Rock Eyez Webzine
Rock Eyez
Rock Eyez Webzine


 
Cover
Band
Album
Reviewer
Genre
American Hi-Fi
American Hi-Fi
Hearts on Parade
 
Rating:
9 / 10
Label: Maverick Records Release Date: 2005


What can you say about bassist Drew Parsons, drummer Jason Sutter, guitarist Jamie Arentzen, and vocalist Stacy Jones…the four members that form Maverick recording artists AMERICAN HI-FI ?

Could you say Arentzen's licks and solos rival those of Yngwie Malmsteen or Steve Vai? Could you say Stacy's vocals are comparable to the vocal talents of Geoff Tate, Steve Perry, or Ronnie James Dio as far as range, power, and distinctiveness? Could you say the rhythm duo of Parsons and Sutter could belt out a sound so blinding and powerful they could compete with any band on the circuit? The answer to all of these questions is NO…individually, but put them together and these guys become a talented hard rock quartet that can rock with the best of them.

After minimal success with their debut self-titled release (which included the hit single “Flavor of the Week”) and the follow up titled “The Art of Losing,” the guys are back with a new album, new label and new attitude. HEARTS ON PARADE, due to hit stores here in the States on March 29 th , is an absolute triumph for the band. Co-producer and an incredible multi-talented artist in his own right, Butch Walker, really took these guys under his wing and helped refine what was already a well oiled machine. Without any blazing guitar solos, long hair, or spandex pants, HEARTS ON PARADE is packed with catchy melodies, entertaining lyrics and commanding riffs but still maintains that hard rock edge with even a touch of late 80's heavy metal influence.

Tracks like “Hell Yeah!,” “Separation Anxiety,” “Maybe Won't Do,” “Highs and Lows” & “”Baby Come Home” are straight from the hip rock medleys you can't get out of your head while other songs from the disc like “Something Real,” “The Everlasting Fall” & the title track “Hearts on Parade” are moody and more artistic arrangements. “ Where Did We Go Wrong” is a pseudo-reggae anthem with a rock chorus twist and “We Can't Be Friends” is a somewhat comical dedication to all those girls out there who think they can just rip a guys heart out and then have the nerve to turn around and say “I'd like to still be friends. ” …..NOT! However, the real sensation on this album is a track called “The Geeks Get the Girls” which, if ever given a chance on American radio, is destined to be a smash hit and almost a modern day anthem of sorts with its amusing lyrics, hard rock melody, and exceptional arrangement. You can preview all of these songs as well as tracks from their first 2 albums on their homepage:

http://www.americanhi-fi.com/main.php

HEARTS ON PARADE can definitely not be considered a “heavy metal” album nor is AMERICAN HI-FI a heavy metal band but these guys can seriously rock and if you've ever had a chance to catch them live, you know what I mean. The influences from 80's metal/ hard rock are very apparent and if you like to take a walk on the lighter side, AMERICAN HI-FI is the band for you and is one of the best around at what they do.

BAND

Stacy Jones - Vocals

Jamie Arentzen - Guitar

Drew Parsons - Bass

Jason Sutter - Percussion

TRACK LIST

  1. Maybe Won't Do
  2. Hell Yeah!
  3. The Geeks Get the Girls
  4. Something Real
  5. We Can't Be Friends
  6. Separation Anxiety
  7. The Everlasting Fall
  8. Highs & Lows
  9. Baby Come Home
  10. Where Did We Go Wrong
  11. Hearts on Parade

 

 

 
REVIEWS
ARCHIVE
A B C D
E F G H
I J K L
M N O P
Q R S T
U V W X
Y Z #  

 
Rockeyez.com © 2005 All rights reserved. The contents of this site may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Rockeyez.com.
Site design and layout created by Carlos Rodrigues. Problems or suggestions? Contact the webmaster.