You know what you are going to get with Pride Of Lions. Jim Peterik has spent decades refining melodic rock into something close to a science, while Toby Hitchcock possesses the sort of voice that could make a shopping list sound like the final chorus of an arena anthem.
By and large, then, eighth album “Unbridled” does not disappoint.
The title track announces itself with all the confidence you would expect, Hitchcock declaring that “we are stallions in our prime.” There is no room for false modesty here, but when a band has been doing this since 2003, perhaps they have earned the right to puff out their chests a little.
“Edge Of Forever” carries that unmistakable Peterik sound, although the lyrics feel more substantial than the usual AOR identikit. There is a message here about division, responsibility and the state of the world, and perhaps a few of our leaders would do well to listen.
“Don’t Waste A Wish On Me” is a touch overbearing, but its twist is interesting: the narrator does not want the love being offered. Like I say, this is not always the usual melodic-rock fare.
“1000 Long Goodbyes” deals with the raw emotion of being a travelling musician while leaving a family behind. The huge harmonies explain why they will never stop, though, and as the song points out, rock ’n’ roll is never out of fashion.
“What The Whole World Needs To Know” is best regarded as a sermon delivered to the masses. Admirable in intent, certainly, but musically it occasionally sounds as though it belongs in a stage musical.
“I’ll Be Your Rock” is more conventional. It is a sweeping declaration of devotion, but as everyone knows, I have no romance, so we will move on.
“Hell Or High Water” benefits from Peterik and Hitchcock trading vocals, while the strings give it a distinct 1970s feel. That approach continues into “Ride The Lightning,” a reflection on a life filled with love. There is clearly a market for this stuff. Personally, with a title like that, I was hoping for some Metallica, but Hitchcock’s voice is so good that resistance is largely pointless.
Much of “Unbridled” is concerned with overcoming struggles, and “Lose Like A Winner” makes that theme explicit. Its guitar solo is the sound of someone refusing to accept defeat, while “I Can See In The Dark” deserves credit for finding light at the end of the tunnel without becoming entirely overwhelmed by sentiment.
“I Can’t Let Go” is about something that endures. Ostensibly it is about love, but it could just as easily be about the music Peterik and Hitchcock have spent more than two decades making together.
That leaves “A Mighty Noise” to close proceedings, and that is exactly what it does. Big, bold and entirely on Pride Of Lions’ terms, it encapsulates both the strengths and occasional excesses of the album.
Peterik’s songwriting instincts remain undimmed, and Hitchcock still sings every line as though the fate of melodic rock rests upon it. Mike Aquino’s guitar work provides plenty of fire, while Ed Breckenfeld and Bob Lizik ensure that the foundations are as sturdy as the choruses.
“Unbridled” is sometimes too earnest and occasionally too theatrical, but Pride Of Lions have never been interested in restraint. This is grand, polished AOR made by musicians who believe completely in what they are doing.
And, frankly, melodic rock would be far duller without them.
7/10
