Houston – II (2013)

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Fecha: Viernes, 2013-09-06, 8:09 PM | Mensaje # 1

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Houston – II (2013)

With their debut three years ago, Swedes HOUSTON brought to us the classic AOR sound of the '80s with all the magic - perhaps like no other
band - since the glory days of the genre. Some quality EPs/singles
followed, and now the second full length is here released today; Houston
"II".

"II" follows the debut quite nicely and naturally with big hooks,
lovable melodies and of course, tons of keyboards & choruses.
Producer Ricky Delin has joined vocalist Hank Erix and drummer Freddie
Allen as a full-time member on keyboards, with guru Tommy Denander
guesting on guitar and Soufian Ma'Aoui on bass.
The new album kicks off with the keyboard driven "Glory", a huge classy
AOR track in an old fashioned way plenty of mojo. Then "I'm Coming Home"
is a smash hit, pure and simple, with a keyboard line and vocal
harmonies tackling classic Asia meets Boston, while the guitar break
lays down a thick Neal Schon-like emotive ending.
Quickly "Return My Heart" grabs you again with its comforting mid-tempo
AOR bliss, perfect for those who were looking for a sing-a-long number
to squeeze with their loved one a la Nelson or Rick Springfield.
This opening trio is simply amazing, each one of the songs armed with gloriously catchy choruses and keyboard hooks.

These guys excels at using the larger than life keyboard tones but with a
class and elegance not usually heard nowadays. Adding Ricky Delin as
permanent ivory orchestrator has paid its dividends on "II", as Houston
gained a remarkable maturity, solidity in the songwriting and
arrangements.
Another distinctive point in this Houston second offering is Hank Erix's
singing. His vocals are quite atypical for the AOR genre as he delivers
a kind of a smooth mid-range nature, more in common with the
Scandinavian Melodic Rock new wave, like Brother Firetribe for example.
And this really works great for Houston.

On the velvety, sultry ballad "Talk To Me", Houston takes us back to a
time when the breezy melodies ruled the radio, with an L.A. westcoast
touch but with the Scandi essence imprinted all over it.
Then "Back To The Summer Of Love" arrives... an the absolute highlight
here. A blasting melody, a sweet sing-a-long chorus line and a terrific
hook to die for. Track 5 and I'm sold: I love these guys.

"24 Hours" and "On The Radio" continues with the uptempo / soft rocking
feel good vibe and inspired melodies. "Losing" is maybe two degrees
harder, and among my favourite tracks; strong Denander driving riff,
great chorus and keyboards galore. It's one of those songs that grabs
you from the start and makes you whistle it for days.
"Just Friends" may result too extremely sweet for some, but this is
class AOR people. It's a duet between Hank Erix and the impressive
Minnah Karlsson, who was the runner-up in Swedish Idol 2010.
The album closing track "Believe" is a solid number, very Totoesque (Isolation-era), featuring a nice 'n cool accapella intro.

Houston has noticeably grown with "II", creating a rather appealing
sound for themselves. Although their AOR is that of the softest kind,
there's still a pulsating Scandi Melodic Rock energy and passion in
their songs.
The AOR album of the year? For this AOR sucker, probably yes.
One thing that it's sure is that Houston has recorded a great and pure
AOR record in the best tradition of the genre embodied with their own
touch, not just exercising a revival. Kudos to the guys and their
exquisite taste and talent.

1. Glory
2. I’m Coming Home
3. Return My Heart
4. Talk To Me
5. Back To The Summer Of Love
6. 24 Hours
7. On The Radio
8. Losing
9. Just Friends
10. Believe

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