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Hailing from Scarborough,
Ontario, Canada, Emerald Rain's "Age Of Innocence" is a melodic
hard rock release featuring the rich, deep vocals of Murray Daigle. Lead
cut "No Saviour" would sound right at home on an Axel Rudi Pell
or Jeff Scott Soto project release. As the CD progresses, an influence of the
harder works from fellow Canadian's Harem Scarem comes through. While Daigle's
powerful voice does not sound like Harry Hess, the phrasing and backing vocal
delivery are quite reminiscent especially on "Don't Tell The Rain".
Tracks like "Desperate Heart" and "Sleeping In The Fire" are
very catchy without huge overblown hooks. The CD isn't instantly accessible and
thus it grows on you with multiple listens and rewards the listener with well
structured arrangements and solid songwriting.
While many releases in the melodic hard rock
genre feature higher ranged vocalists, Daigle's lower range delivery is a
welcome change. Guitarist Mike Dmitrovic's style is very enjoyable and never
wonders away from the rest of the band in terms of overplaying. Dmitrovic's
playing shines bright on the title cut "Age Of Innocence" featuring
intricate fills. "The Method" comes out like a chugging train gaining
steam then cutting off into a mid tempo time change. The ballad "Come
Clean" features the band's strong vocal harmonies.
If you are a fan of
melodic hard rock that relies on musicianship over flash, Emerald Rain may be
just the kind of band for you. |
