Universe - Is There Something?

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Point Music
Catalog Number: 10246
Format: CD
Total Time: 44:08:00

In 1985, Universe is formed and some three years later, under the guidance of Scorpions producer Dieter Derks, they release their first single, called "I Want You." It takes them another 7 years to get a record deal, so they spend a lot of time playing live. In 1990 they release their debut album, Bad Child, followed by Waiting For... in 1992. Then again it takes them along time to record the next album, as in 1998 they already start working on Is There Something?, but they do not finish it until 2003. In 2000, the band suffers a stroke when frontman Frank DiSanto dies of cancer. But they have managed and now are back in full force with Is There Something?

The first thing I noticed, when I heard the album, was how similar the sounds was to Bon Jovi, even the vocals were very similar, maybe the sound of Universe is a bit heavier. Although I really like the many great guitar solos by George Dallino, who happens to be a Nuno Bettencourt fan (remember him? The guitar player of Extreme?), the sound is basic hard rock, nothing special. All members of the band share the vocals, in support of lead vocalist A.H. Son. The vocals on the album are very good, as is the total sound of the band. The one song I really liked and found at least a bit special, is "Seventh Day," with a really superb guitar solo and excellent bass by Holly George.

For a hard rock album, Is There Something? is a good album, with great songs and excellent musicians and a very good production. The only problem I have with the album is that it sounds too familiar. It reminds me of several bands that have made similar albums in the past, like Bon Jovi, The Scorpions, Motley Crué, Extreme, to name but a few. So before you buy this one, listen to it first and see if this is what you like. Again, before the fans kill me: it is a great album, but the songs are just too familiar. It is not very original and I have the feeling these guys can write better songs. But they play really good!

[This review originally appeared March 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Don't Wanna Lose / End Of The Day / One Love / Children Of The Night / Hero / 748 / Seventh Day / Is There Something? / Lay It Down / Snakes Crawling

Musicians:
George Dallino - guitars
A.H. Son - lead vocals
Holly George - bass
Wolla Boehm - guitars, vocals
H. H. - drums

Discography:
Bad Child (1990/1992)
Waiting For... (ep) (1993)
Is There Something? (2004)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin DE

Added: May 29th 2005
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.universe-rock.com
Hits: 2463
Language: english