If you listen to the opener here, “Shine On Me” and think to yourself: “This doesn’t sound like a band on their debut”, that might be because they aren’t.
Formed by French composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Steph Honde and Brazilian composer and drummer Fred Mika, they busied themselves recruiting some top musicians.
That brings us up to date, nearly. The last piece fell into place by chance as Robin McCauley had to leave when Schenker came calling full-time. In his place came Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth) and he’s added a really different dynamic to the likes of “Soul Stalker”.
Considering the band formed to play some 70s-influenced stuff, it sounds pretty modern, as “In Your Heart” proves.
“Back Stage Business” would appeal to Thunder fans, “Silent City Screamer” is really classy AOR, and the ballad “What A Day, What A Life” is superbly well done as it builds.
“Kyrie Eleison” brings a touch of funk, and “That Room” might come in with something a little darker, but it like the rest, is the work of lifers.
Lifers, though, who love what they do, you can hear the joy on “Paths Of Infinity” and if “Lorraine” ends things with a different vibe and some brilliant organ from Steve Mann, then the thought still hits: this is the sort of hard rock David Coverdale really should make.
Where Earth Lux go is yet to be determined, but it’s better than a mere side project.
Rating 8.5/10
