HONEYMOON SUITE: Alive (A.O.R.): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

While their “Hands Up” ep gave us a glimpse of a more than encouraging comeback, Honeymoon Suite disappeared from the radar for seven long years. But just when we weren't expecting them any more, here they are, back in the spotlight, having found refuge on the inescapable Frontiers label. With an unchanged line-up, and having entrusted the production to Mike Krompass (Steven Tyler, Smash Mouth, Theory Of A Madman, etc.), the Ontario band offers us an “Alive” whose tantalizing title demands confirmation. Is the band that gave us so many gems in the 80s still “alive”?

For those who doubt it, this opus is a fine demonstration of an intact vigor we'd hoped for no longer. Still led by Johnny Dee's deceptively fragile voice, whose slight veil is as bewitching as ever, the ten or so tracks on this new album succeed in taking us back to the 80s while sounding resolutely modern. Mike Krompass's work is exemplary, anchoring Honeymoon Suite in the present without distorting its identity. Tracks such as 'Tell Me What You Want' and 'Broken' are the best examples, with their light touches of modern-pop.

This perfect balance between tradition and the present enables us to enjoy compositions worthy of the early days. The first two singles, 'Alive' and 'Find What You're Looking For', offer a delicate harmony of warm vocals, incandescent guitar and airy keyboards in the service of bewitching melodies and catchy choruses. 'Give It All' and 'Livin' Out Loud' plunge us back into the infectious energy of Racing After Midnight, while 'Love Comes' and 'Doesn't Feel That Way' remind us that the quintet has never mistaken delicacy for silliness when it comes to ballads. Finally, we can't fail to notice 'Not Afraid To Fall', whose superb build-up and euphoric chorus are emotionally charged.

While the short duration of this work may be a source of some frustration, it is also proof that Honeymoon Suite has prioritized efficiency over unnecessary developments. Working in a finely chiselled AOR style typical of the Canadians' career, “Alive” also succeeds in anchoring the combo in the present. We can only hope that we won't have to wait so long for a new release, even if the quality may justify the patience required. - Official website

HONEYMOON SUITE

ALIVE

FRONTIERS RECORDS

A.O.R.