Yes, Jim Peterik is missing in the reformed Survivor lineup. But vocalist Jimi Jamison, guitarist Frankie Sullivan and drummer Marc Droubay are here to recapture the magic this amazing band was known for in the 80's. While it is a given their writing without Peterik cannot be the same, Reach is certainly a much better effort than some people give it credit.
Unlike some other reunion bands updating their sounds with inappropriate elements and trying to sound like the current "hip" groups, Survivor's hallmark style is fully intact on this disc. Melody is still at the forefront of their writing, with beautiful piano, acoustic and electric guitar, pumping bass, and most importantly soaring vocals supplementing it. Jamison sounds great as always, particularly on the classic Survivor opener "Reach", pop-rock at its best, packed with melodic choruses and a climactic guitar solo from Frankie Sullivan. They go for a heavier rocker on the next piece "Fire Makes Steel", utilising multi-track vocals and plenty of guitar riffs. Not too different is the other rocker "Give Me the Word", which finds them returning to their 80's pop-rock mould, with excellent acoustic guitars blending into blues-infused leads. But it is also the essential love ballads that complement each Survivor disc that will appeal to the listener. Both the comparatively modern-tinged "Seconds Away" and "One More Chance" are exactly what the fans have been waiting for. The first piece has a cool, looped drum rhythm to it alongside weird percussion; whilst "One More Chance" is the powerful acoustic ballad. That said, the album's highpoint may be "Rhythm of Your Heart", a song so intense and passionate one can't help but truly respect these guys' songwriting skills.
Of the twelve tracks, two are sung by guitarist Frankie Sullivan: the highly energetic "Nevertheless" with its positive lyrical message and fat bass underpinning; and "Talkin' 'Bout Love", which proves Sullivan is still able to craft love songs with lots of vocal harmonies and an upbeat vibe to it. Also worthy of mention is the final song "Home", featuring great lyrics delivered atop a nice piano melody in a slightly bluesy tone.
Survivor is back and Reach sees them sticking to what they can do best: writing powerful songs with big hooks, melodies and dramatic vocals.
Track Listing
- Reach
- Fire Makes Steel
- Nevertheless
- Seconds Away
- One More Chance
- Give Me the Word
- Rhythm of Your Heart
- I Don't
- Half of My Heart
- Talkin' 'Bout Love
- Don't Give Up
- Home
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