Revolution Saints - Rise
Album review by; DeeDee
Release Date 24/1/20
Not content with playing for The Dead Daisies and Burning Rain, Doug Aldrich has another side project, the Revolution Saints, with fellow Dead Daisy, drummer Deen Castronovo. They have now released their third album entitled ‘Rise’, completing the line up is Night Ranger bassist Jack Blades.
The most amazing fact about Revolution Saints is that Deen takes on the singing, actually that isn’t a surprise to some as he was well accustomed in his days with Journey, to participate in backing vocals, he has an incredible voice to be fair. The album is another Alessandro Del Vecchio production, main man at Frontiers Records, as well as writing most of the album; he also adds keyboards and backing vocals.
A bursting amount of energy comes through on the first track ‘When The Heartache Has Gone’ so uplifting with piles of that 80s anthem sounding power rock. A steady rhythm and plenty of backing vocals that gives it such a full finish. ‘Price We Pay’ is more earthy, a warm sentiment and some ice cool guitar from Doug. The title track ‘Rise’ sees the temperature soar, punchy and a more staccato approach, but Deen is remarkable on this one, there’s a load of guitar features again that makes it just flow.
‘Coming Home’ is an easy going laidback track that oozes a heart rendering feel, with a chorus and guitar licks that make it really commercial sounding. The ballad ‘Closer’ with the simple keyboard accompaniment and defining lyrics, does set the bar. More intertwining guitar and sufficient bass from Jack to make this quite special, it must be stated that Jacks co-lead vocals are heard on more than one occasion, which helps to give Revolution Saints that unique richness. ‘Higher’ is another with a mass of powerful vocals and some spoken words, slightly heavier in tone as the strings are delivered lower, it is time for Mr Aldrich to show us his prowess here.
’Talk To Me’ and ‘It’s Not The End’ are as smooth as silk, so melodic and the writing brilliance of Del Vecchio shines through on these. As we approach the final tracks, ‘Eyes Of A Child’ which was penned by Jack and Tommy Shaw, who Blades has worked with before, is a soulful ballad, so strikingly beautiful. A bonus track is ’Talk To Me’ with Deens’ vocal version.
Quite a superb album and definitely one to add to the collection of any melodic or AOR lover. It combines the style of Journey and Whitesnake, with a polished production and the expertise of a handful of musical geniuses.
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Trackslist; -
When The Heartache Has Gone
Price To Pay
Rise
Coming Home
Closer
Higher
Talk To Me
It’s Not The End (It’s Just The Beginning)
Million Miles
Win Or Lose
Eyes Of A Child
Talk To Me – Deens’ Vocal Version (Bonus Track)
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Line-up:
Deen Castronovo: lead vocals, drums (Bad English, The Dead Daisies, ex - Journey)
Jack Blades: bass, vocals (ex - Damn Yankees, Night Ranger)
Doug Aldrich: guitars (The Dead Daisies, Burning Rain, ex - Whitesnake)
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Keyboards, backing vocals,
Lunakaire – guest vocals on “Talk to Me"
Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio.
Purchase a copy of the album HERE
4/5
Favourite tracks - When The Heartache Has Gone, Rise & Higher.