Place Called Rage – Place Called Rage – August 2012
- Al Pitrelli: Guitars (Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Asia, Savatage).
- Tommy Farese: Lead Vocals (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Rondinelli).
- Danny Miranda: Bass (Blue Oyster Cult, Queen with Paul Rodgers).
- Chuck Bonfonte: Drums (Saraya & Various Top NY bands).
- With special guest on Keyboards: Mark Mangold of (Touch / Drive She Said).
Track Listening:
- KNOW WHERE YOU BEEN
- PLACE CALLED RAGE
- TRAPPED
- TAKE IT LYING DOWN
- SOMEDAY
- ONE CHILD
- WHAT THESE EYES HAVE SEEN
- CAN’T FIND MY WAY HOME
- JENNY DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
- THUNDERBOX
- WE’RE NOT COMING HOME
- CHAINED TO MANIAC
This super-group was formed back in 1995. Now, I won’t hide my colours; I’m a sceptic when it comes to super-groups. If you’ve read my work, you’ll know I’m a sceptic about most things. Written and recorded in one week, this album wasn’t exactly convincing me straight out. The band broke up after the project, which aimed to capture the essence of the Long Island sound. According to the band, most of the tracks were done in one take, leading to a raw quality, something I constantly rave about. Apparently “winging it” is something these musicians do best.
I know Where You Been opens with an Alice Cooper vibe but takes off on its own path quickly. Farese’sare earthy and dirty, the riffs simple but Pitrellikeeps you on your toes with more interesting fills. The keyboards put the treble too high I think and the song fizzles out by the solo for me, but the quality of playing is there. Place Called Rage feels more restrained but bursts out in the pre-chorus though the bridge in the voice seems oddly out of place. The whole thing is a mix of classic rock with some folksy elements – with a bit of a heavier Blue Oyster Cult feel too. As the album rolls on – yes it feels like it’s rolling – you can tell the skill of the musicians from the way the layers of each song work together so effortlessly. But the songs are just a bit dull. It’s like a melting pot of chocolate that is simmering away, bubbling at the surface to be eaten but when you dip the strawberry and marshmallow skewer in, you find it’s marmite, not chocolate. You either love it, or hate it. Admittedly, I do love the raw quality they professed it to have, but my scepticism will remain, perhaps for the better.
scotch pancakes 