State Of Salazar-All the Way

Frontiers Music srl
2014
  
Formed in 2010 by five students from the Malmö Academy of Music (all of which had a dream of playing in big arenas in front of large cheering crowds) Swedish rockers State of Salazar started by releasing their debut EP in 2012. That EP was entitled "Lost my Way" and now with their full-length album "All the Way" due to be released at the end of August it looks as if the band is at least on their way towards that goal. Lead by singer and songwriter Marcus Nygren (8-Point Rose, ex-Enbound) the music of State Of Salazar fits in neatly with what Frontiers Music is all about. In spite of Marcus Nygren's metal side (8-Point Rose falling on the power metal side of the aisle as it were) the foundation upon which State of Salazar stands is made up of West Coast, AOR and melodic rock bricks making "All the Way" one of those albums that likely will have little appeal to most metalheads. But, for what it is and if we're judging it solely upon it's intended audience then (frankly speaking) "All the Way" has it's strengths chief amongst them strong-songwriting and the performance of lead vocalist Marcus Nygren. Pound for pound Marcus makes for a splendid soft rock vocalist and one could easily see him fronting bands like Journey, Toto, Survivor and REO Speedwagon. Teamed up with guitarist Johan Thuresson (The Million), bass guitarist Johannes Hansson, drummer Kristian Brun (Scaramanga) and keyboardist Stefan Mårtenson this is one band that would seem to be custom-fitted for the AOR crowd and, if I'm to admit a dirty little secret here (just between you and I of course seeing as we're all friends) that might just include me!

The Fireflies-The Fireflies

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Harry Shearer (lead vocals, guitars) and Luca Serino (guitars) are The Fireflies and this charming London-based duo might just represents one of pop rocks best-kept secrets. That might sound like a bold proclamation to make, but this poetic EP more then backs up that claim thanks to it's soulful take on pop rock and roll. Having first sampled the track "Silver Leaflets" (the lead off single from this delightful EP) I jumped at the chance to hear more music from this dynamite new act. Especially seeing as Harry Shearer's great voice channels the spirit of James Taylor! Needless to say I was not disappointed! With "Silver Leaflets" The Fireflies offer up a blissful take on (radio-worthy) modern day adult contemporary rock/alternative rock. Meanwhile those wonderful James Taylor-like vocals give extra charm to the number  "Leaving Home" which, besides featuring some wonderful interplay between voice and guitar, is folk-rock for today's enthusiastic youth! More folk-leanings come into play on refreshing cuts like "Rise and Fall", "She Walks" and "Stop Running" although each and every number on this EP appears as if plenty of attention was paid to pop rock sensibilities. The Fireflies excel at creating meaningful songs that are soft and sensible and if I was to make a judgement call as to what party in particular would benefit the most from this near-perfect collection I would have to point towards casual, everyday folks who enjoy great conversation and a nice glass of wine at the evening's end!