CRIMSON RAIN - PASSION AND PAIN (2003, CRIMSON RAIN)
Mike Lehman - bass, backing vocals
Dan Phillips - drums, percussion, backing vocals
James Hardy - vocals
Charlie Trenta - guitars, backing vocals

Background
At the time of writing this review I'm at the tender age of 32. Crimson Rain, on the other hand, are just out of high school. 'So what', you might be thinking. There are plenty of young bands out there at the moment. Well, are any of them playing classic rock/melodic rock? No, I didn't think so either. Crimson Rain look like they should be playing rock like Blink 182 or 3 Days Grace, not the accomplished classic rock that you'll find on their debut album 'Passion and Pain'. Having listened to this pretty classy effort it is no surprise that Neil Zaza decided to give these guys a hand. Zaza is credited with a lot of the song-writing, but he isn't on his own. All the songs are co-written, mostly with lead vocalist James Hardy and guitarist Charlie Trenta.

The Songs
The results are very impressive, bringing back memories of Mitch Malloy and the lighter moments of Tyketto. The band should have gone with a different opener for the album. 'Never Say Goodbye' is a nice enough track, but it is a ballad. My thoughts are, if you are a rock band then open the album with a rock track. Despite that little hiccup the band grab your attention with 'More Than You Need'. A radio friendly mid tempo track with a great chorus. It gets a little rockier on 'Sweet November Morning', the chorus once again a highlight. James Hardy is proving he has a fine voice. The guys finally let their hair down on the excellent melodic rocker 'Coming Around Again'. This track oozes 80's/90's melodic hard rock and belies Crimson Rain's age. Next up are a couple of very touching ballads: 'Grace' and 'Precious Love'. Crimson Rain really hit the mark with the stunning 'All I Want Is You'. A huge Mitch Malloy style rocker with a great sing-along chorus. 'You Never Closed Your Eyes' is a punchy rocker despite the muddy production. The band craft another memorable ballad with 'Something Like From A Dream' and then lift the roof off for the finale on 'All Your Love'. Fantastic vocals from Hardy on this Tyketto style rock track.

In Summary
'Passion and Pain' showcases the formidable talent of Crimson Rain. I'm glad to see they've got a good mentor on their side in Neil Zaza and if this album is anything to go by they have a very bright future ahead. Whether they will stick to their guns musically, or conform to the masses, we will have to see. I hope they can attain a modicum of success without having to compromise. Next time a couple more rockers would help balance things out, and a more consistent production. However, a bloody fine effort first time up to bat.

Produced By: Alan D'Entremont

Track Listing:
01 Never Say Goodbye
02 More Than You Need
03 Sweet November Morning
04 Coming Around Again
05 Grace
06 Precious Love
07 All I Want Is You
08 You Never Closed Your Eyes
09 Something Like From A Dream
10 All Your Love

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