Glyder – Backroads to Byzantium (2011)

Glyder were formed back in 2004 and hail from County Wicklow in Ireland.
With 3 albums under their belt, the band have established quite a little reputation on the live circuit from touring constantly with various world renowned artists such as Thunder, DIO, Gotthard, Y&T.
“Back Roads To Byzantium” is their fourth release after the band reformed earlier this year with three new members.

This new line-up all in their 20’s has added a new fire to Glyder.
New singer Jackie Robinson has a classy rock voice that sometimes hints at Paul Rodgers and Phil Mogg, full of warmth whilst still having the power to make you sit up and take notice. New drummer Des McEvoy and bassist Graham McClatchie have formed a formidable partnership, being both able to pound out some killer rhythms, as well as bringing a huge amount of emotion and feel to the music.
Often compared in the past to Thin Lizzy thanks to duel guitar riffage of founder members Bat Kinane & Pete Fisher, the band has now broaden their musical horizons with the new album.
Glyder are still operating close to the classic rock sound that has made them one of the most invigorating bands of the last decade, but this time they have also added elements of hard and even melodic rock resulting in a more mature and rounded end product.

From the start, you’ll find that the band retains their Classic Rock roots, but with a touch of hard rock heaviness, as on the opener “Chronicled Deceit”.
Yet, on the follower “Long Gone”, a fast-paced rocker, Glyder tones things down for a more melodic rock, even AOR, sound.
Strong melodies, a superb rock groove, and playful and catchy hooks propel the songs “Fade To Dust” and ‘Don’t Make Their Mistakes’, featuring strong guitar solos and indepth songwriting.
“Down And Out” has a plaintive guitar and atmospheric bass line, while the uptempo next track, the bluesy swagger of “Something She Knows”, shows how the band have grown, with an accessible chorus and hook laden guitar motif giving this song a commercial tinge previously unheard in the Glyder cannon.
That’s evident too on the pure radio friendliness and accessibility found on “Even If I Don’t Know Where I’m Gonna Go”.
New vocalist Jackie Robinson proves his talent and finesse on the acoustic driven closer “Motions Of Time”.

Glyder are back in great form. “Backroads To Byzantium” sees the band delivering a Classic Rock album with an impressive sound plenty of verve, harmony and energy that instantly command attention.
The entirety of this recording is bolstered by solid song composition and skilled musicianship, with great melodic guitars, a terrific rhythm section (I love the cymbals sound here) and a classy vocalist.
This album has been crafted with attention and care in a manner that makes it familiar yet challenging and friendly yet fierce.
“Backroads To Byzantium” is the most pure Classic Rock disc heard in years, definitely one I’ll be replaying time and time again.
Very Recommended

1. Chronicled Deceit
2. Long Gone
3. Fade To Dust
4. Even If I Don’t Know Where I’m Gonna Go
5. Don’t Make Their Mistakes
6. Down And Out
7. Something She Knows
8. Two Wrongs
9. End Of The Line
10. Motions Of Time

Jackie Robinson – Vocals
Bat Kinane – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Pete Fisher – Guitars
Graham McClatchie – Bass
Des McEvoy – Drums
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