A new CHINA album after…how many years, really? 1995’s “Natural Groove” was the last cut heard from the Swiss hardrockers while it’s been 21 years now from the highly-acclaimed “Sign In The Sky” days, and we should inform the readers Universal Switzerland released the “The Very Best Of China” (2008) compilation featuring three brand new tracks (all of them featured here). Well, you can’t teach an ol’ dog new tricks, right? Well, in the “Light Up The Dark” case maybe these hounds seem to have been given some extra lessons in the musicmaking class.
When CHINA begun a promising career back in 1988 with “China” it was Claudio Matteo striking hard his riff and solo works, among many things CHINA became famous for. Being the only surviving member of the original lineup – singer Eric St. Michaels and bassist Brian “Beat” Kofmehl joined for the follow-up 1989 masterpiece – Claudio is the one having seen all of CHINA’s ups and downs throughout the years. Hence – maybe – the maturity/wisdom flowing from the new disc’s numbers. Of course, “Light Up The Dark” has its asskickin’ moments too but the key factor here should be the – modern or lunar – rockin’ vibe floating in this recent album.
“On My Way” is interesting but more of a ‘happy’ number in the CHEAP TRICK way – than I can get from a band like CHINA, haha; Marc Storace (the legendary KROKUS singer) sings backing vocals here. “Stay” is again in this ‘Rock mode on’ mature e.g. WARRANT path with a vintage wah-wah solo shining. “Deadly Sweet” boasts a weird riff and alike vocal harmonies, quite ‘grunge’-isque for my taste; the solo is awesome, though. “Trapped In The City” brings forth the in-your-face riffing and pounding creating a boozin’ mood again. “Right Here, Right Now” impedes things a little bit sending 70s-to-90s shivers down your spine and – surprisingly – can hold as an attraction for the whole album. “Flesh And Bone”’s groovy tempo says goodbye in a fresh way and 45-50 minutes has passed by leading to a diverse conclusion that…[/spoiler]
…CHINA has progressed or matured or settled down or whatever you like to name it, in this new album. Erik’s vocals are warmer and less rebellious, the guitars rock hard but also ride free being applicable to all Rock fans, vintage, typical or contemporary, building an album that gradually won my ears since – in a way – you match the CD’s criteria; we’ve also grown up, like it or not. “Light Up The Dark” resembles to a long lost friend: we ‘ve not met in years, each one’s built his own beliefs all this time but what counts is that the feeling is here and it’s good to spend some time with good company again, no questions asked.
Tracklist:
01. Light Up The Dark
02. Hey Yo
03. She’s So Hot
04. Girl On My Screen
05. Lonely Rider
06. Gates Of Heaven
07. On My Way
08. Stay
09. Deadly Sweet
10. Trapped In The City
11. Right Here Right Now
12. Flesh And Bone
Line-Up:
Beat Kofmehl – bass, backing vocals
Billy La Pietra – drums
Claudio Matteo – guitars, backing vocals
Eric St. Michaels – vocals
Mack Schildknecht – guitars
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