II
Creye

After releasing the critically acclaimed EP "Straight To The Top" in early 2017, CREYE signed a multi-album deal with Frontiers and released their self-titled debut album in October 2018 to much acclaim from press and fans. After announcing that August Rauer would be the new front man for the band in late 2018, they toured in Sweden and Europe in 2019, including appearing at the Melodicrock Fest, Frontiers Rock Sweden, and the Rockingham Festival.
CREYE regrouped in the studio in late 2019 to start working on the follow up album to their self-titled debut. The plan was to refine and improve their songs and approach. The band's strong determination shines through on this new record, which sounds incredibly cohesive and diverse. CREYE was started in 2015 by Andreas Gullstrand. His vision was to start a new Swedish pop/rock sensation that would take listeners on a journey back to the glory days of the eighties, both musically and visually. After spending nearly two months experimenting with the sound of the band, Andreas settled on what could best be described as a slick melodic rock sound with a touch of 80's retro in the mix. "II" contains twelve new tracks.
"Broken Highway" leads off the album. It begins with keys and vocal harmonies, and rich textures. Something is just so catchy in the way the band writes. The "oohs" after the chorus bring a Poppy element to the music, which is never a bad thing. The song is just so expressive, you can't help being drawn in. "Carry On" opens with a familiar guitar riff, strong keys and thumping bass. Rauer's vocals are rich and the harmonies they build are so lush. "Find a Reason" had a bit more get-up-and-go in the rhythm, and just the right amount of keys in support. Rauer's vocals here are so poignant, and they deliver a big and memorable chorus, with pleasing harmonies.
"Siberia" begins with a slower pace, with subtle melodies. When it kicks in, their melodic sensibilities are so evident. This song could and should be on the radio. "Face to Face" opens with a bigger punch of guitars, bass and keys. The verses are quieter and lead to a bigger chorus, with a lot of backing vocals. A smoking lead guitar solo is laid down as well, with a key change for the final chorus. "Can't Stop What was Started" opens with piano and clean guitar notes, with bass and drums in support. Wait for it...they hit the pedal on the gas for the chorus. The production is stellar as well. "Lost Without You" is a softer song that makes full use of their heart and soul. The message is hold on to what is best in life, and one another. If Rauer's vocals haven't grabbed you yet, they sure will in this song.
"Hold Back the Night" is a bit darker in scope, but in comes the beaming flashes of light in the chorus. I have always maintained that a good chorus is perhaps the toughest thing to write in a song. They know how to create a memorable chorus with their own stylings. This time it's the keys that steal the spotlight in the solo section. "Let the World Know" is a shorter song with positive melodies and crunchy guitars. The smile on my face has yet to fade. "Closer" is another shorter song, with a lush sound out of the gates. Again, it's the vocal harmonies in the chorus that really grab you by the balls.
"The Greatest" has perhaps the most memorable chorus on the entire album. It literally gave me chills. In these unknown times of the global pandemic, it made me forget about my worries for just a while. Great music can have this affect on you. "War of Love" closes the album. Keyboards work into a tight rhythm that will get your head moving. I can't fail to mention the spectacular bass guitar work from Gustaf Örsta. He's always right where he should be, and his stylings support the melody so well. "If we hold on tight, we can win this war, and bring back our love" are the positive lyrics in the chorus.
CREYE represents all that is golden and undying in the AOR genre today. Sure, it's a familiar genre, if you have been around along as long as this old guy, but how they manage to breathe new life into the music is near breathtaking. Opulent melodies abound, with well-placed backing layers that create something grandiose that will stay with you until the end of your days. It's not just about nostalgia of the great bands of the 1980's...CREYE pave their own path and in their own way. I've heard a lot of buzz about the new album, and it's all true. They deserve all the praise a band can possibly have.
10 / 10
Masterpiece
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production

"II" Track-listing:
1. Broken Highway
2. Carry On
3. Find A Reason
4. Siberia
5. Face To Face
6. Can't Stop What We Started
7. Lost Without You
8. Hold Back The Night
9. Let The World Know
10. Closer
11. The Greatest
12. War Of Love
Creye Lineup:
August Rauer - Lead Vocals
Andreas Gullstrand - Lead Guitar
Fredrik Joakimsson - Rhythm Guitar
Joel Selsfors - Keyboards
Gustaf Örsta - Bass
Arvid Filipsson - Drums
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