This is the debut release from the band formed by Kick vocalist Nick Workman and Pulse / Bob Catley guitarist Vince O’Regan, who have co-written all of the eleven songs on offer here. Vince recently contributed a couple of songs to Bob’s last solo album ‘The Spirit of Man’ and appears to have found an ideal partner in Nick; together they have come up with some first rate new material. 

‘Close Your Eyes’ is a riff-heavy opener with a big chorus, laying down a marker for the rest of the album to follow in a similar style. There is only one real ballad, ‘How Far You Are’, and the tone and tempo of the release is driving rock with heavy guitars and powerful vocals, backed by some rock solid rhythms. The keyboard arrangements are understated throughout and it is the guitar that dominates. Lyrically the subject matter deals with modern themes based around troubled relationships, loss and difficult lifestyle scenarios, typified by ‘Love/Hate’ – “My love will hang it on the line for you / and never let you down / My hate will hang you out to dry it’s true / It will watch you drown in your tears”. 

‘Chase The Sun’ is another in your face song with a catchy riff and melody; it was presumably the inspiration for the striking front cover – a scorched Icarus kneeling in front of a huge sundial. As previously mentioned ‘How Far You Are’ is the sole ballad and yet fits in  well with the overall vibe of the album, retaining an edge that ensures it avoids slipping into AOR mediocrity. My personal highlights are ‘Coming Back For More’ (which includes a great solo from Vince) and ‘On A Day Like Today’, a groovy rocker that would sit well on an album like Aerosmith’s ‘Pump’. Regrettably it ends on a fade out but this is only a minor quibble. ‘Erase and Rewind’ includes another well worked guitar solo and a distinctive, fists in the air, chorus, ensuring that the album closes in emphatic fashion. 

This is one album you are advised to play loud with the lights off. The best debut album by a British band I have heard this year? Most definitely.  

‘Open Minds’ was released though Majestic Rock across Europe and is available now. For more information go to www.edentheband.co.uk

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Track List

Close Your Eyes
Love/Hate
Fools Parade
Incomplete
Chase The Sun
Heads Up
Coming Back For More
How Far Are You
All Fall Down
On A Day Like Today
Erase And Rewind

Line Up

Nick Workman - Vocals
Vince O'Regan - Guitar
Alan Mills - Bass
Paul Rodgers - Drums
James Screaton - Keys/Guitars