White Widdow
Crossfire

Australian band White Widdow are back with a new album, the third of their career. Their latest serenade did not appeal too much to me but was well received in certain medias according to the press information. This time they are trying to get the listeners in their crossfire, firing ten shots over a 43 minute period. Still, it wasn’t with the highest expectations I got into this album but as you all know I always give every album I review a good chance before writing about it and this album is no exception, in fact I have played it more than many.

A lot has happened since their lates effort in 2011, many shrimps and other eatable things has ended up on the barbecue since then. But tragedy has also struck the band with the drummer passing away back in 2013 the year the album was originally meant to be released and the same year the bass player decided to retire from the musical world which meant that the band had some difficulty to overcome. They are now back with a rejuvenated band and a new album that will have you caught in the crossfire.

Their music is AOR with a big portion of eighties nostalgia but with a fresh sound. Their songs are high paced with much energy making it feel decently fresh despite not really breaking any new ground. The production and soundscape is of high quality, as is the vocalist who fits very well into the soundscape of this band. Compared with their predecessor this album feels fresher and has a much better sound but the nostalgia is still there and you will definitely hear that it is the same band. I would describe this as a quality production, great sound and energy and also a good enough bit of variation for an album of this type. The most solid production from these guys to date.

But it is not only a quality production, it is a very good album, one that I really enjoy listening to. The songs are all good and the energy is captivating and for the first time I think this guys hit the mark and make something worthwhile. And despite the fact that they do not really break new ground, they make such quality songs that it does not matter as much. I think that anyone who likes AOR should be quite appealed by this album, it ticks all the right boxes. Especially if you like the more energetic speedy part of the genre.

It is an album that is well worth having a look at if you like the genre. I like the genre and for me the opening track Caught in the Crossfire and the eighth track Born to be a Rebel are the highlights of the album, two great tracks. I doubt the rebel claim of the band considering that they are quite typical of the genre but it does not quite matter as it is such an enjoyable album with the right touch of nostalgia to really fly. It seems they know more than how to have a barbecue is Australia.

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