LIONVILLE - S/T (Released: June 10, 2011)

Here we go with the first release by this italian band. I always thought that rock and latin culture doesn't match at all and i have to say that i keep thinking the same way despite this album makes me doubt. This album won't become a classic but it's a consistent effort. Production is ok though sometimes feels a little amateur and some elements, like guitar, should be more worked and even with a little harder distortion. Anyway is a good album starting with a fine cut, Here By My Side, it has catchy chorus a beautiful keys combined with great vocals by Lars Safsund (Yeah, he is Art Of Work's singer). With You is another fine track with an instrumental part that will remind you of Toto, the only thing with this song is that instantly you will notice the problem with the production and sound reflected in the piano. Center Of My Universe is much like Bad English version of Don't Walk Away, is an elegant an well executed cut and with no doubt one of the winners in this album. Thunder In Your Heart is a powerfull track with some bombastic keys, good backing vocals and with Lars, once again, showing what a astonishing singer is. And now we reach the absolute highlight of the album and with no doubt one of the songs of the year World Without Your Love, if we could turn back time 25 years this song sure would be a hit. From the first listening you'll notice the influence of When I See You Smile by Bad English. This song was written by a magic duo, Bruce Gaistch and Richard Marx and the execution is fantastic making of this song a gem, in this case production is great with thunderous piano and mellow keys combined with awesome vocals and smooth backing vocals... no more words, just listen it.
Another important cut is No End In Sight that reminds, specially in the last part, of Savage Blue by Bad English.
The rest of the album keeps the same vibe with the exception of Say Goodbye a more acoustic track but brilliant and with special mention to Over And Over Again a mid-tempo that becomes another highlight.

In summary, good and catchy debut album with some memorable cuts but sometimes with weak production and sound specially reflected in piano and guitars, but anyway totally recommended.

Best Tracks (in order of preference):

World Without Your Love
Over And Over Again
Center Of My Universe
No End In Sight
Say Goodbye 

This album is worth of 4.5 out of 5 ROCKS!!!