I think with these Frontiers albums it's the lack of identity that kills them for me. The bands from back n the day had their own sound, especially the guitars, and I just don't hear that anymore.
I'm not too inclined to chase these albums as it seems like it's more of the same. Might Apple Music them at some point.
I know what you mean. I know we've discussed it before several times, but it really does sound like a lot of these Frontiers albums come off the production line, same style, same production, just mix and match a few players. It makes it harder for many of these albums to really stick out from the pack.
That's why I'm pretty ruthless with their stuff. The vocalist is usually the first make or break factor, as is the production. There are some gems, but often it's not worth the sifting to find them.
Yep - and although it needs more listens I agree to a large extent with you guys about the Voodoo Circle. In many ways it is just as derivative as the others , but it has enough soul and individuality in other parts that I think it has the potential to grow where as the others really don't.
I rated the VC 85% on first listen and it could get up to high 80's if I can spend some time with it. Readman was starting to sound a bit stale in PC69 to me and this is a good vehicle to freshen him up for my ears.
While it's just as derivative as their previous albums, I feel like it comes more naturally to them now, like that's just their true sound, rather than sounding like covering Whitesnake songs, if that makes sense. I'd rate it a 9/10 (I can't split hairs for percentages). As I said, I love this album, and this is one I'll be listening to for a long time.