Reviews:
Reviewed in Metal Maidens#40/Summer 2005
By: Toine van Poorten
Rating: 9 points (out of 10)
LOCHINVAR-
Fire Eyes
Bladewalker Records
Opener "Heart Of Stone" makes me realise how much I've missed this 'simple' hard rock sound of the eighties. No soprano vocals, death growls or opera like instrumentation, just plain hard rock songs, which will remind you of earlier HEART, VIXEN or WITNESS. In "Fire Eyes" Paula Blades vocals sound very much like early Ann Wilson, which is a big compliment indeed. But the band shows its own face as well. "Beyond The Stars" is a beautiful ballad for example, while "Lasher" is a cool headbanger. "Enchanted Moon" sounds very much like "Voyager" of GAMMA, and again Paula sounds like Ann Wilson on this one. In "Sahara", we hear the spirit of Ritchie Blackmore and DEEP PURPLE wander around, while the song onviously also bears some Eastern influences. Officially, LOCHINVAR consists of only two musicians being Paula Blade on vocals and John Walker plays guitars, bass, drums and keyboards. For the album, the additional keyboards were done by Jeff McMullen. In "Midnight Woman", I almost started to sing "Turbo Lover". This song definitely has got this JUDAS PRIEST feel over it. "A Poet, A Dreamer" closes this strong album, which shows us a band that stands with both feet in the eighties. And they can be proud of
that, because I liked their album a lot. It shows a lot of variety and some great musicianship. It took them three years to complete the album, but it was worth the wait. It would have been a shame, if they had decided to release it earlier, and they had to cut down on the quality. Now they took the time to do things right, and we must give them credit for that. "Fire Eyes" is a must for every devoted hard rock fan who longs back to the sound of the eighties!
Taking their name from the daring Scottish knight
in Sir Walter Scott's poem of the same name, not the Rod Stewart song,
Lochinvar is the duo of singer
Paula Blade and guitarist/bass player/drummer/keyboardist John Walker.
They play '80s-styled hard rock that we're all familiar with, similar
to bands such as Dokken, Whitesnake, and Heart,
providing fans of this genre (of which I am one) a fresh source of
melody, rhythm, and guitar/vocal skill. Originating as a five-piece in
the mid-'80s near Dallas, Texas, Lochinvar was moderately successful
on the local scene, releasing a couple of demos and garnering some
radio airplay, before falling dormant in 1993 (yet another victim of Pearl
Jam). Back together again as a duo in the new millenium, Lochinvar
present their second
full-length album Fire Eyes.
As one would expect from an album of this
particular style of hard rock, melodic guitar riffs punctuated by
electric licks and distinctive solos permeate each and every track.
John Walker must surely be a student of the George Lynch school of
guitar wizardry, as there is a distinctive Dokken feel to the
majority of the tracks. His status as a veteran six-stringer is
evident, for he churns out a solid performance from start to finish and
has a knack for knowing just where to let a solo fly and where to
restrain the riffs a bit. "Heart Of Stone", the leadoff track,
has a very expansive solo that illustrates my point quite well. The Dokken
influences I think are most evident on the title track, giving the song
an air of familiarity while still bringing a good degree of
distinctiveness. The lyrics of "Fire Eyes" present a lot of
Wiccan imagery, with Paula doing a fantastic job of infusing them with
emotion.
As a singer, Paula has a voice that is both warm
and edgy - quite appropriate for this style of music. Whether she's
kicking out the raucous lyrics of the heavy "Amazon", or filling
the words of the ballad "Beyond The Stars" with unfeigned
emotion, Paula adds a depth to Lochinvar that is genuine. In this
respect the comparisons to Heart are most appropriate. Besides
her work with Lochinvar, Paula has released a
couple of solo CDs in which she expresses herself through a more
pop/dance, slightly Gothic sound. Her versatility can also be heard on Fire
Eyes in the form of "A Poet, A
Dreamer". More Celtic folk ballad than blistering metal onslaught,
this track is a favorite of mine because of the real, heartfelt emotion
Paula puts in to the lyrics. An introspective piece, we catch a glimpse
of who Paula is as a person through her interations with her family and
the pride she holds for her son. Ok, kind of sappy for a metal review
but anyone with a true appreciation for music will hear what I am
saying.
