|
Read the Shawn Pelata interview
What’s the 4-1-1?
North Carolina-based group that's setting out to bring the melodic
rock of the 80’s, roaring back to the 21st century.
Genre
Melodic rock / hard rock / arena / AOR
The Good
“Live & Let Go” is paced with steady rhythms and power chords
that give way to strong verse sections. The group is dead-on with their harmonies
on the chorus. Guitarist Ed Darst fires off a few Neal Schon-esque solo sections
here. “Fade” is a middle-of-the-road melodic rock. Rather than focusing
on instrumentation, vocalist Shawn Pelata leads the pack with his strong melodies.
The rest of the group vocals blend perfectly with Shawn’s during the refrain.
“Remind
Me” is a hard rock tale of heartbreak that’s accented by chunky
muted riffs and enduring emotion. I like the mix of electric and acoustic guitars.
Speaking of reminding me; “Morning Light” sure reminds me of a lost
Journey track circa 1984. It has lots of energy and endearment, with a catch
vocal and rhythm pattern. The meaty guitar riffs with lots of distortion are
busted out for “Falling Down (Hear My Prayer)”. This is one of the
most solid tracks on the album.
The Bad
Although “Faith in Fire” is one of those steady building energetic
songs that you want to start an album off with, Pelata is just over-singing it.
The Verdict
The first thing you’re going to think when you listen to this one is
that they sound a lot like Journey. Not that there’s anything wrong
with that. The more you listen to Line of Fire you realize that they really
do have a sound of their own (with a Journey/Boston influence). I have to
give credit to an American band that’s out there doing something no
one else over hear is trying. That’s what makes Line of Fire unique.
They may draw from a sound that has long been forgotten in the states, but
they make it sound modern and interesting again. If someone throws these
guys a lot of money to produce their next album, you better watch out!
Did You Know?
Vocalist Shawn Pelata is also a member of the metalcore band KILLWHITNEYDEAD.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
|
LINE
OF FIRE
