Who said that all great melodic rock bands come from Sweden? Well, those who did it probably never have heard from WHITE WIDDOW, an Australian band formed in 2008. Their music is what I call keyboard driven melodic rock in spades. This five piece is one of the new generation MR bands that proves that melodic rock is still alive and kicking and still lives in the heart of the young… and old.
White Widdow 2010 self titled debut was a blast. One year later, this follow up called “Serenade” continues with the catchy choruses and hooks galore festival. Proud of the 80’s sound and now sounding tighter than their debut.
Opener “Cry Wolf” is a straightaway good example for what you can listen to the next 45 minutes. Music that was influenced by Danger Danger, Loverboy, FM and Dare (on their first album).
The third track “Do You Remember Me” sounds like if Boston and Def Leppard did collide. The comparison with Def Leppard isn’t just this track… The album is mixed and mastered by Pelle Seather who is well known in the melodic rock world as front man of Def Leppard clone Grand Design.
With the previous killer track White Widdow is just warming up… The fourth track starts with radio snippets of the debut album and flows into the rocking “Reckless Nights”, a song that wouldn’t be misplaced on the debut album of Danger Danger. The voice of Jules Millis reminds me a little bit of Ted Poley.
It’s followed by the great “How Far I Run”… Right from the first time I heard it, it is my favorite.
The five piece from down under keeps rocking on with the title track “Serenade”. A chorus that will stick in your head and just won’t get out. Also a superb guitar solo from Enzo Almani.
With the song “Patiently” White Widdow finally recorded the monster ballad they always dreamed about, ala ‘Without The Night’ from Winger.
The album ends with “Mistake”, a rocking track where the awesome keyboards of Xavier Millis dominates the scene.
“Serenade” is one of White Widdow’s best albums.
Keyboardist Xavier Millis and supremely talented guitarist Enzo Almanzi have forged a very creative partnership, highly reminiscent of Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, while Jules Millis is the true heart and soul of the band, his energetic vocal delivery reminds me a little of Ted Poley.
What I really like about this band is that although they are producing music that is highly influenced by the Eighties, it doesn’t sound at all contrived, it all seems very natural.
Kudos to these Australian guys, “Serenade” is a winner from start to finish.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tracklist:
01. Cry Wolf
02. Strangers In The Night
03. Do You Remember
04. Reckless Nights
05. How Far I Run
06. Serenade
07. Show Your Cards
08. Mistake
09. Patiently
10. Love Won’t Wait
11. Cross To Bare (Demo)*
12. Don`t Fail Me Now (Demo)*
13. Change Of Passion (Demo)*
*Bonus Tracks For Japan