To finish this review in a "metal mood", I'll
mention the track that I most enjoyed - "Sahara". Clocking in at
over 7 minutes, it's the most epic of the album but flows quickly and
is over before you know it. Majestic keyboards give the song a Middle
Eastern atmosphere, enhanced by Paula's vocal melodies. A story of two
lovers given only one night of heated passion, the lustful encounter is
conveyed quite effectively through John's allusive leads and Paula's
emotional narration. Of course, what would it be without a couple of
John's soulful solos thrown in for good measure. Another highlight is
the sultry "Enchanted Moon", with an overtly Great White-meets-Alannah
Myles feel to it. A heavy, bluesy bass intro sets the stage for Paula
to lay down some sensuous passages.
Overall, Fire Eyes
is a solid album of melodic, guitar-driven, and (dare I say it) sexy
'80s-styled hard rock. Paula is a welcome addition to the legion of
Metal Queens who have delivered some passionate music to ravenous metal
fans over the years. While John is a master at his multifaceted craft,
I would love to see the two expand their ranks so that they may take
the show on the road and bring their music to the live stage. The one
negative moment on Fire Eyes that
I feel I should mention, though it is insignificant in the greater
scheme of things, is the closing of the track "Amazon". Paula
lets loose with a warbling battle cry that, I'm sorry to say, was
almost embarrassing to listen to. I think Paula knows where I'm coming
from, because if you listen closely a couple of seconds into the
following silence you can hear her let out a bit of a giggle. Aside
from that moment, I recommend this album to all fans of melodic hard
rock.
Reviewed
03/19/2005
LOCHINVAR ‘FIRE
EYES’
(BLADEWALKER RECORDS)
After a few years
of silence, the US band LOCHINVAR returns with a new CD. The female
fronted band is still playing classy 80s Melodic Hardrock in the style
of VIXEN, GIRLSCHOOL, DOKKEN… 10 new songs are included, and with a big
production this CD is definitely a quality release. Among the
highlights are “Fire eyes”, “Beyond the stars” (fantastic semi-melodic
rockballad a la LANA LANE), “Midnight Woman” and “Enchanted moon”. The
songs are a bit darker than before, so no catchy in your face choruses,
but more well-thought songs with heavy guitar riffs (like DOKKEN meets
BLACK SABBATH), while the vocals are a bit raw (like LEE AARON meets
WENDY O. WILLIAMS). If you’re starting to become interested, then go
to: http://www.lochinvar.net
and e-mail them at: lochinvar@lochinvar.net
(Points:
8.3 out of 10)
LOCHINVAR
- FIRE EYES
BLADEWALKER RECORDS
METAL
TO INFINITY
http://www.metaltoinfinity.tk
By
the grace of the US Rock / Metal scene, I'm very plesed to spread the
word of a band named Lochinvar!Actually the band's name comes from a
poem by Sir walter Scott. Started back in1987 and formed by guitar
player Steve Rabeler and singer Paula Blade. Before releasing a first
demo "The Untaimed Child" one year after existence, Lochinvar was one
of the bands appears on a '87 compilation album entitled"12 x 12
fulfilled with local Dallas / Texas based outfits.
The following
years, a lot of things changes in the Lochinvar camp.
Members decided to leave while others came in, sevaral videos were
made, TV appearences all over the way, two more demo's were recorded
and so the story goes on and on. Worth to mention is the recordings of
a debut EP entitled "Knight Songs" in 1997... after many changed inside
the ranks, John walker and Paula Blade were still very active and never
thought about stop playing music.
In '99 and
2000, Paula releases two solo album herself named "Burning
Bridges" and "The Awakening". Next album and first official full
Lochinvar CD in line was called " It Came From The 80s", released late
2000. The album contains tracks from the first three Lochinvar demo's,
actually reissued in 2001 with bonus stuff, etc. Two great releases and
some more great works were on the way. The plans of releasing a new
Lochinvar album was nothing but the truth and the writings started
later on. Search for some new members was succeed and in 2002, the
recordings took place for a new album, with a new line-up!
