Tokyo Motor Fist – Lions
Album review by; DeeDee
My lasting memory of Ted Poley was when he played at HRH AOR in Prestatyn last year, he was so full of energy and his performance, that included a load of his old Danger Danger songs with the band ’Degreed’, was a highlight of the weekend. He earned a lot of respect after that from the HRH audience and for his partying antics amongst us. Now taking a step away from Danger Danger, Ted has joined forces with his old buddy Steve Brown from Trixter once again, to bring about a second Tokyo Motor Fist album. A follow up to the much acclaimed self-titled debut, the band also features Greg Smith (Ted Nugent, Rainbow, Alice Cooper) on bass and drummer Chuck Burgi (Bon Jovi, Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow). Brown wrote and produced the album and it was mixed by Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger, The Defiants) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Yes, Dokken).
Strong melodic chimes from the start, ’Youngblood’ is an anthem that speaks volumes and just swings along with Poley’s clear as crystal vocals. The backing harmonies add charm to the chorus, creating a singalong that is going to be a favourite with fans. The second single that was released ‘Around Midnight’ is a high school love song, innocent and full of romance. It has added bite when Brown’s guitar cuts in with some hardened licks. ‘Mean It’ is soft to the touch, with West Coast, sun soaked and laid back pace. Gentle rhythm and again a swaying guitar piece, give it muscle. Brown certainly knows how to write a melody. Title track ‘Lions’ features the keyboard skills of renowned ‘Styx’ man Dennis De Young. From quiet beginnings and passionate vocals, it slowly evolves and gains momentum, one of the most outstanding and attractive numbers on the album. A gorgeous ballad, rendered effortlessly and with perfect tones.
It gets a bit more rock and roll with ‘Decadence On 10th Street’ a guitar intro with more ruffle and a heavier beat is followed with higher vocals. A superb solo from Brown reminds us of his technical ability and it fades out with tenderness. There are more guitar riffs and a great solo on ‘Dream Your Heart Out’ but it’s more about the harmonies and melody again, which capture your feelings. ’Sedona’ has remarkable strength, Poley shines with his far reaching voice and the melodic rhythm is given some divine twists with guest saxophone, care of Mark Rivera (Ringo Starr, Elton John, Billy Joel). Pounding like a racing heart, it’s a masterly composition before ‘Look Into Me’ turns us back to cool harmonious lyrics and a delightful hooky chorus. The last track ‘Winner Takes All’ ends on more substantial ground, uttering power chords and resilient guitar screaming in full force.
Tokyo Motor Fist are more than just a band of brothers, hastily bundled together for instant credit. Taking pride in what they achieved with the debut album, it was inevitable that another had to be made. Bringing in the likes of De Young and Rivera, who play with such well known musicians, is an almighty plus and the results are stupendous. If you like hard rocking melodies, plenty of harmony and crushing guitar solos, then TMF are just what you need.
4/5
The album came out via Frontiers on Friday July 10th, you can buy HERE.
Socials;
Line-up;
Ted Poley - Vocals
Steve Brown - Guitar, Vocals & Keyboards
Chuck Burgi - Drums
Greg Smith - Bass & Vocals
Tracklist;
Youngblood
Monster In Me
Around Midnight
Mean It
Lions
Decadence On 10th Street
Dream Your Heart Out
Blow Your Mind
Sedona
Look Into Me
Winner Takes All
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