The melodic hard rock project
Lovers Under Cover is back with their
second album. The four Swedes released
their debut disc 'Set the Night on Fire'
in 2012 and I wasn't so thrilled in my
first five, six listening, but it grew
more and more with each spin and 'Set the
Night on Fire' turned out to be one of
that years top melodic rock albums. It's
the same lineup and the characteristic
vocalist Mikael Erlandsson continues to
sing classy and wonderful, with his
half-hoarse rock 'n' roll voice. Those
who like Last Autumn's Dream, Treat,
Cold Spell, or any of the other bands
that plays in the 'so-called' Scandi
melodic hard rock style will not be
dissatisfied.
It sounds flawless and I actually think
this is several cuts above the stylish
debut disc. This stunning release has
more flesh and grease on the bones. More
raucous guitar riffs, mature harmonies
and are overall a stronger studio
production. The brilliant brain/creator
of Lovers Under Cover Mikael Carlsson
has the right combatants in his legion
of rock. Martin Kronlund is a dazzling
guitarist and an excellent producer and
with Perra Johnsson as the steady
hitting-man behind it all, they have
something quite fresh and a positive
tone in their sound that attracts my
mind and soul!
I even find their cover of Martrika's "Toy Soldiers" from
'88 quite pleasant.
Love Under Cover plays much more in
the AOR/melodic hard rock than they do
in their parallel project called Dog
Face, there the only physical
difference is that Mats Levén is the
vocalist. Mats, sings in a higher pitch
and Mikael has a thicker and lower voice,
which fits these melodic tunes as a
plunger into the barrel. I don't know,
which of these two nice projects they
prioritize the most, but I believe that this
band is worth building further on in the
future.
'Into the Night' hasn't a single filler
track and that usually results in a high total score
from me. The only negative I have to say is that sometimes
it gets a little too water combed and
too over-polished. There is no new
musical grasp that surprises or any
earth-shattering outings. Personally I
ignore this actually, because I like the
sleek and shiny beads they plastered and
added in this album.
Those who want stylish wrapped
hard rock with well-oiled vocal chords
will be able to enjoy this album... That
I can promise you!
With two strong albums in their
backpack it will be a amazing moment
when they enter the stage in Väsby,
Sweden in July.
I will be there, that's for sure.
Love Under Cover:
Mikael Erlandsson (Last Autumns Dream,
Salute, Secret Service and Phenomena) -
Lead Vocal, Backing Vocal, Keyboard
Mikael Carlsson (Dog Face) - Bass,
Keyboard, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Martin Kronlund (Gypsy Rose, Phenomena,
Salute, Dog Face) - Guitar
Perra Johnsson (Coldspell, Dog Face) -
Drums
