Able Kane – Stealin’ the Show (1983)
Here’s a Philadelphia based band that were doing the rounds back in the early ’80’s.
Not they sound remotely like anything associated with that famous ‘Philly Sound’, instead they take their cues from obscure pomp rock bands from the same era. Just who is a distinct influence for this band is unclear, though I would say a harder rockin’ version of ROADMASTER and a smidgen of AVIATOR would not be far off the mark. Overall, it is the impressive guitars from future HEAVEN’S EDGE guitarist Steven Parry that keep the band on the hard rockin’ side of the fence.
The other distinct feature of this band are the high-pitched vocals of Robert Alek.
‘Love On The Run’ the opener is by far the most impressive track, with the keyboards very prominent. Straight away you are introduced to Robert Alek’s soaring vocals.
Great if you enjoy that sort of thing, not so if you don’t.
’til The End’ is the acoustic ballad on the album. Not bad, it kinda soars, but probably should’ve been further down the track order.
‘Never Let Me Go’ is pretty good too.
‘You And Me’ is played in a more pop-rock style with less than convincing results.
I didn’t like ‘No Love (No Trust)’ either, which staggered it’s way to the end of Side One.
‘No Milk Today’ is a cover of an old HERMAN’S HERMITS track, and an unusual selection for a cover-song I must say.
‘Please Don’t You Leave Me’ is a slower rocker (not a ballad as such) with a bluesy touch and Alek’s vocal well to the fore.
‘Stay With Me’ is another of the highlights with good use of keys and some thrilling guitar riffs.
‘Can’t Rely On Me’ is a straight-forward rocker with Aviator colourings.
Alek’s high-pitched vocals dominate on the closer ‘Come See Me’, again this one sounds like Aviator with keyboards.
The album jacket only lists seven songs, but there are ten.
Plus, the track listing is all over the place, so much for quality control huh?[/spoiler]
That aside, this is a solid collection of vintage Hard Rock/AOR/Pomp Rock.
1.Please dont you leave me
2.Love on the run
3.Till the end
4.No milk today
5.Stay with me
6.Cant rely on me
7.Never let me go
Robert Alek – Lead Vocals
Steve Parry – Guitar & Vocals (HEAVEN’S EDGE)
Jeff Nardo – Bass & Vocals
Dave Dettra – Keyboards & Vocals (JELLYROLL)
Joe Romano – Drums & Vocals
turbob
Able Kane – Stealin’ the Show (1983)