An album that should interest the fans of Harem Scarem as well as listeners of other similar acts.

Full Turnout is a melodic rock band coming out of South Ontario, Canada.The band started out as a group of fire-fighters writing original music back in 2006 and released their first album ‘Perfect Neverending’ in 2008. A permanent line up was set in 2009 and the band set about recording this follow up which was released earlier this year.The band comprises Dave Drexler (vocals), Brad Dugas (lead guitar), Matt Krusky (rhythm guitar), Brian Parisotto (bass) and Pete Zettle (drums).

The album has a good mixture of guitar driven rockers and slower paced ballads that will keep most fans happy.The upbeat tracks comprise of modern pop rock numbers such as ‘In My Car’ and ‘Think It Over’ as well as more traditional harder rock offerings including the title track and ‘Taken Back’.The ballads are much more emotional affairs and contain some truly uplifting lyrics.This is especially true of the likes of ‘Hold On’ and ‘Hang On’ with their ever hopeful words of better times to come.Of the 13 tracks available here it is tough to pick out a highlight track, but ‘On The Ground’ does just sneak it with its catchy chorus and memorable guitar hooks.

This is a fine melodic/pop rock release from a band that should be worth paying attention to in the future.Full Turnout could be compared loosely to their Canadian compatriots Harem Scarem, although some of the guitar work is more pop than hard rock so think Scarem mixed with Blink 182.The songs themselves are immensely catchy and infectious and several will worm their way into your consciousness quickly.Drexler may not have the strongest vocal range in rock, but he does fit the band’s sound well and uses his talents to good effect.Dugas and Krusky provide a lively and varied performance on the six strings whilst the rhythm section provides a solid foundation.It could be easy to imagine Full Turnout being quite an entertaining and lively act to watch on the stage.Production wise the album is crisp and very clear with each facet of the band being heard easily. Whilst this is no album of the year nor likely to be a permanent resident in your CD player, it will certainly be a regular visitor which your ears and speakers will thank you for.It is a fun, entertaining and infectious release containing some lovely emotional lyrics and as such is worthy of investigation.

‘Adversity’ is an album that should interest the fans of Harem Scarem as well as listeners of other similar acts.This release is also commercial enough with its pop rock styled offerings to appeal to fans of more current groups such as Blink 182 or Sum 41.

Dave Scott