Reviewed by Ian Webber

Opening with a meaty set of power chords, this self produced recording from the Staffordshire-based outfit has clear influences from the '70s and '80s. Describing themselves as playing "melodic hard rock", the Voyager Project treat us to some decent guitar solos in the style of Cream, solid drum work and keyboard harmonies that have a progressive feel about them. The album is packed with a series of catchy melodies, Martin Cliff and his band clearly focussing on writing songs which are easy to hum along to. Standout tracks include the keyboard-driven "Back To The Garden" which brings back memories of Europe and "The Final Countdown", along with the more contemporary sound of "Free To Love". The recording does suffer from its home produced pedigree which leaves the drums and bass line sounding flat and laboured at times but this does not hide the fact that there are some great tunes here. The vocals also disappoint occasionally as they sometimes lack the dynamic to enhance the melodies. I am sure the Voyager Project would be well worth seeing live and for an amateur recording this is pretty enjoyable.

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