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KEE MARCELLO'S K2 'Melon Demon Divine' (Frontiers FRCD194) (2004)
Former Europe and Easy Action guitarist returns with a power trio format
joined by drummer Snowy Shaw (Dream Evil amongst others) and bassist Klatuu.
First off this is not a Europe clone album because let’s face it if Kee
Marcello wanted to do that he’d be back with Europe!
It has its sound base in the classic power trio format with some serious drum bashing from Snowy
Shaw and a big dose of 90’s rock - not quite grunge more Creed/The Calling.
Lyrically it’s a dark album at times as well with ‘E.M.D.’ (Everything Must
Die) having a catchy chorus but obviously a dark lyric. ‘Raptor’ lifts a bit
of Led Zep’s ‘Kashmir’ riff to meld a big rock sound. Kee Marcello has a
decent voice, listen to the mellower ‘Blood’, with a catchy chorus and also
‘Epic’. The only nod to past bands comes in the form of ‘Hey Romeo’ with a
parping keyboard in the mix and it’s the closet thing to a Europe styled
tune on here.
Overall a strong album with a few standout moments and Kee Marcello lays
down some stunning guitar solos at times, being obviously free of the
confines of the Europe sound. As I said earlier not everyone will like this
and if you’re after a Europe styled album forget it. One more for the modern
rock fan and those who enjoy a bit of bombast!
Website
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Review by Jason Ritchie
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***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly |
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