8-IS – Frame Of Us 2011

“Frame of us” is the brand new debut album by Italian AOR band “8-IS”. Having caused quite a stir in melodic rock circles, “8-IS” have delivered a very strong debut full of authentic AOR tunes which have led many to compare them to Swedes “Houston”; yet the Italian group differs considerably from the Swedish.

“Frame of us” draws towards the softer side of AOR/melodic rock with the majority of songs being down tempo and keyboard driven, though featuring some exceptional guitar melodies and solos. Performance-wise the leading instrument of “8-IS” are the vocals of Marcello Catalano who proves an incredibly accomplished singer who’s performance references directly the softer side of Jimi Jamison. The line up features keyboardist Emanuele Casali, lead guitarist Lorenzo Milone, bassist Andrea Casali and drummer Franco Casini. The more up-beat songs on the album such as “Falling in your eyes” and “In my life” are indeed guitar driven and hold their own as quality melodic tunes yet it would be fair to say that the some of the slower songs steal the show on “Frame of us”. One refers to “Lady”, probably the band’s most recognizable song, something of an underground hit on the internet and “The final curtain” a grandiose conception of an epic ballad, fully orchestral with infectious vocals and incredible neoclassical guitar leads standing easily as the band’s greatest musical achievement to date. “Frame of us” is a must for fans of authentic AOR particularly for those who can not get enough of melodic rock ballads.

01. Everlasting Love
02. I’ll Be There
03. Lady
04. The Final Curtain
05. Fallin’ In Your Eyes
06. On And On
07. If You Turn Around
08. In My Life
09. Back To You
10. Tomorrow Comes Tonite

Line-Up:
Marcello Catalano “Malcoun” – lead vocals
Franco Casini – drums
Lorenzo “Red” Milone – guitars, backing vocals
Additional musicians:
Andrea Casali – bass, backing vocals
Emanuele Casali – keyboards, backing vocals
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