Do you know a band named as 'Mr PIG'? I didn't...Cool name! Michele Luppi, the Italian excellent singer, now drives this act in his home country, while he is best known for his works with Power/Prog Metal masters VISION DIVINE. In oppose, the LOS ANGELES project sees the charismatic man's homage to Melodic Rock/AOR music, and - of course! - is issued via the Frontiers label. It could be a pity for such a throat to be 'drowning' into a lake of (mostly) 'just good' compositions, but Michelle's voice is so fine that - eventually-  judged for the whole rating.
Tommy Denander has - again - provided services for the album, right?. Plus, it was a good surprise to see legendary Gegg Giuffria (GIUFFRIA, HOUSE OF LORDS) participating in this one. An old-time hero of Luppi, is it a coincidence the most exciting part of the Los Angeles tracklist being the keys' sound? Well, it's not that bad anyway, even if I'd expected some more 80s FM Rock-orientated tunes. And - to tell the truth - song like I Must Be Blind (wonderful leads from Denander), Last Chance and One More Try (classic FM Rock tune!) did travel my ears back to the glorious LA days. The same does happen with the voice of Michelle, too. I already admired him due to his singing to VISION DIVINE's The Perfect Machine nice CD, and the LOS ANGELES release confirms a big voice can sign anything he likes.
I wish the drums sound would be possessing a more 'live' feeling. I also would like the songs to bear more of atmosphere. The production is not a helping hand, on second thought. Thankfully, the James LaBrie-meets-Fergie Frederiksen-meets-Steve Overland-meets-Mark (Marcie) Free-meets-Eric Martin voice of a Luppi (having already cooperated with Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice) can win your ears at first 'sting'. The man's 33 years old; really hope all the best for him in the future.