Dare: Out Of The Silence II

Dare are best known for their singer/songwriter Darren Wharton, who was the 18 year old keyboard player on the last three Thin Lizzy tours and albums (Renegade, Thunder and Lightning, Live/Life). Dare went on to garner respect in the Melodic Rock/AOR scene mainly overseas in the U.K., Europe and the like, but never scratched the surface here in North America. Their new effort called Out Of The Silence II (Legend Records) is a new, more rocking re-working of their 1988 A&M album, Out Of The Silence.

The new slicker and more punchy Out Of The Silence II features 10 tracks filled smooth, Pop fueled vocals from Wharton amidst commercial Rock tunes (ala Journey or Richard Marx) that are easily recognized that the songs were written in the late 80's. Images of Kenny Loggins and Survivor are instantly recalled back from the golden MTV era and songs like "Don't Let Go" easily fit this bill. Throaty vocals, heavily echoed and chorused guitars and big piano crescendos take you right back to that time in the 80's when the original version of the record was created. The Melodic Rock, Soft Rock, AOR that is contained within this re-recording is produced well and the updated recordings have kept that original 80's feel, that is quite important for a band of that time. Songs like the opener, "Abandon" instantly take you back to 1988 with its catchy and syrupy sweet hooks and "Return The Heart" is a feel good, uplifter that was a necessary evil in the 80's as was the ballad that is "Nothing Is Stronger Than Love". "Heartbreaker" was the Bon Jovi, "You Give Love A Bad Name", type of song, filled with another catchy chorus and is very radio friendly.

The sleeper and surprise on Out Of The Silence II is the song, "King Of Spades", in what has to be a tribute to Wharton's fallen former boss and mentor, Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. Imagery of Lynott flow throughout this 6:30 track, but at the half way mark of the song, during a guitar and keys interlude and there it is....the harmony solo of Thin Lizzy's masterpiece, "Black Rose" comes to life. "King Of Spades" rides out with that glorious Celtic section by Lizzy that was originally played so masterfully by Gary Moore and Scott Gorham. What a truly wonderful and haunting tribute to the man known to his millions of fans as, "Philo".

Out Of The Silence II is an easy listen by Dare. If you are a fan of well written Melodic and highly commercial Rock, you will easily enjoy this re-do of their 1988 album. Performances all around are quite good and the songs are full of hooks, but I wonder, was a re-recording of an album from 30 years ago that never really set the world on fire the first time really needed? For what it is, Dare's Out Of The Silence II is a good record, but you had better find your Wayfarer's and wear some Pastel colors to fully enjoy it.

Track Listing
1. Abandon
2. Into The Fire
3. Nothing Is Stronger Than Love
4. Runaway
5. Under The Sun
6. The Raindance
7. King Of Spades (Extended Edition)
8. Heartbreaker
9. Return The Heart
10. Don't Let Go

Added: June 28th 2018
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1553
Language: english

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