N.O.W is a new project and the brainchild of Alec Mendonça who was born in New York and brought up in Brazil. The flare of both countries has meshed and found its way into the blood and body of Mendonca , as this, the debut release, Force Of Nature, hits the streets.

Mendonça recruited some of the very best musicians which included one of my favorite vocalists Philip Bardowell along with Caio de Carvalho on lead guitar, Carlos Ivan rhythm guitar, Jean Barros keys, Erik Leal on drums and Mendonça on bass rounding out the lineup.

Listening to the tracks, they are well balance and written-well. They have a melodic pop sound with traditional guitar licks and keyboards, which give the tunes some depth.

The first two tracks “Can't Make It (How Can I)?” and “Listen To Your Heart” is rockers with track three, “Lonely Soul,” reaching the more melodic side. Bardowell is an amazing vocalist that brings soul and joy to the songs.

One of my favorite tracks is “Idol's Grace” because N.O.W pick up the pace with a more up-tempo flow on this track. The guitars and arrangement blend in perfection with Bardowell and Caio de Carvalho is finally let loose with a short (but sweet) solo.

“Peace Of Mind” might be the best all around track on the release. It’s a slow moving track but the harmonies and chorus kick it up a notch. The elevation of Bardowell and the background vocals with that mellow soaring guitar in the background makes this one a killer track.

Check out “Midnight Call”-- just amazing. The music is more technical than you will actually hear because the guitar and bass are set back in the mix at times and only insinuated at certain points.

There are many great melodic tunes on Force Of Nature and just as many rockers but the key element here is Philip Bardowell, and the writing ability of Alec Mendonça. Philip Bardowell is sensational and really adds life to the songs.