Mickael Erlandson is a man who needs no further introduction to Melodic Rock. He has released seven successful solo albums and a lot of titles with groups like Phenomena and Salute among others. Between 2006-2018 Erlandsson fronted the Swedish super group Secret Service which he toured with live all over the world. Together with the fantastic guitar player Andy Malecek from the successful German hard rock band Fair Warning he founded the band Last Autumn's Dream in 2003 which also featured Ian Haugland, Mic Michaeli and John Leven of Europe fame at the time. Last Autumn's Dream went on releasing another 14 albums with different line ups including great musicians like Jamie Borger (Treat) and Marcel Jacob (Talisman). They toured Japan, England and Germany but decided to take a break in 2018. Shortly after, Erlandsson founded the group Autumns Child who have gone on to release five studio albums "Autumn's Child" 2019, "Angel's Gate"2020, "Zenith" 2022, "Starflower" 2023 and their last album "Tellus Timeline" in 2024.

Atmospheric keys build the opening track "Heartbreak Boulevard" which packs one almighty AOR/Melodic punch,smooth vocals backed by some superb melodies with a glorious chorus which is both anthemic & feel good."Pray For The King" has a slightly heavier dramatic edge which wraps itself around this atmospheric,lighter, breezier chorus line,some great guitar work and keyboard work."Fight To Love Again" is a good solid Melodic Rock number,which flows so effortlessly,great keys,some great melodic guitar runs,one of the albums stronger tracks."Singalong" is a track of positivity with a feel good factor,a bright number which ventures into the territory of Power Pop."World Without Love" is a ballad style track which sounds like it was influenced by The Beatles,The Who or Cheap Trick,that's what it reminds me off,it has timeless qualities,for me the most memorable track on the album,which is followed by "Highway To The Sky" which has  60's & 70's style melodies,with the Autumn Child signature sound."Headlines" brings us back into the Hard Rock zone,a mid tempo rocker with sharper riffing,a throbbing bass groove,vocally full of attitude,a rocking track."Lovesong" is a great duet Mickael Erlandson & Johanna Hjort deliver both power and soul with some AOR Westcoast vibes,a middle of the road easy listening number."Melody" is a great well structured Hard Rock track with great harmonies,which clocks in at under 3 minutes which gives me Journey vibes.The guitar driven "Rock Of Empathy" leads in with a strong drum beat,driven by strong strutting guitar riffs,a thumping bass,it's a catchy, thumping,monstrous rocker,with a superb guitar runs."Dead Cold"finishes the album,tinged with 80's Pop/Rock & AOR sounds,a fitting end to this album.

 From start to finish "Melody Lane" is a wonderfully crafted album,which is a joy to listen to.Autumn's Childs experienced musicianship shines through within the great melodies,great song lyrics and with some really bright & punchy production.A great listen and a great album to kick off 2026."Melody Lane" is available via Pride & Joy Music on 23rd January.