LONERIDER is an exquisitely recorded album, with performances to match. FM frontman Steve Overland re-joins his Shadowman partner guitarist Steve Morris (Heartland/Ian Gillan) and a rhythm section comprised of legendary drummer Simon Kirke and Tyketto bassist Chris Childs.
Every note on this album sounds planned, executed and placed perfectly in place. Its quite a diverse musical tapestry, with a bluesy rock base branching into AOR, earthy midwestern rock, a couple of tunes that could almost be described as southern rock. And there’s a couple of pretty lush ballads to flesh out a very interesting record.
The songs, while diverse and multi-genre spanning are all rock songs at heart and I can’t pick a filler amongst them all. It’s especially rewarding to hear Steve Overland in a fresh setting that doesn’t automatically mirror FM, Overland or Shadowman – which is obviously this album’s closest relative, musically speaking.
Steve Overland sounds flawless as usual and its great to hear Steve Morris delivering some sublime guitar riffs and divine solos.
If you’re a fan of all of the above – there’s no questioning the quality of this record.
Steve Overland: All vocals (FM / Shadowman / Solo artist)
Simon Kirke: Drums (Free / Bad Company)
Steve Morris: All Guitars and keyboards (Ian Gillan / Heartland)
Chris Childs: Bass (Thunder / Tyketto)
Brian J Anthony: Acoustic Guitars, mandolin and percussions (Steve Walsh / Overland)
Track List:
1- My Imagination 3:19 / 2- Lonerider 3:38 / 3- Hard Heart to Break 4:12 / 4- Fast Train 3:57 / 5- Wanted Man 4:32 / 6- Yesterday Heroes 4:02 / 7- Angel without Wings 3:39 / 8- Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer 5:00 / 9- One in A Million 3:33 / 10- Gimme Your Love 3:46 / 11- Rhythm of Life 3:32 / 12- Heart & Soul 3:59
Double LP with 4 Bonus Tracks LP ONLY:
When Love Leaves Town 6:32
Have A Little Faith 4:01
Rock ‘N Roll Dreamer Acoustic version 5:00
Yesterday Heroes Acoustic version 4:02
Produced by Lonerider
Executive Producer: Khalil Turk
Mixed and Mastered by Brian J Anthony
All songs by Steve Overland/Steve Morris
Recorded at: The Vale Studio, Worcestershire, UK by Chris D’Adda
The Tremolo Studio, Silverdale, Stoke on Trent, UK by Dan Roley and by Brian J Anthony, USA
Every once in a while a new recording comes along with a line-up that makes your spine tingle, and here it is; “Attitude” by Lonerider. Not only does this quintet feature Steve Overland (FM, Solo, Shadowman), Steve Morris (Heartland, Shadowman) and Chris Childs (Thunder) but legendary drummer Simon Kirke of Free and Bad Company fame. With Brain J Anthony finishing the line-up we have a real force to be reckoned with. What are we to expect from this group of musicians? If you like Bad Company then this is going to be a treat for you. We have the feel of that classic Bad Company that we know and love, yet the songs are modern, fresh and vibrant. Simon has a drumming style that is unmistakeable and this shines through on all of the tracks (and an extra four on the LP version!).
There is a buzz surrounding the release already and the feedback is looking very promising indeed, this has surely got to be a stand out releases for 2019.
Escape Music will release the brand new SHADOWMAN album on May 19.
Steve Overland (FM) - Lead Vocals
Steve Morris (Heartland) - Guitars & Keyboards
Chris Childs (Thunder) - Bass
Harry James (Thunder) - Drums
Special guest on keyboards: Didge Digital
Produced by: Steve Morris and Steve Overland
Mixed and Mastered by: Martin Kronlund
Executive Producer: Khalil Turk for Escape Music Ltd.
Track List: 1- Gravity 4:34 / 2-Automatic 4:19 / 3- Put It All On Love 4:45 / 4-Contagious 3:26 / 5-Broken Bones 3:53/ 6-Best Things In Life 4:09 / 7-Face The Night 4:23 / 8-No Smoke Without Fire 4:09 / 9-Good Times, Bad Times 2:58 / 10-Be True To yourself 4:21 / 11-Secrets And Lies 3:57 / 12-Stand Up And Be Counted 3:26
It has been almost 14 years since the debut album by Shadowman was released ('Land of the Living' ESM098). The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. As you would expect Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004.
Two years later in 2006 and the eagerly awaited follow up 'Different Angles' (ESM 127) became an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder. The unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland will always shine through at a very early stage. Somehow they make their music sound effortless, and as we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range. His vocal range suits the classic melodic rock genre and he has a very bluesy side to his talent. His four solo releases on Escape Music are all fine examples of his work.
Shadowman are a band that is all about great rock music who will win you over with charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn't lost its way. 'Ghost in the Mirror' (ESM179), the band's third release in 2008 is an extension of the band's already established sound and the 2011 release 'Watching Over You' helped nurture the band's identity even further.
Another six years on and we are presented with the band’s fifth studio release, and it’s certainly been worth the wait. “Gravity†is a marvellous opener which shows fresh ideas and superb musicianship, and this pretty much paves the way for the rest of the album. Along the way we have Steve Morris and his ever present guitar prowess, and Steve Overland just effortlessly gives us brilliant vocal performances throughout. The solid rhythm of Thunder men Chris Childs and Harry James are faultless, and with classic touches from original FM keyboards player Didge Digital we are in for a real treat.
Discography: Land of the Living (2004), Different Angles (2006), Ghost in the Mirror (2008), Watching Over you (2011), Nowhere Bound (2017)
