The first H.E.A.T album was a real surprise back then... These young guys sounded like a cross between RED DAWN and EUROPE... The production wasn't perfect but the music itself was! Their sound was (and still is) remarkably refreshing / juvenile but also traditional and respectful. I mean all was about music, no gimmicks / no tricks... The hot-blooded singer Kenny Leckremo was also a winning ace in their sleeves. Finally, their 1st torrid / self titled album was at the very top of my 2008 Ranking.
When time for album N°2 clocks, I was already a little cooled: disappointed by their stage delivery and the songs provided, although interesting, were not as catchy and inventive, good but not exceptional... So was it a fluke? When Leckremo quitted for good after some wavering lukewarm hesitations, I thought that the fiery hearth was extinguished! The quick recruitment of TV hero / 2009 Swedish Idol winner, Erik Gronwall at the singer position, left me unsure and almost numb / cold.
Now, I can say one thing, I was unfair in 2 words: Fuckin' wrong... This album is in the same exciting vein of previous album... The music flows easily like melted lava, this is Groovy Scandi-AOR at it 's best... Huge-Mutt Lange's-like gang-backing-vocals... Wall of keys... Great Rockin' but subtle tasty guitar tone... But most of all a very impressive and exalted vocalist... Not very far from Leckremo's hottest performances but even more consistent. Each track is a new highlight... In the same time smooth, comfortable and easy to catch but also gushing, surprising and adventurous with hooks almost anywhere along the way.
Only a little knot: the dispensable Saxophone in the mellow but excellent track "In and Out of Trouble"... Except for that tiny critical remark..."Address The Nation" It's a real hectic killer... It is an absolute overheated winner in every way... I talk about a hot peak and a real high point in the future final burning top... The perfect AOR album for 2012???.... I don't want to praise it too much, as it could be unproductive at the end... Nevertheless, that's a pure blazing jewel... So take your fingers out of #ù* ¤£$ µ!!§ ?§... And buy it.
