This release - should I consider it a demo release to be? - shows an interesting and up to wonderful piece of music by the Brazilian (and New York, USA resident) guitarist. Not a new kid on the block, Marc Ferreira (35 years old) cut his teeth as a shredder from the age of fifteen in various local Rock bands, then to gradually unveil a twin face of guitarist/vocalist, too. Working Overtime sees a new set of songs in his own project (has also released albums in titles like VENTURIA or GOODBYE THRILL in the past) and should be noted down that...
...omitting the pale/flat production and a suspicion that there may be some drum machine lurking in there, too, Working Overtime exposes an inspiring Hard Rock/New Rock/AOR amalgam of melodies in the HAREM SCAREM, (late) BON JOVI, mild GOTTHARD and - of course - JOURNEY. The tempos are mostly mid-paced but that does not deduct anything from the music's root, since Marc (and Co.?) worked hard in developing a strong basis in each tune, focusing both in the dominant melodies/riffs and the desired atmosphere/sound. There's a positive vibe floating around while more 'night drive' songs are also present here; Marc seems capable of playing with emotions, alternating his mood from a rockin' vagabond to a candy lover, then a know-how performer ending up to hold an acoustic guitar dressed in mature lucidity. As for his 'leads' work, he strongly wins your applause, too; the likes of Steve Lukather (TOTO) and George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB) in one.
Even if, repeated, the final sound is kinda far from considered something of awe, truth is the experienced ear shall - and that's the point, I think - distinguish all these elements making Marc Ferreira an excellent guitar player and a notable singer. At least, if I was a manager I'd think so. 'Looking' closer to the tracklist it can also be witnessed that there's a 70s mainstream Rock/Pop aura creeping around (the vintage sound adds to it) while - in defense of the band's scope - the mix is strict and does justice to the songs.
Marc Ferreira writes good music, indeed. Not a typical melodic Rock album Working Overtime is, for sure. Take the chance to listen excerpts from his work in his MySpace page and get in contact if 'into' it.
P.S.: Some 'rich' keyboards support would further 'upgrade' the songs, in my humble opinion...