Some musicians that are into the Rock scene are legends, even when the fans can't recognize them by the name at first. Maybe the readers don't remember the name of the North American singer Dave Bickler, but he was the one that sang the greatest SURVIVOR's hit song of all times, "Eye of the Tiger", the musical theme for Silvester Stallone's film "Rock III". But he is working a lot throughout the years, and only now he is releasing his first solo album, "Darklight".

What the album brings is expected: a fine and tender form of Melodic/Classic Rock, with clear references to AOR, all in their North American formats, what means something melodic and hooking, done with fine choruses and all that stuff that was a commercial success between the end of the 70's e the first half of the 80's. But don't have the wrong idea; the songs shown on "Darklight" sound actual and full of life, and not something outdated. The sound quality of the album is the main reason for the songs are sounding with a charming energy and actual: it's modern, done with care, but respecting the features of this musical format. But on the instrumental tunes, all was done to use the simplest approach possible, maybe to make the sound flows in an organic way.

Musically, this album wasn't done for those who thinks only on musical aggressiveness (as Rock would be only in such way), but to give the listeners a very good time. And it's given on songs as on the tender melodies of "Hope" and of "Kaleidoscope" (what a great work from the vocals), the accessible catchy parts of "Magic" (which has a similar harmonic structure to BLUE OYSTER CULT's "Don't Fear the Reaper", but not being a copy, and the guitars are really great on this one), the heavy modern approach shown on "Time", the tender Country Rock introspective melodies of "Sea of Green" (a song done with acoustic parts that has a strong and electric chorus), the tasteful Rock ballad "Angel Heart", and the frantic Rock/AOR song "The Sky is Falling". But a full listening to the entire album will be a gift for the ears.

If you're looking for something that can reminds you of SURVIVOR's work, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for something to have a good time, "Darklight" was made for you.