RSS Feed


IN FAITH
There’s A Storm Coming

Rocktopia (2014)
Rating: 8.5/10

Although I wouldn’t go as far to say I agree with the promotional text that There’s A Storm Coming is “one of the best debut albums by any British melodic rock band of the past 15 years”, I will say that In Faith have pulled out all the stops when it comes to presenting this punchy record.

In reviews elsewhere I bemoaned the all too delicate nature of fellow UK rockers Wild Rose and more so Daylight Robbery, but In Faith has nothing to worry about when it comes to delivering rich, soulful and above all fiery hard rock.

There’s A Storm Coming is a perfect if somewhat bland title for an album that suggests a journey in to the rainy depths of embryonic Brit rock. With Pete Godfrey’s heartfelt vocal display you can’t go wrong, but this guy has a whole host of talent lurking behind him in the wings with guitarist Tony Marshall – better known for his work with Vaughn, Pride and Contagious – and former Eden’s Curse sticksman Pete Newdeck. This 11-track affair also features guest contributions from guitarists Brooke St. James (Tyketto), Chris Green (Rubicon Cross, ex-Furyon, ex-Pride) and Pat Heath (ex-Furyon), while the album was mastered by Harem Scarem frontman Harry Hess.

So, as I pressed the “play” button I must admit that I prayed that this opus would be a gorgeous yet punchy mix of lush hard rock steeped in opulent melody and sumptuous musicianship… and my pleas were answered. This opus is every bit as epic as the bands linked to it. The instant hit of the record is the sublime ‘Does It Feel Like Love’, which if it had been released in the 80s would have been a fine hit; with its bolshie chorus and subtle shift of textures it’s the sort of power pomp mix that made Tyketto and the likes just so wondrous to hear.

Where so many bands are lacking is with choruses and just a sense of weight, but In Faith packs both. The guitars are sturdy throughout, providing a steely caress to the enigmatic vocal delivery of Godfrey who effortlessly reaches those highs, making each track as epic as the last. It’s no real surprise that Harem Scarem springs to mind too, adding that almost alternative delicacy to the mix and contrasting the more direct jolts of hardier songs such as ‘Church Of Rock N’ Roll’ and ‘Addicted’.

For the softer, AOR-orientated sweetness it’s worth reflecting on the plush ‘If That’s What Love Means’, ‘Leave Me Now’ and my favourite scarf-waving anthem ‘Where I Wanna Be’. But believe me, even though all of the tracks on offer are splendid, you’re going to have a hard time removing the aforementioned ‘Does It Feel Like Love’ from your subconscious because In Faith has come up with one of the best hard rock songs this century. And the album isn’t bad either.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share