EZ Livin'
Firestorm

I think most who knows something about hardrock will recognise this band’s name, EZ Livin’ and I doubt it will ring a bell because of the one album the band has released before. It was in 1991 with an album that sold about 20’000 records in Europe, which is probably not enough to really make a mark that lasts in the memory of many. There is another Easy Livin’ though, the song by Uriah Heep which probably is a lot more known. The band EZ Livin’ led by Bonfire’s Hans Ziller saw light of day back in 1989 (or 1991 depending on which info you use) and was disbanded in 1992. Then about twenty years later Ziller figured it was clever to revive EZ Livin’ and he brought along singer David Reece known from amongst others Accept and the AOR wizard Alessandro Del Veccio as producer. This is the second album by the band, but is it a firestorm of an album? that is the big question.

You will recognse the music if you know Ziller’s or Reeces other music, it sounds like Bonafide with David Reece on vocals. It is melodic rock or hardrock with catchy vocals, man’s choirs distinct melodies and a classic rock voice bringing us the lyrics. It is ear candy for the fan of nostalgic rock music, kind of like seventies melodic rock updated to present sounds. It reminds of much music from the past but it is very well produced, fairly typical production from Del Veccio. Overall I would describe it as a quality album, well performed and produced, familiar and it would probably do very well with fans of rock music overall.

Not a high tempo album, the tempo are mainly in the midtempo range something well illustrated in the Uriah Heep Cover Easy Livin’ which goes a lot slower than the original. They do a very good effort though, maybe not in the same level as the original but still a very memorable song. Too bad though, that it is the only really high quality song on this album. Not that the album lacks other good songs, it just lacks the strength of the cover song. It is one of those albums you like while playing but you will forget it pretty soon after you are finished playing it. I think though that those who look at their music with eyes of nostalgia will find this a very amusing album.

It is worth checking out for those of you who think it was better in the past, this does not break away from the distant past. It is a good showing but I prefers things unique to things familiar, I like this album though and will keep the Easy Living track in my iPod even now that this album has been reviewed.

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