MAGNUM

(UNITED KINGDOM)

BRAND NEW MORNING

(2011)
LABEL:

SPV STEAMHAMMER

GENRE:

MELODIC HARD ROCK

TAGS:
Easy-Listening, Rasping vocals
"In "Brand New Morning", the balance between soft melodies and hard rock fulgurances are still as good a mix as ever, to the point of becoming a real trademark."
MR.BLUE (15.09.2015)  
4/5
(0) opinions (0) comment(s)
In 1994, in spite of a very good album, "Rock Art", Magnum was soon forced to cancel part of its tour. And as Clarkin seemed to have a great need for something else (for almost twenty years Magnum had been his only objective), the band was officially disbanded in 1995. During six years, everyone went elsewhere, or almost, since Bob Catley, apart from a few solo projects, went to form with his favourite guitarist the band Hard Rain, which released two albums (in 1997 and 1999 on which they found the bassist here present). 

And then, as we don't change a winning team, Magnum came back in 2002, making this "Brand New Morning", with its rather dark artwork, its second album after its reformation. And it all started very strong. 'Brand New Morning' (the fathers of hard rock are clearly invoked here) seems to have been created to be played live. From the very first notes, the listener already feels that he will be dealing with a quality music, composed with finesse and passion, a progressive music in the first sense of the word as Clarkin and his band are constantly refining their work as conscientious artists that they are. This "brand new morning" marks a kind of accomplishment for the band who have been investigating for two decades the classic productions, offering to the melodic rock its discreet but undeniable letters of nobility.

Whether it's 'It's Time To Come Together' and its luminous single, the classic 'I'd Breathe For You' (Catley remains imperial on the whole album) or 'The Last Goodbye' with its orchestral costume and introduced by a delicate piano, there's no lack of quality in this thirteenth opus. When the mood sets, it's to offer our delicate ears 'We All Run' and 'The Blue And The Grey' or 'How to make a good power ballad', an exercise in which the band has always excelled (here the Hispanic guitar and the gospel-style backing vocals add a spicy touch). The keyboards of Stanway, the band's main asset, are particularly highlighted in the second part of the album on the solid 'Immigrant Son' (Led Zeppelin are you there?) and 'Hard Road'. Only the epic finale 'The Scarecrow' might seem a bit long. However, the quality is still there and the Uriah Heep-style keyboards renew the current exercise of our English Saxons.

In nine tracks, the band is imposing, classy, untouchable. The balance between soft melodies and hard rock fulgurances are still as good a mix as ever, to the point of becoming a real trademark. An album to own, like the great majority of those in the discography of these decidedly great gentlemen.
- Official website

TRACK LISTING:
01. Brand New Morning
02. It's Time To Come Together
03. We All Run
04. The Blue And The Grey
05. I'd Breathe For You
06. The Last Goodbye
07. Immigrant Son
08. Hard Road
09. The Scarecrow

LINEUP:
Al Barrow: Basse
Bob Catley: Chant
Harry James: Batterie
Mark Stanway: Claviers
Tony Clarkin: Guitares
   
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