X-ROMANCE – Voices From The Past (Album Review)

One day while looking around the internet, I kept seeing this name popping up on all the music sites I frequent. Sure enough, sitting in the “To-Do” email box is the CD waiting for review. Well after seeing all the talk, I had to stop and check it out. And I’m quite glad I did.

X-Romance – The Band

Initially started as Romance in 1988 by Anders LA Ronnblom & Thomas Widmark. Fast forward to 2015, Anders finds the old Romance tapes in a box somewhere and decides that they are too good not to be released. Anders reaches out to Thomas Widmark and together they re-record the tracks and started to look for other musicians that maybe wanted to join the project. Having no problem finding a couple of guys who believed in the project, they redubbed themselves X-Romance. With the complete and more than competent line-up, the fresh and very melodic Voices From The Past is created.

X-Romance – The Album

With ten tracks, “Lonely” starts off the album, with a mid-tempo sound fired up with equal parts of guitars and keys. With a huge chorus as well as background harmonies, this track is a perfect way to kick off an album. It finishes with a culmination of sound and Andreas Novak really pushes hard here. Following that, “Bad Connection” opens with a huge riff and a fantastic groove. It has very loving elements and considerate sound here. “Over an Over” opens with a keyboard melody and a positively charged chorus. The guitar accents the melody on this one perfectly.

Next up is the power-ballad “You and I“. It moves along carefully with a sense of direction and purpose. The chorus and the background harmonies on the vocals work exceptionally well here. “Straight through your Heart” has a stunningly beautiful opening on the keyboards. It’s the perfect combination between guitar and keys that makes this song as great as it is. “Temporary Love” is a soulful number with a terrific rhythm and hooks.

“Somebody out there” is a love song that would have been a huge hit in the ’80s. reminding you of those lazy days sitting on the couch watching music video after music video on your television. “Departure” closes the album out as an instrumental track. Racing drums to start, it shows the quality of musicianship included in this band.

Psychoone’s Final Thoughts

Overall, I have to say that I enjoyed this album very much, and any fan of the ’80s and Melodic/Hard Rock will as well. The blending of the keys and guitars as well as the amazing production work on this album would make anyone a fan once they sit and give it a listen!

Rock On!

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Band:

• Andreas Novak – Vocals,
• Fredrik Tjerneld – Rhythm & Lead Guitar,
• Mikael Dahlin – Rhythm & Lead Guitar,
• Anders LA Rönnblom – Bass,
• Thomas Widmark – Keyboard,
• Kenta Karlbom – Drums