Some will call it Melodic Rock, others will say Heavy Rock, whilst especially the Americans will use the expression AOR (Adult Orientated Rock), whilst the reality of the matter is that PERFECT PLAN is able to combine the two with ease. These Swedes are from Örnsköldsvik, and have just released their third full length album "Brace For Impact" through Frontiers Music SRL, the renowned Italian Melodic Rock label. As I have never heard the first two albums, I am going in blind. Let's hope this works out right!

So what is it that you can expect? Melodic Rock of a high quality, with a trait that has me smiling all the time. I don't know how else to describe the riffs that guitarist Rolf Nordström writes and plays, but they are radiating enthusiasm, positivity and joy. Thankfully the keyboard player Leif Ehlin follows his lead, making it a very happy discovery when listening to the music. Of course it is very important for the vocals to keep this kind of flow going, and I can honestly say that Kent Hilli does not disappoint either.

So, all together I have to conclude that so far I am enjoying the experience that "Brace For Impact" is bringing to me. The combination of Melodic Rock, some AOR and even some Heavy Metal parts works really well. What does help is that PERFECT PLAN are capable of writing very good songs, even though at times you might have the feeling that the lyrics have been 'borrowed' from another artist. Just listen to "Gotta Slow Me Down", and those with a long music history will be able to recount some of the lines sung from way back when. I'll let you figure out the rest for yourselves. And yes, even the ballads are well received by my ears. They are filled with the right amount of emotion, without ever becoming to sappy or cheap. Another given if you wish to achieve success as an AOR band.

So, here's another good release by Frontiers Music SRL. I don't know how they do it, but I am pleased they do find these gems. Whilst I am typing this I am actually listening to "Brace For Impact". In hindsight I have to agree to myself that is was a PERFECT PLAN to do so, as I will be ending this whilst having a big smile on my face.