HEARTS ON FIRE return with album number two, the band formed by Honduras residents Jean Funes (guitarist, songwriter and producer) and Joel Mejia (drums) are joined again by the great Eric Ragno who makes an important contribution with his keyboard wizardry and former Yngwie/Ring Of Fire vocalist Mark Boals, stepping in for Rian frontman Richard Andermyr who helmed the debut.
My label released that debut, so you can call me bias when it comes to these guys, but it cannot be denied that Jean writes quality songs. This is another collection of anthemic in nature, warm and melodic mid-paced AOR numbers. Very familiar melodic rock to most, but undeniably catchy and consistent, where as many other albums become stale and predictable after a few songs.
I will say I prefer the more engaging vocals of Richard, but it has to be said that ‘metal’ man Mark turns in a surprisingly strong AOR performance here, fitting in with the band’s style and sound perfectly.
For those that know what to expect, but original and fresh enough to set itself apart from many competitors.
