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HOUSE OF LORDS has been pretty consistent with releasing albums the last few years and most importantly the quality on those albums has been there. So another new record named “Big Money” is upon us. Does the quality continue to hold up to the HOUSE OF LORDS name?
The first two tracks to open the record, “Big Money” & “One Man Down”, have an edge to them but are still defined by the catchiness that has become synonymous with the HOUSE OF LORDS sound. The wicked guitar-work by Jimi Bell, which has become a signature of the band in recent years, is prevalent and this guy is someone who deserves more attention.
The AOR-sounding “First To Cry” is a more than solid tune with perfect amount of keys that one would expect from this band. James Christian’s vocals continue to sound every bit as fresh as they did back in the bands early days. This guy is a pro and it shines through clearly album after album. The same can be said for the following track “Someday When”. It’s a bit more moody but the keyboards are so very HOUSE OF LORDS!
“Searchin” has a little bit of swagger to its sound but comes off as a little predictable as a whole. “Living In A Dream World” brings back the epic HOUSE OF LORDS sound and has all the elements you’d expect from the band.
The band brings out a ballad in “The Next Time I Hold You”. The song is of your standard ballad fare but Christian turns in a emotional and convincing performance. They get back to rocking on “Run For Your Life” with its stabbing keyboards and killer guitar work from Bell. Check out his solo on this track as it is total fret board bliss!
“Hologram” should a favorite with its catchy, sing-along style and super smooth (and equally catchy) guitar solo. The next track “Seven” has a little attitude thrown in for good measure as it has an aggressive guitar riff from Bell but it works well with Christian’s melodic vocal approach. The song adds to the overall variety of the record as you get straight ahead melodic rockers, slick AOR and even some aggression and moodiness in the songs.
“Once Twice” has another wicked guitar riff from Bell but the melodic vocals from Christian and the overall catchiness makes it a sure winner. This style really has become the signature sound from HOUSE OF LORDS these days and it works well for them.
“Big Money” closes with “Blood” and again has an ominous guitar riff but is supplemented with plenty of melody.
“Big Money” is another solid addition to the legacy of HOUSE OF LORDS. Mastermind James Christian and Jimi Bell (and the other members) prove again to be a solid team that carries the band ahead in 2011 and even though the days of MTV and playing theaters and arenas may be over the regal HOUSE OF LORDS name is being treated royally. The second of this album especially shows that the band can modernize their music but retain its signature sound. That’s no easy feat but they prove it can be done and done well. They also know how to write and arrange a song and “Big Money” is worth looking at if you are an 80’s melodic rock fan and like some chunky guitar riffs and solid solos.
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