The self entitled CD was sold out in 2004!
Same year,
another album was ready to released with the title "Fire
Eyes" and see the light of day a few weeks ago. So far a shortened
version about the story of a great Rock band since a very long time.
Back to reality right now and they just sent me a package within the
new album. First impression while listening were very positive, full
pleasures totally on my side. Singer Paula Blade has a warm, clean but
powerful voice that reminds me of Lana Lane, Kim La Chance (Vixen), Ann
Wilson (Heart), Lee Aaron,...she belongs on top of my favourite
list of great female singers right away.
She spits out a
huge form of energy and passion while singing, check it
out and agree with me! John Walker is a multi musician in that way, he
tooks all the electric / acoustic guitars, bass lines, drums, backing
vocals and keys for his account on this album with outstanding results.
besides John and Paula, only one guest musician ready to collaborate
and that's Jeff Mc Mullen on keys.
Musiclally,
Lochinvar takes you back to the 80s Hard / Metal, the
melodic way. At the otherside, you'll meet a band, able to serve some
AOR kinda like music too. So, the combination of both older 80s Metal
and 90's Rock is more than excellent. Bands like Heart, Rock Goddess,
Vixen, Phantom Blue, Witness,...are just a few to compare with. When
you hear such a great album, knowing that it's realized by only
three musicians...alow me to say a big and overwhelming
congratulation to each one of them.
Ten songs with
a lot of musical variation on board makes me realy
feelsgood. A pleasure for every old school Heavy Rocking / Metal
maniac. Crank it up loud, never give up and never give in. Let there be
great music whatever it takes, Lochinvar shows you the way! Order the
CD right away via their homepage: www.lochinvar.net.
MY
POINTS: 92 / 100
LOCHINVAR: "It
Came From The 80's"
Indie 2000
Review by Urban
"Wally" Wallström
Originally published on Catchy Hooks website.
WOW! Here's a
melodic band that I'd sign right
away, if I had a label! LOCHINVAR is a female fronted band from
Dallas/Texas that plays some incredible good AOR/Melodic Hardrock a-la
Heart, Tone Norum, Vixen. Vocalist Paula Blade has got a great voice
that sounds like the perfect mix between Ann Wilson (Heart) and Tone
Norum (without the Swedish accent).
This is a
collection of previously unreleased
material from their three studio demos and I must say that it´s
been a long time, since I've heard this many good songs from a
Independent band. It's almost too good to be true!
Opener
"Chatelaine" is a good rocker a-la Heart,
but with some great guitar play a-la Dokken from John Walker
(guitar/bass/keys). Next track "One More Tear" is a superb mid tempo,
melodic rocker with a really catchy chorus that hits ya´ right
between the eyes! It's kinda LOCHINVAR answer to Alannah Myles' super
hit "Black Velvet", but with a better and pure AOR Chorus. This ROCKS
Big Time! "Love´s a Game" really knocks me to the floor! Just
think about some of the best songs that Vixen did... this is almost
better and just when I managed to get up again the next song
"Won´t See Me Cry" starts and BANG! I'm down for the count...
Holy Cow... I must have died and gone to heaven :-) Sure, there's also
a couple of weaker songs (like: "Driving Force" & "Pain of Love")
but "Lonely Child" is one of the better ballads I've ever heard for
years and the vocals from Paula are pure magic and let´s not
forget "Captive Love" a great rocker that every fan of melodic rock
will enjoy.
Check out
AOR-EUROPE at www.aor-europe.com
LOCHINVAR 'It
Came From the 80s' (INDEPENDENT)
Review by Gabor
Kleinbloesem
Originally published on the Strutter'Zine website
LOCHINVAR comes
out of Dallas, Texas. Their CD ‘It
Came From the 80s’ consists of previously unreleased material from the
band’s three studio demos. Musically this female fronted melodic
rockband is sounding very good and reminds me of WITNESS, 80s HEART,
VIXEN. LAOS and those type of classy 80s acts. There are 12 songs on
this CD and I liked it very much.
