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Airless: Fight

Airless: Fight

Melodic Hard Rock
Rating: 4.25/5.0

www.airlessband.com
Lion Music
www.myspace.com/airlessrock

Timing, as always, can be tricky thing. Here I review another rock band from Spain (see my review of Eldorado elsewhere). Airless is a more traditional melodic hard rock band with a guitar rock foundation in well-known Spanish guitarist Robert Rodrigo. 'Fight' is their third album, the second with Lion Music, and will prove a delight to melodic rock fans everywhere.

Throughout 'Fight' you will find solid arrangements with catchy melodies and choruses, compelling and passionate vocals, and some ripping guitar work. For the first listen for 'Now Or Never' or 'Time To Say Goodbye' because it's easy to sing along. As for the vocals, Inaki Lazkano moves between a fast rocker like 'Twist Of The Wrist' or 'Switch Off The Light and the ballad-like 'Time To Say Goodbye' with amazing ease and confidence. Much like Tryg Bundgaard of Sixty 8, Lazkano could steal the show. Finally, guitar maestro Rodrigo displays natural energy and creativity in his solos, yet still flattering his heroes and peers like Eddie Valen or Neal Schon. Though relatively steady throughout (see next paragraph), Rodrigo's more than brilliant on 'Blame The Darkness' and excels on 'Now or Never' and 'Twist Of The Wrist.'

With all this praise, there are some thin moments on 'Fight.' Specifically, on 'I Don't Need Your Words' and 'One Last Kiss,' the melodic hard rock becomes a bit too traditional. The former is redeemed by the solid bass line and overall rhythm section and the latter by Lazkano's superior vocals; otherwise, Rodrigo drops the ball here as his fret work is muted and uninspiring.

Though some will be quick to say Airless' 'Fight' is more of the same European melodic rock, I ask where else will you find it being done better? Whether it is the shamelessly 80's style of 'Switch Off The Light' or the quirky vocals and imaginative arrangement of 'Blame The Darkness, Part II, 'Fight' is filled with lively and entertaining rock, a pleasing contribution to the genre. Very recommended!

In Short

Though some will be quick to say Airless' 'Fight' is more of the same European melodic rock, I ask where else will you find it being done better? 'Fight' is filled with lively and entertaining melodic hard rock, a pleasing contribution to the genre.

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