In the early stages of RockEyez we mainly concentrated on demos and independent releases. Our focus was to help the new “kid on the block”. We all knew the big boys like Ozzy, Kiss, Dokken, Bon Jovi and all the others but they already made the grade and didn’t need our help so much. We wanted to find that diamond in the rough and help make potential fans aware of them and throughout the years there have been many that we have featured on the site. Some of the independent labels (such as Kivel Records) have put out some of the best music and continue to do so in 2020. Indie labels can put out one hell of a package with not only quality musicians and bands but the overall product, by far, is just sometimes unbelievable. Kivel Records is one of those indie labels that has always put much thought and effort into its bands, their album artwork and packaging as well as promotion.
Recently, I received the new release from Kivel Records artist NO LOVE LOST, a band I had the chance to catch live at the very first New England Rock Fest back in 2018. Almost two years later (and seven years since their debut release on Kivel Records) their new album titled “Bliss” is finally here. It contains eleven tracks of pure melodic hard rock delight and I’ll get to them shortly but first off I want to mention that lead vocalist Scott Board turns in a phenomenal performance on the new album and really impressed me here. The man caresses each note to utter perfection. Even if I wasn’t initially sold with a particular song upon first listen, Scott brings to light a blissful feeling (no pun intended!) that makes you want to listen to each track again and again.
Now to the new songs on “Bliss”…
“Keeping Up With the Jones” starts off the album with high-velocity drum rolls and plenty of guitar swagger. I am really loving the tune with its killer harmonies, great guitar soloing and the smooth vocals of Mr. Scott Board. “Believe in Love” and “Heart Strings” are two more amazing tracks; vocally and musically satisfying so just sit back, listen and be amazed how good the songs on this new album are! Sandwiched between those two tracks we have “Love Song”, it’s a mid-paced rocker with a great vocal arrangement and delivery. The song is a good soundtrack for the impending summer months, so put the top down and crank it up.
“Under Construction” is such a melodic entity, bringing a sense of calm yet reaching heights that will have the crowds they play it for being as one. I can see everyone singing along to this song while settling in and holding a loved one close. Next up is the balls-out rocker “World Is Wide”. Gritty riffs and soloing from the dual axe attack of Marc Brown and Jason Staton drive the track on top of an attitude-driven vocal performance from Board.
“No Secret” starts with a guitar riff reminiscent of Dokken in its prime but the soaring vocals take command and an arena rock vibe shines bright on this one. “Little Things” is another rocker with attitude and class. It’s apparent that the bulk of NO LOVE LOST’s songs are based on a solid guitar riff and props to Brown and Staton for that. “Heaven Sent” will pull on your heart strings once again, sending shivers down your spine thinking of love ones that have left us. The soaring guitars can bring tears to your eyes. This might be my favorite track, yet there are so many others too.
The band tabbed special guest Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt) to guest on “Good Times”. The song is a blues-inspired romp not far from something you might hear from the Great White camp. It features some honky tonk piano and a simplistic message.
Finally, let’s kick it up to high gear to end the disc with the song “Face The Fire” as it adds some speed and in-your-face style from NO LOVE LOST. This band can give you mellow, sentimental and emotional songs and now they kick some ass on the last track with a total smackdown tune! The guys have covered all bases on the new album.
NO LOVE LOST’s “Bliss” really will set the mark for any indie label release in the melodic hard rock genre. I utterly loved this new album by NO LOVE LOST so make sure to get this one in your collection ASAP.
