Toto-like melodic pop/rock
Patrick the rogue | NC, USA | 05/15/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately there is some confusion because a recent group from America uses the same name. Be careful, because the two bands play very different styles. Crossfade is a very slick, well-produced, pop/rock band from Sweden. I only ran across this band because their CD is linked to my own on cdbaby. I sampled their music and liked what I heard.
This record (can you still say record?) is firmly AOR. I have seen this music described as "west coast." If that means to you that they sound like Toto, Ambrosia, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins - then it is an apt description. The musicians are talented and the music is alternatively powerful and subtle, capturing moods and evoking emotions rather than just showing off. The lead vocals are very polished, somewhere between Kenny Loggins and Bobby Kimball, with a slight Swedish accent that only really surfaces on the two ballads, which are the weakest tracks on the CD; not bad by any means, but fairly conventional.
Generally, the songwriting is also strong. These songs were crafted, not just cranked out. If you are a fan of the aforementioned artists, then you will very likely enjoy this band. I look forward to more from Crossfade."
Not what I thought it would be
Andrew Olson | Macon, GA | 12/19/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"So I buy this CD thinking it was from the REAL Crossfade and was promptly disappointed. This CD is good in its own rights (good west-coast music) but, as my title says, it's not what I thought it would be. A definite loser in my book."
A must for every west-coast fan
Valerio Filoso | Naples, Italy | 05/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Would you imagine that the cold Sweden is the place where the sunny atmosphere of California in the Seventies comes to life again? If not, then take a chance and listen to this CD. Refined, crystal polished-a pretty unusual sound during these days-you will enjoy the perfect arrangements, the solos, vocals, sided by a metronomical rhythm section will take you to the high places where Chicago, Pages, Toto, Airplay flew many years ago. Make no mistake: this is all but a nostalgic piece of work. It's fresh and up-to-date, but still honey for ears like the one once enjoyed Graydon & friends. Believe me: this is an absolute gem!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1