‘The Effect‘, the eponymous debut album from this supergroup, could be seen as the rock counterpart to Sound of Contact’s ‘Dimensionaut’. While the latter flirted with progressive, The Effect takes a more classic, straightforward aesthetic, but with meticulous execution and just as captivating depth. Right from ‘Toxic Envy’, the band sets the tone with an incisive riff and a solid rhythmic pattern, rooted in rock traditions but with a discreet modernity that immediately seduces with shimmering synths. Each track seems designed to capture a specific moment, with punchy melodies and balanced production that showcases each instrument.

Over the course of the album, The Effect veers between luminous tracks like ‘High Life’, which evoke an infectious energy, and more introspective moments like ‘TIND’, which is a little reminiscent of Toto. The band also collaborate with Steve Perry on the FM-tinged ‘It Could Have Been You’. But it's with ‘Still In It’, a closing power ballad, that the album reaches its emotional peak. A cross between the great ballads of the 80s and modern rock trends, this track combines melancholy and intensity, offering a finale that is as poignant as it is elegant.

The musicians' performances are beyond reproach. Trev Lukather shines with his precise, inspired solos, while Nic Collins provides a rhythm section as powerful as it is nuanced. Steve Maggiora enriches the ensemble with his keyboards, adding harmonic texture without ever overloading the compositions. Finally, Emmett Stang's voice, alternately vibrant and soothing, anchors each track in a strong identity. The Effect is not seeking to revolutionise rock, but rather to explore its fundamentals with remarkable mastery and cohesion. Where ‘Dimensionaut’ recounted a cosmic journey, this album takes a more down-to-earth approach, but with similar musical clarity.

For an inaugural album, The Effect stands out as an example of what coherence and harmony can achieve. It doesn't surprise with its originality, but it does seduce with its authenticity and flawless execution. It's a successful trial run that could defeat the curse of short-lived bands... or not... time will tell.