David - Presence

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Independent
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 49:22:00

I saw a review of this band's CD in Hard Roxx once and I came across mainman David Mikael's website. I got in touch with this nice guy and he instantly sent me three CDs for review. Despite the name, David is a full band. Although multi-instrumentalist, David Mikeal, wrote, produced, engineered and mixed the album.

David offers acoustic-based AOR-rock, with a slight pomp influence. David Mikeal's solid, mid-ranged voice sometimes reminds me of Eric Martin, which is a good thing. Although a couple of songs fail to attract me, there are some really strong songwriting to be found on this CD. There are plenty of great songs here, which should indeed be of interest for AOR fans. The melody-lines and choruses has a strong melodic touch and are easily accessible. And it has to be said that this CD does definitely grow on you, as David certainly has found a personal sound that is not like your typical AOR sound. The production could be thicker, but for an indie release it's well above average. The mix is very good as well, with all instruments present.

I'm really impressed by the quality of this product, which is actually just as good as most of the releases done by various labels these days. Absolutely worth checking out!

[This review originally appeared May 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Conversation / All The Girls Get Lonely / Save The World / No More Heroes / Sgt. Pepper/I Am The Walrus/The End / Retro Rockets / The Awakening / Eternal Love / Anything 4 U / Never Give It Up / Big Dog / Lonely Old Man

Musicians:
David Mikael...

Discography:
Journey To Poexula (1995)
Presence (2003)
Brasilla! The Rain Forest (2003)
As Is (2003)
David III (2003)

Genre: Melodic Rock-AOR

Origin US

Added: December 11th 2004
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.davidmikeal.com
Hits: 2809
Language: english