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TALON
Fourplay

Escape Music (2015)
Rating: 8.5/10

As the title suggest, Fourplay is the fourth instalment from Los Angeles, California-based rockers Talon who provide a nice lightweight, breezy rock ’n’ roll groove based around the modest, yet effective vocal tone of returning frontman Michael O’Mara. If Talon (formerly known as Voxen) had been placed in the late 80s hard rock scene then they would not have been out of place; the tunes are sprightly with dashes of crunch in the guitar, but it’s the sort of uplifting rock to put smiles on people’s faces.

Opener, ‘Spun’ is a simple rocker with some simple, lighter flecks and a guitar that drives hard when required. In a sense though, Talon’s new record is a hard one to describe because it’s not flashy, progressive or technical, but just a good honest dose of vibrant rock.

‘Sin City Sister’ and ‘Evil’ are probably the album’s heaviest moments, although in flashes the latter has more in common with Dio. Talon finds that exciting balance between melodic rock and breezy traditional metal; galloping one moment and yet the next offering up the swaying ballad ‘Tonight’ with its sublime solo and sturdy drum nod from John Parker.

The cool plod of ‘I Don’t Wanna Cry’ is just honey to the ears, but this is contrasted by the sleaziness of ‘Holly Would’ with its ‘hair metal strut and predictably sassy lyrics as Michael O’Mara barks, “She’s so damn sweet, but she tastes so good” over a lush groove.

Other killer cuts are ‘It’s A Fine Line Between Love And Lust’ with its rattling bass from Phil Keller, and as with all good rock songs it simmers slowly, building and building before erupting with that smoking chorus of gorgeous, ascending vocal harmonies. For some reason UK rockers Jagged Edge spring to mind, probably just because of that ballsy yet subtle marrying, but there’s something for everyone here.

Again we have that cool, effortless metallic groove showcased with ‘Love Is Like A Drug To Me’, which has such an infectious chorus you’ll be whistling it in your sleep. Meanwhile, ‘Hole In My Head’ features more killer axe-work; Kory Voxen and Jim Kee are a truly formidable team for constructing meaty fodder for O’Mara to grace.

In fact, it’s Michael O’Mara who is really the star here; his voice so versatile as the band shifts gears, with his tone reaching soulful highs on the brilliant acoustic jig of ‘Nothin’ Like A Rockin’ Band’ which transforms into a fiery groover and wraps up this mighty fine album perfectly. Indeed, I can see me playing this scorcher many times… and I hope you will too.

Neil Arnold

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