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ANGELS OR KINGS
Kings Of Nowhere

AOR Heaven (2014)
Rating: 9/10

If ever there was a melodic rock band which deserved its place among the greats then its British troupe Angels Or Kings. Sadly, like so many of the coolest and most talented bands that existed back in the 80s, it was never meant to be and yet now – after what seems an eternity – Angels Or Kings have returned for another shot at the big time.

Twelve tracks and with a current line-up consisting of Barrie “Baz” Jackson (vocals), Tony Bell (guitar), Rob Naylor (bass), Steve Kenny (guitar / keyboards) and Andy Chemmey (drums), this could well be a case of this band finally reaching the heights they so richly deserve.

For those of you who like rich, warm and soulful rock then this is one essential opus and one which boasts beautifully crafted song structures built around Baz Jackson’s effortless vocals and that driving twin guitar attack from Bell and Kenny. In fact, it’s as if they’ve never been away – effortlessly bridging the gap between late 80s harmonious fire and contemporary sheen.

From the opening powerhouse that is ‘Any Other Girl’ we witness a band brimful of passion and tinged with the sugary sway of those keyboard sprinkles and precise drums. For me, Angels Or Kings take AOR a step further, adding extra bite throughout and showcased more so with the scorching stomp of ‘A Harder Place’, which in spite of its quintessentially British groove also boasts that American gloss and fire which in an ideal world would propel this monster tune to the top of the charts. “Close your eyes and I will always find you” Jackson promises. “Reach for the stars I’m always right behind you” he states as the keyboards tinkle and the leads worm their way through that lush production, bringing the track to a burgeoning glory.

And it doesn’t end there. Angels Or Kings, eager to forget the time that has passed and with excitement, pump out massive hook after massive hook each one threaded by those ascending solos and Jackson’s soothing vocal tones. ‘Ice Turned To Rain’ is a slow burner, introduced by that spine-shivering keyboard tinkle and then we’re treated to that sweltering plonk of drum which works in tandem with that pushing bass. For me, so many AOR bands lack that edge in the vocal department but Jackson is just the perfect man to have at the helm and steer this ship.

One can flick on any track and just sail away on a variety of emotion; whether in the form of the gorgeous reflections of ‘Real Life’ with its evocative lyrics and rasping vocal, the driving ‘Left Me In Love’, the beautiful piano-led ‘A Night Like This’ or my personal favourite ‘If Her Tears Would Talk’ with its throbbing rhythm and keyboard spray injected by that sizzling solo. The latter also exhibits Jackson at his most powerful; the sheer power of his voice takes the track by the scruff of the neck and works in cohorts with a building drum into that potent chorus.

Kings Of Nowhere is an almost perfect slab of melodic rock that burns with energy and displays a passion that is so rare when it comes to so many others albums of this ilk. These guys may have once faded away to musical climate change but now they are back and should be paraded as kings of their chosen trade, because as is proven, even seemingly roads to nowhere can sometimes be unexpectedly paved with gold, and this latest melodic spout is a treasure to behold.

Neil Arnold

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