Stephen
STATION is a fresh melodic hard rock band from USA and their eponymous debut is a great collection of catchy songs wrapped nicely with an 80s vibe but with updated sound. For too long, Sweden and the Scandinavian invasion has dominate the scene but with the latest releases from TRIXTER, MAXX EXPLOSION, and this one, the competition for the top albums of 2015 will be tighter than last year.
DEF LEPPARD is clearly one of their biggest influences but I believe the strong vocal and some killer guitarworks are derived from the likes of GUNS N' ROSES or JUDAS PRIEST. 'I Don't Want To Know Your Name' is a decent opener but the next two tracks might trap you into thinking that this is gonna be another average rock band but in fact, when you're exposed to the infectious 'Are You Sleeping Alone' and the monstrous 'True Believer', you know that it's gonna be a killer record.
'With Me Tonight' is a bit poppish ballad, a candle-lighter and probably will win them lots of female audience. 'Bitter With The Better' and 'No Way Out' shows a high level of musicianship and those two songs are my personal faves too. With 15 tracks, band sometimes may struggle to produce a balance quality of songwriting and it's depicted on 'Never Say Never', 'Wildest Dreams', or 'Shot of Life' which are slightly inferior.
I admire the big and huge production here and the promising talent shown on the previously released EP, 'Wired' is proven here and hopefully they can continue perform well and deliver another high quality album in the future!