Many acts of AOR in success in the 80s saw the rise of a new formula into the genre (without tearing apart the older ideas): the use of adrenalized rhythms with a touch of crudeness (due the focus on the guitars, instead of being mainly on the keyboards). This is the formula used by BON JOVI on its golden age (from “Bon Jovi” to “Keep the Faith”, and who wouldn’t use the talent of Richie Zambora?), and maybe it’s due the success of Glam Metal on the first half of the 80s. But the formula is used by many today, including by the German band “Rising Wings”, as can be heard on “Reach”. It’s different from usual AOR form due the obvious presence of strong guitars sharing the same importance of the keyboards (with a crude tuning that can remind AC/DC in some moments, as heard on “Whatever It Takes”); but with choruses easy to be heard and remembered, charming catching melodies and a whole ambience that reminds the 80s (but without sounding ‘moldy’ or nostalgic in any moment).

The band’s music is solid, full of many hooks, but’s spontaneous and uncompromised as well, and is filled with inspiration and energy in a way that the fans of the genre will love the album (that is on that kind: ‘must have’). What are you waiting for to dive into this gem? The album was recorded in 3 different studios (by Ray Balconis at Studio Ray Recording in Queens, New York; by Rolf Beyer and Peter Hillinger at Klangwasserstudios Halsbach, Germany; and by Chris Lausmann at MS Productions Studio in Poing, Munich, Germany), and produced by the boss Florian “Flo” Bauer with co-production done by Chris Lausmann (who worked with BONFIRE, VOICES OF ROCK and others), who did the mixing as well at MS Production Studio. The mastering is signed by Rolf Beyer (for CD and digital) and Ludwig Maier (for vinyl). The result is a clear and solid sonority in a way that Hard Rock and AOR must have, but with a modern outfit and a very good dose of distortion as well.

Ten excellent songs are shown on “Reach”, each one of them shining as a diamond. And to deal with the album at the first hearing, the right ones are “Ride On” (the musical weight and impact is tempered by excellent melodies, with excellent chorus and charming and heavy work from bass guitar on the rhythms), “Lonely is the Night” (a more melodic-orientated song that is truly accessible for a broader set of fans, with emphasis on the keyboards parts, and what a great chorus can be heard again), “Whatever It Takes” (that shows a more crude and energetic side of the music of the band, with excellent guitar riffs and arrangements), “Remember” (due its silk and melodic outfit, the vocals and backing vocals are in evidence), “Hey You” (that shows a more accessible side of the band’s music, based on influences of Country Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll and on excellent melodies), “Reach the Sky” (that follows the same tendency of the previous one, being a bit more energetic and showing fine vocals), and… Wait a minute. It’s not necessary to say that one most take a bite on these ones and on “Keep Going On”, “Wild and Free”, “Crying Time” (what savage energetic appeal) and “Times of Rain”, for the album is really a precious pearl.

It’s easy to point to RISING WINGS as one of the best AOR/Glam Metal bands in activity today. Just put “Reach” to play and enjoy a very good time.