Strangeways
Walk In The Fire

Nowadays, not many have a clear idea of what AOR is, and because of this, the genre is often attributed with connotations that do not correspond to it, and bands are frequently brought up where the AOR definition seems a bit forced.

True AOR, besides giving great space to melody and catchiness, is a genre characterized by an extremely polished production of the albums, good singers, and competent musicians with a never too flashy look, who tackle, yes, predominantly themes based on everyday life stories but do so with intelligence. In short, adult-oriented music. In fact, the acronym stands for "Adult Oriented Rock."

I have chosen to review the third album of this Scottish quartet with an American singer (Terry Brock), because in my opinion, it well represents the previously indicated characteristics of AOR.

Pure magic is what is presented, a product somewhat difficult to describe in words, made up of mid-tempo and steady-paced tracks, where the keys lend the album a dreamy, almost epic atmosphere. Authentic gems emerge, like the initial "Where Are They Now", steady in the verse and then exploding into a majestic and memorable refrain that is impossible not to be fascinated by, "Danger In Your Eyes" (probably the most direct and gritty track of the album), "Modern World" with its slow and intriguing progression evokes heavenly imagery, and then there's the title track, a concentrate of class, passion, and emotion, which in my opinion, represents the essence of this magnificent record. The album is then beautifully closed by "After the Hurt Is Gone", a delicate and reflective track.

It's clear that their musical proposal, even among AOR fans, can be liked or not (I obviously like it and quite a lot), but it's certain that if someone is looking for a true AOR album, this is a good example.

Track list: 1) Where Are They Now; 2) Danger In Your Eyes; 3) Loves Lies Dying; 4) Every Time You Cry; 5) Talk To Me; 6) Living In A Danger Zone; 7) Modern World; 8) Into The Night; 9) Walk In The Fire; 10) After The Hurt Is Gone.