This is a very eclectic CD from Teddy Clemente, the Philippines-born rocker and his band mixing up elements of Deep Purple, John Petrucci, Michael Schenker and more.
The album opens with a short, atmospheric overture, which then leads into the hard rocking ‘Sacrifice’. There’s plenty of well executed interplay between guitar and keyboards, energetic drumming from Sammy Hagar sticksman David Lauser, and a fast and furious guitar solo by Clemente. Track 3, ‘Time To Get Away’ has a catchy, chunky riff and is the first track to feature the talented female vocalist, Amanda Dieck whose voice has considerable presence. The title track features more exciting guitar and keyboard interplay and plenty of lively drumming. The multi-talented Robert Berry plays keyboards, bass and rhythm guitar on this and every track on the CD whilst Clemente’s soloing has bags of feel and expression.
There are three ballads on the CD. ‘So Far Away’, ‘Let It Shine’ and ‘In My Heart’. They are all beautifully sung by Amanda Dieck and show a softer side to the band’s oeuvre. In contrast, ‘On Fire’ is a faster, rockier track with swapping of guitar and keyboard solos and hammer down drumming. Dieck also gets to show her grittier side in the anthemic, simple hard rock track, ‘Take The Shot’. The choppy riff and wailing feedback at the end of the track are very enjoyable. ‘Children And Their Future’, ‘Dreams’ and ‘Never Alone’ are well-crafted rock songs, with interesting tempo changes, great vocal performances and Clemente’s speedy fretwork in the solos.
All of the tracks are written by Clemente. There’s a theme of caring for the planet and the future generations. The CD is well made with plenty of good musicianship and singing and comes well recommended.
By Chris Greenwood.
Find out more about Teddy Clemente here.
