Angelica - Thrive

(CD Album Review)

***

From the frozen wastelands of melodic, anthem style Rock in Sweden we have Angelica Rylin, with a new album called 'Thrive' expected to be released end of November 2013, Angelica's album “Thrive” is essentially a Pop and melodic rock sound and is undoubtedly influenced by the likes of Romeo's Daughter and Heart.

Angelica puts passion into her voice to sing like the tough woman forced to be strong following heartbreak and failure in love on 'Breaking my Heart' and continues with this theme on 'I am Strong'. It's melodic and adult orientated and there is no questioning the strength of Angelica's voice and there are a number of great guitar riffs throughout this debut album, in particular 'To your Rescue'.

Angelica wrote a number of the tracks on the album herself, so one must admire her artistic abilities and it was nice to see a distinct change of pace on 'Can't stop Love', which was easily the best track on the album. I think Angelica attempts to sing the Rock numbers with great alacrity but where her voice and style excels is definitely with the rock melodies. It was the same with the Canadian duet Heart. Angelica's inspiration where they would easily sing the melodic tunes more naturally. To have a great heavy Rock sound you have to have a great band with superb guitarists, and while Per Bergquist's efforts are solid enough and perfectly executed, some of the songs lack a creative edge at times.

However, there are few if any errors on the album, but many of the songs were played in major keys and rhythms and seemed to lack adventure, 'Riding out the Storm' for example, but that said it does grow on you in a positive way and ends up with a catchy chorus. There is definitely promise in Angelica's well executed vocal Rock harmonies and an enthusiasm that seems to find its way to the listener. It will be interesting to hear the second album promised next year as there is certainly potential for this solo Euro Rock goddess, and there is too much power in that voice to sneak away quietly.

Review by Helen Westby