Reviewed by Tony Cummings

'Power House' is a pretty hot album. There have been major changes in the personnel, but the new rhythm section (Brian Wooten, guitar; Anthony Sallee, bass; and Mark Nemer, drums) if anything give a new zest to one of the meatiest AOR bands around. LA 'sec cred' producer Bill Drescher enables the band to retain their distinctive sound and punching rockers in the "Bye Bye Babylon" are heard here in cuts like the title track and the never-let-up "Independence Day" (which comes complete with John Kennedy and Martyn Luther King speech samples) while moody ballads in the "Montana Sky" mould are on offer via "Desert Rose" and "A Love Calling". "Lovers And Dreamers" scuttles along at a furious pace with a humble hook just made for US radio. But just in case any fan feels the team may have lost some of their heavy rockin' drive there's "Nailed Down" with newcomer Wooten offering some flying-fret axe work. Lyrically it addresses the nailing down of the old man' to the cross. Intelligent power-pop which packs a fair spiritual message.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.