House Of Shakira - First Class


Year of Release: 2004
Label: Lion Music
Catalog Number: LMC 110
Format: CD
Total Time: 52:22:00

No, House Of Shakira has nothing to do with that good looking Colombian singer! No, HoS is a great band from the land that already houses so many great bands: Sweden. Since their formation they have released a total of 3 studio albums, one best of and one live album. In 2002, they took a break, but are now back with their fourth studio album: First Class.

The Swedish quintet brings a catchy mix of AOR and hard rock, played with great skill, so the level of First Class is definitely above average! Often singer Andreas Eklund is supported by Mats Hallenstensson (guitar) and Per Schelander (bass) on backing vocals, a combination that works really good for the Dutch [band] Casual Silence, and, although here the backing vocals are really backing vocals, they create a nice atmosphere. Musically HoS plays mainly softer rock, more AOR type, but they know how to rock, judging by "Uncontrolled" (up tempo heavy riffs and drums), "Creep" (harmonious guitars and steady riffs) or "Sunshine Song" (some Jimmy Page riffs, vaguely reminiscent of Zeppelin's "Kashmir").

Overall they bring a balanced, solid album. Not too many surprises, but a quality piece of work. Good production, which gives good hopes for the things to come. Maybe they could add a bit more keys to the music, but outside that, no comments on the album. It is indeed "First Class."

[This review originally appeared August 2004 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Ain't Your Crowd (3:36) / Uncontrolled (2:34) / You Are (4:43) / Hey Lord (3:43) / Black And Blue Skies (5:07) / Creep (3:59) / Black Barn (4:57) / State Of Grace (3:53) / Landing (4:28) / Celebration Bound (4:17) / Sunshine Song (6:15) / Chicago Blue (4:45)

Musicians:
Andreas Eklund - vocals
Anders Lundstr?m - guitar/keyboard
Mats Hallenstensson - guitar
Per Schelander - bass
Tony Andersson ? drums

Discography:
Lint (1997)
On The Verge (1998)
House Of Shakira III (2000)
Live+ (2001)
First Class (2004)

Genre: Melodic Rock-AOR

Origin SE

Added: November 28th 2004
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.house-of-shakira.nu/
Hits: 2235
Language: english

  

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