HOTWIRE - Devil In Disguise
Overall
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SCORE - 83%
83%
German melodic rockers Hotwire return with a new release that I think will find a place with fans of European melodic hard rock and especially the already established fans of the band.
The band delivers a strong set of songs – some a little heavier with a strong groove and some more lightweight poppier numbers. When they rock, I got a small taste of House of Shakira and at other times a more Bonfire style German melodic rock.
The band works best when on an uptempo setting; I didn’t enjoy the mellower tracks as much, even though the ballad Wonderland has a nice AOR hook and melody. Hot Love is also skippable as it features a totally and obviously programmed sound.
Interesting that the guys should cover the Jimmy Barnes classic Ride The Night Away – cool song, but doesn’t really work with a German accent. The rockers Skytrain and Escape are two examples of the band doing their best work, as is the excellent opening rocker Waterfalls.
A solid album, but a little up and down as far as style and impact.
