Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Morning Fame
• Album: Back And Forth
• Label:
• Year of Release: 2012
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2012-11-14

The title of this set refers to the dichotomy of the release. The first three tracks presented here are slated for the group’s upcoming 2013 album, while the rest are from their 2011 EP. It’s really a tribute to the quality of music and effectiveness of the band that it doesn’t feel like a compilation. The music presents an effectively cohesive sound while managing to keep from feeling monolithic in any way.

This group has a great modern rock sound with nods to classic rock. It seems at times like what one would expect to hear on the radio, but yet wouldn’t be out of place on 1970s radio. While the sound of the group isn’t especially distinct, they never feel like they are copying any particular group or even genre. There are only a few songs that really reach out and grab the listener first time through, but everything here is strong. The mix of sounds, intensity levels and textures works extremely well. This is a very potent release.

One of the best pieces here is “The Colour of Sound.” It opens this disc and will the title track of the band’s new album. That bodes well for that release. The vocal arrangement is mature and quite effective. Musically it does a great job of blending modern alternative pop with classic rock. There are moment here that call to mind Rush quite a bit and some of the piece feels a bit like progressive rock. They include an extended instrumental section that really rocks, too. This is, by itself, worth the price of admission.

The second cut is “Joker’s Game” and it’s got a great rock and roll riff driving it bringing comparisons to both Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, at least on the introduction. Beyond that intro it settles into more of a modern pop rock sound, but it’s another of the highlights here. “Time,” one of the songs from the EP has a retro keyboard based musical texture that works quite well, making it another standout.

While those three pieces are the ones that shine the brightest, everything here is good. I’d say this one of the best straightforward modern rock discs I’ve heard in a while. I’d heartily recommend it to just about anyone. Yes, it’s that good.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums