Rock Review: Dreamstreet-2.0

Release Date: September 23, 2023

Label: ‎ Red Fields Entertainment LLC

Website

Dreamstreet version 2.0 harkens back to the '70s and the popularity of AOR (album-oriented rock). I was one of those people who would tune into a radio station out of Boston or Hartford to hear this type of music. Sometimes, they would play an entire album. It's an early version of streaming, just over the radio waves. History can repeat itself and look different while using the same concepts.

The track "You Got Me Rockin" says it all for content, a simple message with great vocals and musicianship to drive it down that road of the excitement of days gone by or, if you are new to the genre, a discovery worth experiencing. I am sure this band is a blast in a live setting.

 

Tracks like "Heartzone" are classic rock ballads, and the longest track clocks in at 5:21. The bass and drums are critical to making this rock clock tick along. Three-quarters in the lead guitar takes off to give you a taste of what they can do within one song. They change the pace and intensity, and the vocals are perfect. It reminded me of the powerful vocals of Kansas at their height.

 

A surprise is the cover of Gary Wright's "Love Is Alive." It is one of my favorites of the time, so this was a big test of how good this band could be. Musically, it is a sound cover, and the vocals would be the most challenging thing to emulate. The vocals were average compared to the music provided. But you expect a vocalist to sound like the original, so I am being critical; however, I liked the way they ended it.

 

"On The Edge" is another excellent example of the AOR genre and how to present it. The keys, bass, drums, and supporting guitar leads that bite and make the song powerful and expressive. 

If you are a guitar enthusiast and like hook-filled songs, Dreamstreet will be the band for you. Find out for yourself and stream the album with the Spotify player provided. If you're a rocker, you will find value and enjoy listening to Dreamstreet.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

December 5, 2023

Tracks:

1. Money 

2. Power of Love 

3. Forever Yours 

4. Head Troubles 

5. Love Is Alive 

6. Heartzone 

7. On The Edge 

8. Time To Go Home 

9. You Got Me Rockin

Review: Arc Angel-Harlequins of Light

When it comes to a sporadic release of material, the AOR band Arc Angel takes the prize with just three albums in the thirty years since its formation. Led by the creative force behind the 70s progressive rock group Jasper Wrath, Jeff Cannata (lead vocals, drums, bass, keyboards, and guitar) has once again taken up the Arc Angel moniker with a lot of help from some talented musicians, which include Jeff Batter (acoustic piano, synths), Jay Rowe (organ, synths), Scott Spray (bass guitar), David Coe (acoustic guitar), Pete Hodson (background vocals, synths), and Jimi Bell, Gary Maus, Andy Abel, Tony Spada, Mark Proto, and Jay Jesse Johnson on lead guitar. It has been over a decade since Arc Angel’s last release and Harlequins of Light is one hell of a comeback record.
 

Harlequins of Light is more than just an AOR album as it reaches across over three decades of Cannata’s musical career. This is no more evident than on the opening and title track. The hard rock and progressive elements are out in full force on “Harlequins of Light.”  If you heard just this song, you would not think that it is from an AOR album. Toning it down, “As Far as the Eye Can See” is a more melodic rock song that is reminiscent of the late 70s and early 80s. “War (Battle Wounds of Life)” is a light rock song with a socially aware message. The piano, drums, and guitars all come together to make a magical sound that lets its lyrical message shine through instead of overshadowing it. In keeping with the social and political message of the previous song, “Voice of Illuminati” has a new age mystical feel to it. 

“Through the Night” is a ballad that has Cannata’s vocals on full display. A new take on one of his classic songs from his first solo album Images of Forever, “Fortune Teller 2” is so captivating that it might have you pressing the repeat button before going on to the next song.  “California Daze” is a breezy ode to life in the sunshine state. It is definitely a feel-good song. “Tonight… Forever” harkens back to the earlier socially and politically aware songs on the album while infusing a type of New Age mysticism. The progressive elements can be felt on this one.  “Get to You” is a cheery song with an energetic and upbeat melody that is perfect for talking about love.   Based upon the famous ghost ship, “Legend of the Mary Celeste” adds a bit of magic to the story as the piano and keyboards mesmerize.  

Harlequins of Light is a must have for fans of Jeff Cannata and AOR. You simply cannot go wrong here. Also, this is the album to take a chance on if you are not that familiar with or particularly into AOR. It’s hard and progressive rock influences make for some fantastic listening. 

4.5/5 STARS

Key Tracks: Harlequins of Light, As Far as the Eye Can See, Fortune Teller 2

Brian McKinnon – Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff

December 16, 2013

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