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The new Magnum is called “Brand New Morning” and it could easily
have been “Brand New Start” or “Rebirth”, because that’s what it
really is for this, in Birmingham based, melodic Pomp rock band.
Well, they already regrouped in 2001 with their comeback album
“Breath of Life”, but “Brand New Morning” is the real restart for
the band.
They play with a new batch of energy and enjoyment as if they just
started off as a young, new band. It’s the first album with the line
up they had during the last tour, including ex-Thunder drummer Harry
James, who certainly delivers his portion of fresh energy and power.
Just listen to the opening of “It’s Time To Come Together” and you
know what I mean.
All of this is already showing in the first title track and doesn’t
stop until the end of the album. Catley is singing as if he’s
auditioning for Black Sabbath again, Clarkin’s guitars are top
notch, Stanway’s keyboards are much more in front than on the
previous album and as I mentioned already, James is doing a great
job behind the drums, while Barrow is completing this melodic rock
Magnum sound with the bass guitar. Tony Clarkin already produced the
previous album, but did a far better job on this one.
Let’s look at a few highlights amongst the many of this album. “It’s
Time To Come Together” is an incredibly catchy, rocking track with a
blistering guitar solo, brilliant piano playing and great vocals,
“The Blue And The Grey” is on of the better ballads of the band. The
epic “The Scarecrow”, with a strong bass line and keyboards during
the intro, a jazzy middle piece and a lot of variation, keeps you
interested for almost 10 minutes.
There are only a few drawbacks on this CD. Most of the songs stay
within the semi-ballad tempo and I would have liked a few more
really rocking songs. The lyrics aren’t really high standing or you
must like sentences like ‘I’d breathe for you, if you want me to”.
And it isn’t progressive rock, but what they call melodic rock.
(read AOR)
This is surely one of the better Magnum albums, maybe their best,
but I don’t know them all, as their discography is quite impressive.
It’s certainly a good starter if you don’t know them yet.
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