AUTOGRAPH: Buzz (A.O.R.): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Autograph is Steve Plunckett and Steve Plunkett is Autograph! For those who doubted it, the US FM combo is back after 16 years of silence with its leader as the only surviving member. "Missing Pieces", released in 1997 and composed of offcuts from previous albums, couldn't be considered as a new album, whereas "Buzz" marks Autograph's return to business and the least we can say is that they resume where they left off due to the lack of support from their label.

However, if Autograph's style is recognisable, the influence of Def Leppard, a band to which Plunk has boundless admiration and whose title 'Photograph' is at the origin of the US combo's name, is felt even more intensely than on the first three albums. Indeed, beyond the structures, each chorus seems to be the work of Joe Elliot and his band, the whole being reinforced by the similarity of the voices of the 2 singers. It is therefore clear that those who are allergic to the Sheffield combo can spare themselves the listening of this "Buzz", even if it is far from being a simple plagiarism. Because Autograph does Hard FM with an American touch and keeps its characteristics despite the addition of Pop Metal in its original recipe.

"Buzz" is composed of 10 tracks covering a wide range of the best in FM, from the sweet but pleasant ballad ('That') to the fast tracks ('Fed Up With Beein' Down') and some original tracks like the 70's pop chorus on the eponymous track or the heavier 'Can't Stop Rockin' which reminds us Kiss .

The whole is perfectly interpreted by a trio at the service of the master of the place who, in addition to the vocals, ensures the rhythm guitar parts as well as the keyboards. On the other hand, if the rhythm section knows how to be both discreet and efficient, the nevertheless talented T.J. Helmerich ends up tiring the audience with his flow of notes that turn into a demonstration instead of enriching the tracks, even though they are of good quality.

"Buzz" remains however an excellent album of what we can call FM Pop Metal. It still won't allow Autograph to meet the success it deserves but it at least makes for a good time. - Official website

AUTOGRAPH

BUZZ

POINT MUSIC

A.O.R.