Welcome back Guardian after an absence of way too long. The brand new studio album was recorded last year after a successful crowd funding campaign, released a month or two ago to pledgers and is now available to the general public via digital download or limited edition CD.
The band has varied their style and sound over the course of their history and Coming Home sees them continue that trend, wrapping several styles up in this release, yet still managing to have a cohesive sounding record.
The band has definitely stepped up its modernization, with some very contemporary sounding tracks here.
Modern melodic rockers Boom She Said and The Real Me opening the album with a bang.
Little Things is a quirky orchestral acoustic driven track with a passionate vocal and Wonderful is almost retro/alternative until the very cool melodic chorus breaks through.
California Rain is about as eclectic as the album gets, touching on a Tuscan accordion meets modern acoustic theme. I did say it was a diverse album!
King of Fools is uptempo modern melodic rock with a driving beat and a good chorus.
Paranoia Kills is as heavy as I’ve heard from the band – this track really rocks and leads perfectly into the most melodic and traditionally anthemic track on the album, Price We Pay.
Free is another laid back tune that has a hard edge and an appealing moody chorus.
Almost Home is an appealing acoustic track with a Beatle-esque feel. Some beautiful guitar work on here as well as an emotional lead vocal. It’s a classy way to close the album.
Diverse maybe, but quality? Yes. Fans of the band will know what to expect and are going to lap up this new offering. Those that have come to know Jamie more recently via Adriangale will find a different beast here with Guardian, but the musical depth and intelligent songwriting within the new album should appeal to many.
