Taste: Taste

In this day of constant reissues I had to check for proof more than once that the debut offering from the Swedish brothers Christoffer (guitar/bass/vocals) and Felix Borg (drums) under the moniker Taste, wasn't some long lost treasure that turns up on vinyl for hundreds of dollars on eBay. Evoking the memory of early Alien or Alias, Taste (obviously not to be confused with the Rory Gallagher band of the same name) combine silky smooth keyboard lines with soaring guitar work and sumptuous vocals, creating a sound and a production that while full and rich, reeks of the heyday of this type of music. Making for an album that is as authentic in its 80s sound as any release from way back then.

While Felix puts in a sterling performance behind the kit, striking the right balance between laid back and urgent, it is, for obvious reasons Christoffer who really grabs the headlines here. Combining keys and guitars in this style is a real challenge, with too much of either and not enough of the other often spoiling even the most promising AOR outing. Here however Taste are neither limp wristed, nor overly in your face. Yes that means that for some, maybe many, the guitars aren't upfront enough, but for real AOR aficionados the blend will be nigh on perfect. Add to that a vocal style which sits on the right side of fragile without overpowering the shimmering melodies and hooks and Taste really have the subtlety and punch to make a lasting impression.

Pleasantly accented, Christoffer reminds of Klaus Meine vocally, lending a Scorpions ballad feel to the likes of "Doesn't Feel Like Love" and "Cry For Love", although both have a stronger keyboard presence. However when you consider that the Scorps have long been considered the kings of the ballad, it is a complimentary comparison. Not to be outdone however the guitar solos are also a real high point of this album, with the likes of "The One", "My Rose" and the effervescent "Don't Give Up" all finding Christoffer offering up more than a little tasteful shred. Something many AOR albums are too afraid to do.

Those who have in recent years been ranting and raving about the quality of releases from the likes of Houston, White Widdow or Serpentine really need to give this album a spin to hear how it was - and as Taste prove here - still can be done. This debut album is undoubtedly more vital than nearly anyone believed AOR had any chance to be in 2013!

Track Listing
01. Back To The Future
02. Our Dreams
03. Cry For Love
04. Don't Give Up
05. Stay
06. My Rose
07. Danger Games
08. Doesn't Feel Like Love
09. In My Arms (Tonight)
10. The One
11. Fallen Angel

Added: January 19th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Taste on Facebook
Hits: 1964
Language: english

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