The Switch is a group born out of the vision of James and Tom Martin (Ex Vega and Nitrate) with the line up completed by Bobby John (Canadian Vocalist) with over 20 million Spotify streams through various collaborations and Dennis Butabi Borg (Cruzh).The group is the first part of this project ,with the second part being the concept and the story behind the album.The album is written as a soundtrack to a huge 80's movie like for example Back To The Future.The movie called "The Switch" which follows Bobby John (Hatch) who with his band set off on a US tour and unbeknown to them Bobby's life is a risk from the evil and dangerous underworld Lord Han Ying.Follow Hatch and his band as the stakes are high.not only fighting to win over the crowd,but also turning into a fight for survival every night.

Since the Martin brothers announced The Switch project I have been waiting with baited breath to hear it.After Nitrates last album "Feel The Heat" which was a great AOR/melodic album their best yet,and also fortunate to witness their debut gig last year at Tower Of Fire Festival I was super excited to get to review this.The opening track,the first single "Danger On The Loose" is a punchy track to open the album ,with an upbeat tempo & earworm chorus with galloping riffs throughout.Guitar led "Play The Game" has some superb key touches from James Martin,with Tom Martin delivering some great guitar tones,Bobby John delivers a smooth clear vocal.One of my favourite tracks of the year is next "Young Hearts" the 2nd single with its uptempo melody and Dennis Butabi Borg's deep bass line & tones the backbone of this track is so cool, very prominent in parts which gives the track depth,the guitar work is on fire and I can hear a touch of synth wave in the melody, with another superb vocal,with a catchy chorus to die for.Synthwave keys and guitar led intro to the atmospheric

"Search For Love" is that late night AOR track you would hear on the radio,a strong powerful vocal which gathers power & energy as the track plays on."Hangin On To Seventeen" has a infectious guitar led start,a solid bass line which leads to yet another huge AOR/melodic chorus,a summer highway cruising vibe track.The title track "No Way Out" has a sublime keys intro,superb melodies,powerful chorus which is so addictive,even more addictive is the superb "Young Guns" with the crashing thunder start which then leads into a superb bass led melody,again uptempo with nostalgic touches with modern elements to the melody too just a brilliant track.The ballad of the album "One Night With You" has more superb guitar touches the vocal is so strong,full of emotion,this has hit written all over it,the guitar solo is fantastically executed.The penultimate track "Anytime" flows effortlessly another smooth AOR track in everyway,"Strangers Eyes" the last track builds with anticipation with some great key hooks which are featured throughout,a chilled but strong track with some sax thrown in their too such a great way to end this album.

"No Way Out" is simply a superb album,every track is so good,the keys,guitars,bass,drums and vocals are first class with the best production I have heard on an album this year.I love the concept & story behind the album its a superb nostalgic trip,a great tribute to 80s movies, very clever and well put together I would love to witness this live here's hoping!This would also make a great movie or rock musical!I hope The Switch "No Way Out" is not a one off project, as the Martin Brothers have something really special here.This is cemented right at the top of the pile as my album of the year for 2025.A superb record