House of Lords - New World - New Eyes
Album review by; DeeDee
In mid June House Of Lords released their 12th studio album, ‘New World - New Eyes’, eleven new tracks from the band that Gregg Giuffria formed back in 1987. House Of Lords are still fronted by James Christian (vocalist/Keyboards/guitar) who was recruited from near enough the start, however as in true rock band fashion, they have a colourful history and a long list of ex-members. After a long hiatus in 1993, the band got back together in 2004 and were signed to Frontiers, this latest album is the 9th with the label and continues the resurgence that, ‘The Power & The Myth’ in 2004 and ‘World Upside Down’ two years later, brought to the band. Both involved the remarkable writing talent of the sadly missed, Jeff Kent (1948-2016). These days Christian is joined by guitarist Jimi Bell and B.J Zampa on drums, who have both been in the line up since 2005, latest addition is Chris Tristram on bass, who joined in 2016.
The eponymous track gets the album underway, an upbeat power stomp that features prominent vocals and a cascade of guitar magic. Melody is the main object of the game and the hook on here is enchanting. There are a growing number of songs being written about the state of todays world and ‘Change (What’s It Gonna Take)’ is one that has more feeling than quite a few of the others, after an intro that is a masterful, keyboard rhapsody, the whirling melodic tones carry on in harmony with Christian’s vocals and fluid drumming from Zampa. ’One More’ is a rocking number, with a swirling chorus and pleasing rhythm. The guitar shouts and screams before it all falls into place with a rip-roaring finish. Time for a ballad and ‘Perfectly (Just You And I)’ is a cool contender for the wedding song of the decade. Soft and floating throughout, but it acquires a breaking guitar solo later to add more body. The single that was out in late June, ‘The Both Of Us’ heralds the return of the driving rhythm and fast moving lyrics. But from the outset ‘Chemical Rush’ with its deep guitar and more stirring lead vocals, has an unbeatable flourishing and lavish edge. The backing vocals are intertwined with a simple set of chords, that make it so adorable and of course there’s a building finish with stacks of defining and classic moments from the guitarists. The wording of the title ‘We’re All That We Got’ plays on my mind regarding grammar, but the song is another that has a blistering guitar solo and a tune that you can hum away to all day. ‘Better Off Broken’ slides in with a decent flow, but ‘$5 Bucks Of Gasoline’ has more intrigue. Strong and punching kicks all round, it must be one of the best on the album. Then again ‘The Chase’ with its slide and twang, combines pop vocals with a melody of immense creativity. Strong guitar shredding and stretching the limit on effects. We finally reach ’The Summit’, being the aptly titled final track, which is packed with bouncy verses and bursts with energy. More shredding and epic breaks make it a wow of a last song and all in all this is a fitting finale.
I think this is the first time I have listening to ‘House Of Lords’ for quite a while, many years in fact. But ’New World - New Eyes’ has been played over and over this last week or so through my headphones. One of those bands that you know will deliver a well produced and entertaining piece of work, they may be seen as a safe bet, but they offer up some amazing surprises, especially on this album.
4/5
Get the album here:
https://orcd.co/newworldneweyes on Frontiers Music srl
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