To walk the ways of Hard Rock isn't as easy as many can think. The main reason: it is an old Metal/Rock genre, having its deep foundations laid in the late years of the 60's/early years of the 70's, so it means that it's extremely hard to making something that wasn't already done. And there are many titans to face as well. But the Italian quintet HEADLESS seems to not care for it, as can be heard on "Square One", their latest release.

These veterans (they're active since 1993, almost 30 years for a career) are here presenting a mix between Hard Rock from the 70's mixed with accessible elements from Melodic Rock. It's accessible and easy to assimilate, but there are many moments when they play nasty and dirty in an AC/DC-like trend (it's not a mere coincidence to see that they recorded a version for "Two's Up"). So the fans will find catchy choruses, very good melodies that are easy to catch, and it's really great to hear such work. The recordings and production were done to present an organic and free sonority for "Square One", and the goal was achieved. It's organic in a form that seems that just entered the studio, plugged their instruments, played and recorded directly, without endless editions. It's the right sonority for their work, indeed.

The album's songs are all very good, but for a first time on their work, songs as "A Leaf's Flight Path" (filled with excellent and bluesy melodies and a great singing from the vocals), "Woman in White" (a very good and energetic moment, filled with good backing vocals and with a very good work from the guitars), "Misdirection" (these hooks based on accessible melodies are great), "Backseat Rhythm" (this one presents a crude feeling, based on a good work from bass guitar and drums), their version for "Two's Up" (as said above, it's an AC/DC song, here turned into something more accessible, but keeping the nasty feeling of the original song), and "Streetlight Buzz" (a dynamical song with charming elements) are the right ones.

Though it's not perfect, "Square One" honors the long career of HEADLESS, and it's a fine piece of Hard Rock.