Well worth investigation by the cognoscenti.

I’m a big fan of the music that is released on the Lion Music record label. Usually, this is the place where you can find top quality prog metal bands, rubbing shoulders with the new and upcoming batch of guitar shredders. So far, however, it hasn’t really been the home to much melodic rock or AOR. That is about to change because here we have album number three from Spanish band Airless and in ‘Changes’ they have released a lovely slab of guitar and keyboard driven melodic rock. Airless are based around the writing and guitar playing talents of Robert Rodrigo, who has – since the band’s 2002 debut album – built up a very strong set of musicians to back him and that is why ‘Changes’ is easily the band’s best album to date.

First song ‘Start Again’ kind of tells you all you need to know about the band and their music. It’s a song that bounces along at a fair old clip and the way the guitars, vocals and keyboards combine with the melodies is an indication of the very good melodic rock that is to follow. ‘I Don’t Care’ comes next and is ushered in by a wonderful emotive piano, holding the melody throughout the song and even when the guitars rush in the keyboards still hold sway. The title track sees Airless vocalist Inaki Lazcano, helped out by the always great Danny Vaughn, though I have to say that Inaki does a great job holding his own against such stiff competition. I also have to say that the solo on the song courtesy of Robert Rodrigo is excellent as well. ‘Till The End Of Time’ has a big catchy guitar riff that builds until the album’s best hook takes over and then you’re into AOR heaven. The aggressive ‘Gone To Far’ tells us of the insensitivity of mankind and how sometimes it tries to justify the atrocities it perpetrates during wars and again RR deserves a special mention due to his wonderful guitar work on the song. ‘Reach For You’ is a mid-paced rocker with some strong emotive vocals and another clever underlying keyboard melody. Finishing with the totally over the top ‘Last Prophecy’ Airless show that they’re not just your average AOR act; the song is full of blistering solos, double bass drum attacks and is Inaki’s best work (think Dokken with more attitude).

Looks like we have another very good melodic rock band on our hands and if this type of rock ‘n’ roll floats your boat then once again it’s time to ask your partner for some extra pennies, so you can get yet “another” CD. Well worth investigation by the cognoscenti…

Ian Johnson