After a three year hiatus, Aussie melodic-rockers WHITE WIDDOW have returned with their third release “Crossfire” and a refreshed, new rhythm section composed of new comers bassist Ben Webster and drummer Noel Tenny. Combining the thick, lush harmonies of bands like HAREM SCAREM, heavy keyboard driven melodies ala JOURNEY or 80’s-style EUROPE and the intricate and powerful guitar leads of VAN HALEN or DOKKEN, WHITE WIDDOW have once again caught the ear of the AOR/ Melodic-Rock world and along with the sublime mixing talents of our old friend Pelle Saether have produced a release worthy of attention.

The title track “Caught In The Crossfire” begins the release in a typical 80’s style with a hearty DOKKEN-ish sounding guitar riff eventually over-laid by a frisky keyboard melody augmented with some ripe harmonies leading into an almost WORK OF ART sounding chorus. This opens the door to the brilliantly mixed and arranged SURVIVOR-esq anthem “Fly Me Away” where the lead vocals of Jules Mills really soar over the memorable, melodic chorus and harmonies.

A moodier, haunting melody drives “Just Another Night” which I really enjoy. Although some may say it’s nothing more than your typical-sounding AOR, mid-tempo number, I find it fits and works well as a lead into the up-beat, keyboard enhanced “Below The Belt” which has a groove, style and arrangement you could imagine being highlighted on an 80’s movie soundtrack.

“Dreams Don’t Die” is a bit edgier in essence sporting another big, memorable chorus and a keyboard melody flashing back to a mid-80’s style GIUFFRIA. And I absolutely love the arrangement and vocals on “Too Many Tears” as well as the punchier; DANGER DANGER influenced “Angel” which I can almost imagine Ted Poley belting out over the fluent harmonies and tasty guitar/ keyboard layers.

“Born To Be A Rebel” has some nice melodies and harmonies but for some reason seems a bit bland with lyrics telling your standard tale of rebellion and youth. “Carry The Heartache,” on the other hand, carries itself as the album’s power-ballad complimented by some elegant vocals, tender harmonies and an eloquent guitar solo leading into the final bridge and chorus. And finally rounding out the release, “Never Again” wraps things up in style with an edgier, harmony-laden melody and one final big, BIG chorus.

WHITE WIDDOW’s “Crossfire” definitely is a step forward from their previous releases featuring some more precise, direct melodies, electrifying vocals and harmonies and even a more enhanced, aggressive sound. Any fan of true melodic- rock and AOR will absolutely hail this release and it is an absolute MUST have for anyone who enjoys HAREM SCAREM, EUROPE or that mid-80’s movie-soundtrack vibe.