Search - On the Rise :: On the Rise

..superb Nelson-style AOR

N. Page | UK | 09/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! this one bursts out of the speakers like a full blown AOR bomb, detonated by the Norwegian duo of Terje Eide and Bennech Lyngboe. A 14-track debut CD, no less than 12 songs here are of such high quality they are surely already in the running for "Song of the year". Whether it's the opener "Beat of your heart" or second track "Lift you up" every song is ear candy. Let me tell you right away that I have already found my own personal "song of the year" entitled "Running in the night"; a mix of razor sharp guitars propelling the vocals via the bridge along a groove that explodes in the firework display of the chorus. This is an exceptional track of GIANT-like proportions in all senses of the word - sensational! To dwell on the high spots of this release would be an almost pointless exercise, since all the tracks captivate equally, built as they are around a common theme; huge refrains, cool keyboard parts and infectious meaty guitar riffs. And even though On the Rise have come up with an album chock full of catchy melodies, the songs are stirring and thrilling. I should just mention the last song. "The moment" is a stunning ballad, sung with so much emotion that it literally tears at the heartstrings. If the album has one small shortcoming then it lies in the production but this won't stop On the Rise from landing the honours close to the top in the "Best album of 2003" category ! An album that is pure aural pleasure for every Giant and Nelson fan or indeed anyone even remotely into melodic rock - a must !"