyboard sounds to give the songs maximum impact, putting in mind British band Outside Edge and of course his own group Wild Rose.
But not all are 'roses'. Andy's vocals are a bit weak and struggle to soar, something this style needs primarily. Drums are real, but the arrangements are almost robotic and sucks some of the lifeblood out of the songs.
Anyway, most of the tracks are lovable, unadulterated keyboard driven Melodic Rock AOR numbers (a few could be better written) that '80s die hard AORsters (like me) will enjoy with a big smile on the face.
Recommended.


01. Love Is Not A Game
02. It´s Not Over
03. U Belong To Me
04. Lonely Heart
05. Cryin' Every Night (In The Rain)
06. I Wanna Be With You
07. Waiting For Your Love
08. Without You
09. Emotions (Instrumental)
10. Out On The Streets
11.Into The Night

Andy Rock - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keys
Giannis Papavasiliou - Drums
Chris Siloma - Backing Vocals


BUY IT !
hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?sku=909232