Originally getting together in Brazil in 2006, the quartet LIVIN GARDEN call Curitiba their hometown - a capital city in the state of Paraná, and one of the host cities for the 2014 World Cup that just finished. Having never heard their debut album "Where I Can Breathe" from 2009, the band hasn't remained idle in the five year interim. In fact, they set their sights on North America, touring the US in their own RV in the late winter of 2011- probably gaining a lot of insight and experience under their belts.

It's now time to check out the follow up full length "Bring It On" - a lean 10 track affair clocking it at a very reasonable 42 minutes. The first impression that came to mind on the initial airing of opener "Rock N' Roll State Electric" is these guys certainly have a lot of that Modern Hard Rock spirit coursing through their veins, in addition to occasional classic elements that make KISS or 90's era METALLICA relevant to a wide swath of fans. The follow up "Exile" has a lot of that STONE TEMPLE PILOTS / NICKELBACK guitar driven sound, the rhythm section playing up the hook factor while Gabriel's vocals are clear, emotional, and high energy.

Pluses include the naturally bluesy delivery of guitarists Pablo Kravicz and Daniel Doria, an interesting open snare snap sound as well as easy on the ears choruses that will probably stay stuck in your cranium if you enjoy this style of Hard Rock. My problem becomes hearing songs that are direct lifts from known artists such as THE FOO FIGHTERS on "Out of Range" (musically the main riff/hook) or ALTER BRIDGE on the heavier "Let It Bleed". It's one thing to be influenced by certain acts, but at this point in their career, they need to be able to establish their own brand and way of being - otherwise they will remain in the shadows struggling to rise beyond a bar band audience.

I guess being an American, "Bring It On" contains the type of music I hear on 90% of the corporate radio stations across the country - and as such LIVIN GARDEN only subscribe to that similar style, instead of opening horizons.