Go Ask The Moon

Angels Or Kings

Full of massive hooks and rich melodies ANGELS OR KINGS are really pushing for a […]
By Nick Webb
January 4, 2017
Angels Or Kings - Go Ask The Moon album cover

Full of massive hooks and rich melodies ANGELS OR KINGS are really pushing for a new AOR revolution. Formed in the 80s and still going (despite no massive successes of their own), this British group took the giant stadium sound and have continued using it unashamedly throughout their career.

Based completely around their hugely melodic sensibilities, the group's music is led by guitar riffs and keyboard harmonies that sound like they haven't changed for 30 years. The vocals are very melodic, however, at times it feels like singer Barry Jackson is really straining both for the high notes and a transatlantic sound.

Musically, all of "Go Ask the Moon" is safe, middle-of-the-road Rock, sounding very much like JOURNEY, FOREIGNER, FM, STYX et al. The lack of anything to push them out from this crowd of much larger bands might go some way to suggest why they had never got wider acclaim. There is a distinct lack of originality; the individual songs though, are remarkably catchy despite that. With plenty of riffs, sing-along choruses and tracks written to drive to.

The songs deal with nothing particularly out of the ordinary - relationships, heartbreak, nights out - and the guitar solos lack some of the over-the-top virtuosity that gave some of their contemporaries an edge. That being said, they are more melodic lines here than pointless widdly widdly (that's a technical term...).

"Go Ask the Moon" is not a terrible album - far from it. The songs have an infectious catchiness and "Heartbreak Railroad Company" is a great modern AOR ballad that can bring a tear to the eye. However, anyone looking for something a bit different or with an original twist in the music will be disappointed. The album's 11 tracks feel like they have stepped right out of the late 80s; big hair, drug problems and all.

7 / 10

Good

Songwriting

8

Musicianship

5

Memorability

7

Production

8
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"Go Ask The Moon" Track-listing:
  1. No More Faith To Lose
  2. Ancient Fires
  3. No Alibi
  4. The Nights Don't Count
  5. When The Heart Is Wrong
  6. You Better Pray
  7. Breathe
  8. Waiting For The Thunder
  9. On The Corner Of Love And Lost
  10. Heartbreak Railroad Company
  11. Go Ask The Moon
Angels Or Kings Lineup:

Barry Jackson - Vocals
Tony Bell - Guitar
Steve Kenny - Guitar
Andy Chemmey - Drums
Dave Ellis - Keyboards
Daniel Bate - Bass

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