“First Touch” is the debut solo album from vocalist John Jeff Touch. However that doesn't mean that Touch is stranger to the recording studio having recorded previously with Lars Eric Matteson and his band Vision on the album “On The Edge” and also having worked with SIN and Cosmicray.

The press release that comes along with the album describes this as " a collection of melodic / experimental rock numbers each with a unique atmosphere based upon memories of John’s life so far". OK the music itself is undoubtedly well produced and recorded and sounds sharp and crystal clear but after repeated plays it somehow doesn't deliver everything that you expected. It’s strange as the songs and music are all  polished and there wasn't any urge to skip a track but in saying that no one track stays with you or makes a real impression. perhaps this is down to the Touch's vocal delivery itself, sure it covers a wide range and the parts are  perfectly executed but you can't “feel” his singing and that leaves everything feeling on the cold side.

The real highlight of the album for this reviewer was the guitar solo on! “Can’t Live Without You”, it's truly fabulous and hits all the right spots but that in itself is worrying when the focal point of the album is meant to be the singer. An yes First Touch is very accessible, never getting past moderately heavy and it's fair to say you could play this to anyone who likes chart music without scaring the living daylights out of them, tracks like “Loving You” and “Spirit” are custom made for the radio so it’s very apparent that there is potential to market this music. but it's just underwhelming, relaxing background music if you will.

It’s been a while since Lion Music released an album that didn’t do it for me but unfortunately this is one such release. If you want relaxing background music it’s just the job but if you want music that moves the soul and the spirit this isn’t it

Al Hey