CD Reviews

Aloud

Leave Your Light On | Lemon Merchant

By SUE BELL | May 23, 2006

3.0 Stars

Aloud
ALOUD: recalling Heart and Fleetwood Mac in a good way.

Four years and two EPs in the making, this is the coed foursome’s debut full-length. Nodding generously to the classic rock of old-school Aerosmith and the Stones, it evokes the glory days of FM radio, from the “Sister Golden Hair” slide of “Wouldn’t It Be Sweet” to the Tyler/Perry swagger of “Bleeding Heart.” Guitarists Jen de la Osa and Henry Buguiristain alternate lead vocals, both conjuring the original arena-rockers. “Beaches” is less of a wink and more of a shout to Mick and Keith, from the “Jumping Jack Flash” opening line “I was born . . . ” to the lit-up “woo-hoo-hoo” harmonies that emerge toward the end. The power-ballad swooner “Slipped into Your Dream” recalls the subdued/over-the-top dynamics of Heart and Fleetwood Mac in a good way. Less reverent than inspired in their preference for the past, Aloud are on a mission to return earnestness and ambition to rock.

ALOUD + RADIO AMERICA + VIOLET NINE | Ralph’s Diner, 95 Prescott St, Worcester | May 26 | 508.753.9543

On the Web
Aloud: http://www.allthingsaloud.com/

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