Hear Now
After releasing two successful albums with his band Seven, Mick Devine returns with a solo album ‘Hear Now’. A great selection of melodic rock songs written by Mick and guitarist Steve Morris. Rounding off the band is Brian J Anthony who plays bass and drums on the album. He also mixed, mastered and produced it.
The album opens with the song ‘Strange Voices’. It has a real eighties feel especially in the introduction which includes an electronic synth. Mick Devine really has a great voice and musically the song really allows his voice to shine through, the majority of the song is long held keyboard accompaniment, with a tiny bit of electric guitar.
The next track ‘Live Forever’ is completely different. Opening with a real funky bass line and syncopated guitar, the song is a high energy funk rock track. It has a real anthem like chorus, but keeps going back to that funky sound, think Red Hot Chilli Peppers and you’re in the right ball park.
Track number three and another musical style is explored. ‘Home’ is classic blues rock. A great blues infused opening guitar lick, then Mick’s vocals kick in. I have to say, what an excellent vocalist Mick Devine is. His vocals are flawless. Towards the end of the song we have a great guitar solo by the wonderful Steve Morris. What a great track and a definite highlight of the album.
‘Another Way’ is yet another highlight on the album. The guitars feel really country and the inclusion of the acoustic guitar just adds to that country feel. The vocal harmonies are great too, again they feel like they’re straight out of Nashville.
I enjoyed the album closer as well ‘Game Over’. This has a much heavier feel than the rest of the album. Definitely a head banger! Aggressive drums, crunchy guitar and the vocals are brilliant, yet again. Oh and what a killer guitar solo too!
I really enjoyed ‘Hear Now’. It’s a little bit like a musical equivalent of an all you can eat buffet. Mick, Steve and Brian have explored so many avenues and dipped into so many musical styles and genres, funk, hard rock, country, blues, it really was a musical treat! I would like to see them write more in the respective styles, we need a follow up album to this. I need to hear more from these three incredible musicians.
Released by Escape Music Ltd
Released on 18th October 2019
