H R H - R E V I E W S

Danny Vaughn
Traveller Frontiers Records

Comments: Danny Vaughn has been one of rock's most charismatic performers, and established himself as a frontrunner of the classic melodic rock genre with his many releases. From the groundbreaking debut as a vocalist with Waysted on their acclaimed Save your Prayers, his key involvement with his band Tyketto, sidesteps with supergroup Flesh + Blood, The Sign and From the Inside, and later under his own banner Vaughn. Traveller however is the first release under his full name, and featuring his long time (UK-based) touring band that set many stages ablaze with their electrifying performances. This, so to say, is a new debut for a veteran rocker …

Danny Vaughn fans, rest assured! The master has not compromised on his typical and unique sound of both, his voice and his skills as a composer. Traveller is merely the realisation of their electrifying and energetic live sound now brought to live on a studio recording. With his live band backing him up, Vaughn clearly got injected with more energy and enthusiasm. The album literally explodes with its in your face attitude, and it is by far Danny's most edgy release ever.

Blending his one-in-a-million voice and his superb fine tuned feeling for ear mingling rock hymns with a shot of electricity and power. In your face and full frontal without lacking the sublime touch for melody and awesome hooks. Excellent multi-layered guitar harmonies, sharp soloing, large (un-dubbed) choirs and a lrger than live energetic live sound. "Miracle Days", "Badlands Rain" or the amazing title track; they all bear Vaughn's trademarks. As if Tyketto was injected with a power infusion, at times.

"Restless Blood" is simply gorgeous and one of his most catchy tunes with a metallic edge and could have been featured on any of the Tyketto releases. Vaughn however wouldn't be himself without adding some drop dead gorgeous ballads and acoustic tunes. The first step towards the slow movers is "That what she says" where an acoustic guitar is providing depth. The lyrics throw some punches with its sarcasm. Much like Saigon Kick managed to do with their sugar sweet tunes and striking lyrics.

"The touch of your Hand" is amazing ballad with the spotlight on Danny's amazing voice. The intimacy is continued during the piano intro of "Lifted" that takes off after a minute to grow onto one of the highlights on this new release. Featuring all the ingredients to be featured on the Tyketto debut CD, this one will certainly please a lot of his fans.

Razorsharp is the opening of "The Warrior's Way," telling the story of bravery of ancient warriors like Indian Dog Troops, Masai and Samurais. It is one of the songs which leans upon the storyline about native Americans' struggle and battles for freedom, their humiliation and the cruelty set upon them; a returning red line binding some songs on "Traveller" and its art work.

"Death of a Tiger" also is a head on melodic rock hammer and has the anger embedded in its lyrics, over the hard driving guitars and powerful choir. The song nearly clocks 7 minutes and is an epical tune with thunderous Led Zep beat, hard driving guitars which drives like a freight train. An odd track is the slightly country influenced "The Measure of a Man" which has a remarkable bridge and sticky melody and chorus reminding me of good old Springsteen at times. "Think of me in the Fall" has an annoying and clinical computer triangle which gets on my nerves and rises the hairs on my back, where the song itself is a good melodic semi ballad with a laid back setting. "Better by Far" wraps up the remarkable release and is also somewhat downgraded by the intro with studio out takes of people yelling. The song itself is a great back porch hang out track, celebrating the warmth and humidity of a warm and sunny day's aftermath.

Danny Vaughn proves able to revive the sound of his previous classic rock bands and adds a lot of fuel to a raging fire. Combining his fine feeling for rock tunes and catchy melodies with the power of a true at heart live band. The songs sound fresh, energetic and never over the top, with Danny shining on all occasions with his remarkable voice. "Traveller" is a well balanced melodic rock hammer with a lot of highlights, and perhaps one of Vaughn's best efforts to date. Fans of Danny's music and any of his previous projects should grab this CD!

www.frontiers.it
www.dannyvaughn.com
www.vaughn.de

HRH Rating: 8.4/10