viriAOR Awaken (Deluxe) review
From the New York lands of New Jersey, where we saw the birth of Bon Jovi, we get this band called REALITY SUITE . After 10 years of independent evolution, releasing singles and EPs, Reality Suite released in a luxury format their latest album "Awaken." On June 28, the Danish label, Lions Pride Music put on sale this album, which, in these holiday dates in which we have more time, we can devote more attention. Preceded by the video, Kiss The Ring , presented on May 17. The production is carried out by the band, together with producer / engineer Mike Ferretti (Sevendust, Saliva, Brand of Julez) and pop/R & B producer Earl Cohen (Lady Gaga, Jessica Simpson, Pink.)
Reality Suite is composed of childhood friends Brian King (drums) Antonio Valenti (bass) and Joe Padula (guitars). After several male and female vocalists, Kimmii Heart joined in 2013 to establish the current formation.
When you start listening to the album, the first thing that surprises with its freshness is Kimmii's commercial vocal recording; It has certain "pop" nuances that give a dynamic touch to the themes. The production stands out and if it were not for the music video being shot in NYC, by the sound of this song, “Kiss the Ring”, you would think that you are with another Swedish band. He does have some very Bettencourt licks (Extreme guitarist), which gives it a different touch.
"Live Now Forever", follows that path influenced by Nuno Bettencourt, in a riff, which transports us to the @RATT vibe of "Detonator". The theme doubles speed at the end of the chorus, yet previously in the pre-chorus it goes very much to "European" harmonies, which, personally, I would have liked to have developed in more "made in USA" paths.
"Blame It On Angels" starts with a riff of raw sound, in a heavy rhythm. Although, a less energetic theme than the previous two songs. It also moves in harmonies closer to the icy Nordic coasts than those washed by the Atlantic, in the domains of Springsteen.
The next video clip appearing is the song "Bury Me Alive," a Heavy Rock song with a commercial hook and pretty good work of Joe Padula and his Les Paul.
"Cut Burn Bruise" contains electronic touches, with a certain closeness to the sounds of Evanescence bands. Although the energetic half-time walks along paths closer to the new Frontiers team.
"Dead to Me" has a very modern beginning with a good job with the faders of the recording table and FX in addition to a rhythm in the chorus that goes from "the ethereal" of the stanza to take us through the sinister domains of Mr. Marilyn Manson and his "The Beautiful People." Talking about rhythmic concepts, a great work of the binomial Brian King (drums) and Antonio Valenti (bass). A very rich topic.
"Wrong with Me" starts very grunge and also relaxes the rhythm of the album along with the previous two tracks. A refrain that does not leave indifferent. It is very well structured.
"Grave" has that pop touch by the production team and it shows in the general atmosphere of the song. On this subject, "classification and labeling" is more diffuse and that is good; It is original and a good choice for single.
Ending this second Reality Suite LP is the song "Lust." A beginning bass and heavy riff, with a refrain that in this case, denotes that it is an American band.
Additionally, we found three of the previous songs, "Kiss the Ring", "Wrong with Me" (like "clean version") a remix with greater brilliance and "Grave", in its acoustic version.
The production is very good, maybe in the compositions I miss a more genuine American sound, (this is something very personal, of course) but in general it is a record to take into account. As for presentation, on August 23, on YouTube, the band made an “unboxing” of the deluxe edition of “Awaken” in which it is also a point to be valued by Lions Pride Music, as an added value.
The general assessment, bringing together all aspects, 80% out of 100.