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NIVA
Incremental IV
AOR Heaven (2014)
Rating: 8/10

There have been some extremely good AOR albums released in 2014, and this latest melodic opus from AOR Heaven comes via the wondrous tones of Niva.

Originally formed in 1994, the Swedish act has already released a batch of recordings, and now entertains the senses with this new album, Incremental IV, which if you ask me has all the qualities that fellow countrymen and labelmates Miss Behaviour lacked on their recent Double Agent record.

Niva’s latest is a composition boasting rich production, strong soaring vocals, a driving sound and some incredibly catchy tunes which latch onto you immediately and refuse to let go. It’s all based around those excellent vocals of mainman Tony Niva who without effort guides us around a batch of sun-soaked songs which elevate the soul, even in their yearning for understanding of the self.

Incremental IV is an enlightening mix of gorgeous harmonies, pulsating synths and songs which hint at gorgeous power ballads from the 80s, yet moistened by a contemporary edge. When I initially flicked through this record I was immediately impressed by the breathtaking qualities of tracks such as ‘The Reason Why’, which are just simple, forceful melodies boasting modest lyrics, but which are delivered in such stupendous tones that only a droid could fail to be moved by its wholesomeness.

Another track which instantly grabbed my attention was ‘Play The Game’, a buoyant upbeat rocker of bubblegum guitar and joyous drum gallops where Tony Niva beams “When in love there are no boundaries, once you’re in there’s no way back, like in war you have your enemies, who are ready to attack”, before we’re treated to that rushing chorus over a chugging riff.

It’s gloriously unassuming throughout; a sound that is commercial but genuine. However, it’s not just all about overtly-sweet gushiness as ‘Coming Back To You’ kicks in with an edgy guitar which works well in tandem with a subtle synth throb. “I’ll be yours forever more” Tony bellows, as again the listener is taken on a trip through their own lovelorn memories. But the frontman is also quick to dampen the mood, adding “If you had just given me a second chance”. But hey, we all know the feeling, we’ve been here before many times and it’s this sort of sugary sweet AOR which kicks home the hardest, because for all of its apparent cheese Incremental IV is a solid rocker of an album that succeeds in every department – when the punch is required it is delivered to perfection, but when we’re eager for a slice of sweet sway Niva is only happy to oblige.

The fantastic opener ‘Don’t You Know’ is such a cool, breezy tune, while tracks such as the first single, ‘Crush’, and ‘Better Just Forgotten’ will certainly please those among you who have a hankering for such a desirable set of melodies which Tony Niva is more than happy to shower us with.

Neil Arnold

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