GLORYDAZE Music - Articles: Angeline

ARTIST: Angeline
ALBUM: Confessions
LABEL: Self Released
SERIAL: -
YEAR: 2010
SPONSOR: Angeline
CD REISSUE: 2010, Avenue Of Allies, 10-08-017

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

LINEUP: Jocke Nilsson - vocals, guitars * Janne Arkegren - guitars * Uffe Nilsson - bass * Tobbe Jonsson - drums

TRACK LISTING: 01 Pray! * 02 Another Night (Without You) * 03 Fuel To Your Fire * 04 Confessions * 05 Blackout * 06 Good Is Getting Better * 07 Love & Affection * 08 Rock Of Ages * 09 Part of Evolution * 10 Miracles * 11 Someday Somehow * 12 Running On Empty * 13 Nothing Changes (bonus) * 14 Remember America (bonus)

RATING:

WEBLINKS: www.angelinetheband.se

Background
Angeline were a Swedish band that I initially thought might get reissued on the AOR-FM label a few years back. It wasn't to be (or perhaps my imagination was running away from me). Instead, this hard rock/AOR outfit from Sweden's North finally release their first proper CD, even if it's taken them a few years and more than a few heartbreaks along the way. I won't go into any detail on their earlier bio, you can read it here... Named after that classic Paul Sabu track, Angeline have been in business since 1987, with more ups and downs than Aussie soccer star Harry Kewell's football career. They have actually released three prior recordings, 1990's 'Don't Settle For Second Best' which was a mini LP, 1994's 'Rain [ep]' plus a 1997 CD of cover songs. The band called it quits in 2001, but like many bands who have been reclaimed from the fires of the past in typical Phoenix like fashion, Angeline too have reformed thanks to renewed interest and of course.. the Net. Back into the studio during 2009, the band have released 'Confessions', a 12 track CD, plus the additional of two bonus tracks. You're all waiting with bated breath to find out who these guys compare to. Well, a magical blend of Harem Scarem and FM (UK) is evident on the first half of the album, Angeline then move into a groove/hard rock sound for the second half, sounding very modern, not unlike recent efforts from German outfits Demon Drive or Mad Max.

The Songs
Angeline open up with some gritty guitar work on 'Pray!', but soon it turns into a Harem Scarem like rocker with a definite edge. Very cool track. 'Another Night (Without You)' has this anthem like quality prevailing throughout, which becomes very obvious on the chorus, making you want to sway with the beat. 'Fuel To Your Fire' catches your attention with its bluesy/funky verses, but the chorus is very melodic in the vein of Harem Scarem, FM (UK) even! Though Angeline are a band from the old school, the title track 'Confessions' is as modern as they come. It's also very commercial too, a contender for radio if given the opportunity. 'Blackout' is a continuation with the modern rock style, some smokin' guitar work here, with its fast pace and energy. This song could definitely pass for a band at least twenty years their junior! Also of a similar nature, 'Rock Of Ages' has a youthful vibe going on. Angeline drop back a few gears with the bluesy/funky 'Love & Affection', again, 90's era FM (UK) make for a good fit. Groove laden hard rock makes a big splash on tracks such as 'Part Of Evolution' and 'Running On Empty', while the band move easily into a swirling acoustic/electric affair called 'Miracles'.

In Summary
Not being that familiar with Angeline beforehand, I come away thinking this band are right at home in 2010, and now they have a great album to back it up with. Though the 80's hair metal/AOR scene was their calling card, they've left it behind for something more in keeping with the modern day. However it would be nice for them to drop back to the 80's style on occasion, and not lose touch with it, as it did define them in a way. 'Confessions' is out as a self released CD, but thanks also to Avenue Of Allies, who have come along a couple of months later to give a mainstream reissue through their label. Check out their website and latch onto a band who after all these years are finally having their day in the sun!

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