ANDY ROCK - Into The Night (2012)

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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


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WILD ROSE - Half Past Midnight (2011)

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This time it wasn't Swedes' fault. Responsible for one of the best pure AOR albums in many years are Wild Rose, from Thessaloniki, Greece.
"Half Past Midnight" is a delight from start to finish.

After some well crafted demos and line-up changes, Wild Rose finally has delivered an outstanding full album in the genre.
The most recent addition came this year when new vocalist George Bitzios joined the band. And what a change. Previous singers were good, but Bitzios is simply oustanding. His powerful, classy AOR rich tone, has elevated these tunes to the stratosphere, giving a marvelous feel and punch to the whole pack.
While George’s vocals are the undeniable focal point of Wild Rose, the guitars and keyboards shine brightly on "Half Past Midnight". In particular the lead guitar work of John Bitzios is nothing less than brilliant, bringing technique and flamboyance into Wild Rose without compromising the AOR atmosphere of the album.

Be prepared to listen a terrific collection of songs in the best '80s AOR tradition like Strangeways, FM, Outside Edge or Passion Street.
After the instrumental intro "00:30 - Half Past Midnight", "That Girl" takes you instantly to 1986 in a magical trip full of catchy melodies, swirling keyboards, smooth guitars and tight, awesome vocals.
"Hold Me" is a track that leans on its music mostly, with inspired melodies and riffs
that rise a wave of colorful notes all over. A semi-midtempo melodic rock with a fantastic British vibe and great sonics.
"Too Late" is another winner. Classy AOR number with addicting guitar melodies and layers of keyboards. The vocals are fantastic, the pre-chorus and the main chorus are to die for.
I just love "Goodbye". A true AOR midtempo ballad with a great refrain, where the synths are the star. Really close to perfection.

"Come Back" is a personal favorite. This is a killer, killer AOR monster. Carried by a melodic rhythm, this track has it all. Stunning keys, a skillful guitar performance (and great solo) and a magic chorus / vocal performance. Awesome.
The smoothest "Fire In The Night" can inflame your midnight sky with a variety of melodies that flicker to the beat of the drum like candles in the call of the wind, delicate and capturing.
The more up-tempo "I Want You Back" is a catchy infused melodic rock in the best Strangeways style (are we in 1987?). Tremendous tune.
The high rising lyrics in "Another Shot" scream out yet another highlight in this already filled album full of hooks and melodies. AOR-heaven with big hooklines and an awesome chorus with superb harmonies, makes me think of Roxus or the first Bon Jovi.
"It’s All About Love" is another personal favorite (among favorites here, all are!). It's a lovely piece of work with wonderful keyboards and the melodies are just perfect. In fact, the vocals, the guitar work, the synths; everything in this song is perfectly balanced.
Last track "Edge Of Your Dreams" is a fantastic pompish rocker which showcases the band's infectious brand of AOR.


It is pointless to look out for any fillers on "Half Past Midnight", there are none.
One of best, pure classy AOR albums in recent years
For the genre, Wild Rose songwriting is stellar. I am really amazed by the song structures plenty of melodies and hooks, the arrangements, the details.
This album has all for the classy AOR rock fan; great musicianship, passionate vocals, top-notch guitar work, colorful synths, huge harmonies and an '80s feeling all over.
Wild Rose’s "Half Past Midnight" is an absolutely essential addition for any AOR or Melodic Rock enthusiast.
Mandatory Purchase.


You've seen it first here, at 0dayrock


1. Half Past Midnight
2. That Girl
3. Too Late
4. It's All About Love
5. Hold Me
6. Fire in the Night
7. Another Shot
8. Edge of Your Dreams
9. Come Back
10. Goodbye
11. Want You Back


George Bitzios - Lead Vocals
Andy Pegios - Guitars, backing vocals
John Bitzios - Lead Guitars, backing vocals
Haris Patsos - Keyboards, backing vocals
Phill Sakaloglou - Bass
Danny Domanos - Drums





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