Review Summary: Classic rock pretending young punks. Better than you’d expect.
Forgotten Shades of Life brings shades of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Scorpions - that type of thing. Classic rock resurrection bands are hit or miss I find, but this one gets it and straps on studded boots. The singer has the same tone from that era, and the backing, echoed harmonizations are ear candy. But it could all fall flat if the singing or the songwriting is bad/forgettable; neither are the case. Aside from a handful of lazy vocal moments, the band’s performance is solid on all fronts.
Large, fist-pumping choruses fill the album - completely old school. Combined with a memorable vocal performance and equally standout riffs, Shiraz Lane go hard. This is one of the best hard rock albums I’ve heard this year (admittedly I haven’t listened to many), but there’s a few too many soft tracks. The softer tracks aren’t terrible, but compared to the blistering, faux-classic rock pieces, I don’t care much for them. The singing also gets a little lazier during some of the slower tracks. It’s overall an unwelcome change of pace that may have worked back in the day, but feels unnecessary in this album.
The album isn’t an instant classic but it entertains well enough. It’ll bring you back to the good old days when music was still good, blah blah. But this band have style with their musical style, passion of inspiration gleefully played with care. When the album hits it hits hard, and sounds like the perfect ode to the past. There’s certainly enough stompers here to bring you back for seconds, and the choruses are unadulterated retro bliss. Even for a quick listen, the album will undoubtedly entertain, but there’s enough hooks to sink your golden teeth into.