Opener
“Chatelaine” is a good midtempo 80s melodic
rocker that sounds like DOKKEN, yet with female lead vocals. Next track
“One More Tear” captures the classic 80s sound of bands like LAOS,
VIXEN and WITNESS. This song is a fantastic slower tempo super melodic
semi rockballad with a classy 80s AOR oriented chorus. This song
belongs to the top of female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock. LOCHINVAR rocks
further on the following 3 songs. “Walkin’ on the Edge” is a great
uptempo AOR rocker that has a little bit weaker sound, but is an
outstanding rocker, kinda like early TONE NORUM.
“Love’s a Game”
has a much better sound and is a
fantastic pure 80s uptempo melodic rocker that sounds very much like
the second VIXEN CD ‘Rev It Up’. “Won’t See Me Cry” follows in the same
style, although this song is more AOR based and is superb! This song is
one of the best of LOCHINVAR and it is classy female AOR all the way!
Track number 6 “Driving Force” was the first weaker song, a faster
uptempo melodic rocker.
“Lay Down the
News” follows and is a nice melodic rocker that reminds
me of the old HEART. Also in the HEART style is “Lonely Child”, a
lovely semi melodic rock ballad. Next track “Captive Love” is again
uptempo classy 80s AOR rock and this song also is one of the best
tracks on the CD along with “Won’t See Me Cry”. The last 3 songs are
not as good as the rest, but still enjoyable melodic hard rock. Notable
is the closing track “Free Fall” which is instrumental. This LOCHINVAR
is a fantastic band and their release ‘It Came From the 80s’ is a gift
to the fans of 80s typed classy female fronted melodic rock in the
style of bands such as VIXEN, LAOS, HEART, WITNESS. Buy yourself a copy
of this wonderful record.
Rating: 8.5/10
Check out STRUTTER'ZINE online at www.strutter.8m.com
CD REVIEW
METAL MAIDENS #24/June 2001.
By: Toine van
Poorten
Rate: 8 points (out of 10!)
LOCHINVAR - It
Came From The 80’s
LOCHINVAR is a
good melodic rock band that stands
with both feet in the eighties, as
the title of this CD already suggests. The CD is available through
MP3.com and
consists of material from LOCHINVAR’s first three studio demos, which
were
recorded in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They’re working on new demos
at this very
moment. And that’s good, ‘cause this material really asks for more.
What you’ll
get to hear is a mix of DOKKEN, WITNESS, SAHARA and HEART. Melodic rock
at its
best so to speak. Responsible for this great sound are John Walker on
guitar
and bass, Steve Rabeler on guitar, Chuck Williams on guitar and bass,
Scott
Magoon on drums, Gregg Schmidt on drums and Neil Brincks on bass. All
these
people play together in different forms of course. The female input is
from the
frontlady of this band, Paula Blade, on vocals. Right now the band
consists of
Paula and John. And although we called
the style of the band melodic rock, you’re also in for some real
fireworks. Just listen to a song like “Driving Force”, which sounds
like they
unleashed a wild animal in the centre of New York. It even contains a
short drum
piece at the end. Maybe not a real solo, but it’s there anyway. On the
other
hand you’ll enjoy the more subtle moments, like the soft ballad “Lonely
Child” for
example. The CD is full of variation, which makes it easy to enjoy. The
CD ends
with an instrumental song, called “Free Fall”. Don’t let the difference
in
recording quality scare you off. After all it’s the quality and the
exclusivity
that counts on this release. And the people who are looking for high
quality
melodic rock will definately have to check this band out. Twelve songs
with a
playing time of almost fifty-five minutes are on the CD. Don’t miss it!!
Check out Metal
Maidens online at www.metalmaidens.com
Quick hits:
“Paula's vocals
can be compared to the fantastic
voice of Liz Vandall (Sahara, Uli Jon Roth) and that's
a big compliment! ... the next full CD could be huge!”
- Rage (Ralph Geiger), Rock
Reunion (Germany)
“This
team have a very 80's
heavy rock feel ala Dokken, and because of Paula Blade's lead vocals
it's hard
not to compare her with Liz Vandall of Sahara, Alexa or (dare I say it)
Debbie
Davis of Witness. Check them out!”
- Heart of the Rock (New
Zealand)
All reviews copyright
by their respective authors and appear here with their kind permission.
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