Since some years ago, many bands arose in music going back to the basic Classic Rock from the end of the 60's/beginning of the 70's. It seems that those organic and charming classic albums like "Machine Head", "Led Zeppelin Volume IV" and others are still relevant influences from many musicians, and throughout the world. So, it's not a surprise to hear the Spanish quintet IMPERIAL JADE making a good work on "On the Rise". On their music pulses the old and good feeling from Classic Rock, in a spontaneous and charming way, based on melodies that are easy to be understood and assimilated, sober instrumental parts and good vocals. They're pretty good, and besides the band needs to mature a bit more, they're in the right way, playing and composing in a way that is similar to the past, but adapted to the modern times.

The main key to their musical work rests on the sound quality: even keeping the organic feeling (as they were recording a rehearsal, were they just came to the studio, plugged the musical instruments and played), the sonority of "On the Rise" is defined and clear, and no traces of mold can be detected. So it seems that they had the best idea: recording with modern technologies, but keeping the effects in the most basic form possible. The bluesy feeling that fills "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" (very good guitars can be heard), the accessible melodies of "Dance", the solid Country Rock influences presented on "Sad For no Reason" (very good work from bass guitar and drums, indeed), the monumental and organic weight of "Glory Train" (again excellent melodies, and very good vocals), the energy of Southern Rock presented on "Heatwave", and "Rough Seas" with its melodic grasp are the best songs of the album. But "Hand of the Puppeteer" and "Believe" (an powerful ballad), the two bonus songs, are really great as well.

As told above, IMPERIAL JADE still has to mature a bit more, but their work presented on "On the Rise" shows a band that can grow and reach the level of the modern giants of Classic Rock.