Glorious! Aussie AORsters White Widdow are back with their third studio album after the untimely passing of drummer George Kristy and the departure of original bass player Trent Wilson.
A rejuvenated new line up, featuring Ben Webster on Bass and Noel Tenny on Drums fired the band back to life and the result is this stunning classic 80s AOR album that is packed with layers and layers of vocals, harmonies and lush lush keyboards.
The album packs a bigger punch than their first two. The production is tough and tight and the rhythm section is really pumping.
But the star of proceedings here are the brilliant songs and their massive harmonies.
I always find that White Widdow albums take a little time to grow and develop on me, but once they do, there’s no going back and their songs stay with you for days.
Caught In The Crossfire is a big opener with a killer bridge to chorus hook, keyboards and guitar both driving the song.
Fly Me Away is simply glorious AOR, no other way to describe. Pomp and 80s keyboards with a contemporary production.
Below The Belt is another ‘belter’ of an AOR track with a marvelous chorus.
Dreams Don’t Die is right out of 1985, those keyboards could have been lifted from either Giuffria album.
Angel is maybe the band’s heaviest number to date, it’s not metal, but it’s AOR with big attitude.
Carry The Heartache is another gem of a track, the sentimental song packing a punch…and a great chorus.
Never Again is another harmonized, multi-layered AOR anthem to finish in style.
Think early Harem Scarem, White Sister, Dakota, Houston and recent newcomers In Faith and you’ll have a fair idea of where this sits musically.
The album is mixed once again by Pelle Saether (Grand Design).
White Widdow are back with quite possibly their best album yet.