It takes about 25 seconds for Crowne to reveal themselves on the title track of Wonderland. By then, you know exactly what’s coming – that very particular Scandinavian brand of melodic rock. When UK bands like FM do it, it’s distinctly different. Here, though, it sits somewhere between Eurovision and power metal.
That contrast is even more obvious on “Waiting For You”, where singer Alexander Strandell hits a note that no one has managed since Jon Bon Jovi stretched for the heavens on “Runaway”. At the heavier end of the spectrum, “Eye Of The Oracle” has its fists in the air from the off and never lets them down. The thing soars.
Wonderland is Crowne’s third record, and if the name Strandell rings a bell, it should – he also fronts Art Nation. Likewise, the keys riff that opens “Heaven Tonight” (a track that earns bonus points for not being overly schmaltzy) comes courtesy of Jona Tee of H.E.A.T.
So yes, we are firmly in supergroup territory. The rhythm section of John Leven (Europe) and Christian Lundqvist (drums) lay down the foundations, but it’s arguably Love Magnusson – the Dynazty guitarist who joined on album two – who steals the show. His playing on the prog-tinged “Warlords Of The North” is nothing short of stellar.
Elsewhere, “Timing Is Right” injects more energy – though truth be told, energy is a feature throughout. If they’d avoided ballads up until then, “Goodbye” changes that, proudly wearing its power ballad credentials like it’s Heart circa 1989. Tee’s piano appears again on “Love Thy Enemy”, but this one encapsulates what makes Crowne so thrilling: unfiltered, unconstrained melodic rock.
And when they let go, you get the thunderous crunch of “Legacy” or the parping bombast of “Hearts Collide”. At just under 38 minutes, Wonderland is a relatively short record, but one that’s all killer, no filler. It closes with “The Fall”, which underlines the point: no extraneous fluff, just superb songs.
Melodic rock is booming right now, and Crowne have delivered another album that proves the sum really can equal its impressive parts. If this is your thing, then step right into Wonderland.
Rating: 8.5/10
