After the very good 'Magic Is Alive' released in 2020, the Italians of 'Lionville' do it again with their 5th studio recording 'So Close to Heaven' and continue their collaboration with 'Frontiers'. In my previous column, I made parallels with bands from the early 80s. In this new opus, the compositions make me think more and more of 'Foreigner' and 'ASIA' with, to begin with, 'This Time' ('Lars Säfsund' singing a duet with 'Robbie LaBlanc') which takes us back to those bands that have marked the history of melodic rock, and the following title 'Cross My Heart' (see video above) is further confirmation with a memorable chorus, its addictive choirs and the magnificent guitar solo. Everything is therefore implemented to have a great listening moment because all the compositions all have this accessible AOR side which provides immediate pleasure and parades catchy and melodic titles with for example 'The World is on Fire', 'True Believer' (see video here), 'We Are One' or even 'Only the Brave' Also note the beautiful ballad 'Can't Live Without Your Love' in line with 'Foreigner' and the cover 'Arrow Through My Heart' of 'Richard Marx' and the melodic jewel that is the title song which ends the album in a very beautiful way. In summary, this latest album from the Italians of 'Lionville' is filled with accessible memorable melodies that take us a few decades younger to bring us back to the best of the 80s in melodic rock... | |
