RED 13 (E)

After the full-length studio album Arrival (2001) by Journey at the end of 2002, now the brand new EP Red 13 has been released with four new tracks by the long-time band members Neal Schon (guitars), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass) plus Deen Castrovo (drums) and Steve Perry-clone Steve Augeri (vocals). It must be easy for these guys, referring to their singer and not even to have to change names! Personally I’m not very keen on EP’s because of their limited length. The masters of melodic AOR-rock provide us with a nice symphonic instrumental Intro: Red 13 by Cain which they used to play at live shows. It is followed by the more guitar rocking track State Of Grace, unmistakably the sound of Journey as we all are familiar with. Next is the up-tempo track The Time in the best tradition of this AOR-band. Walking Away From The Edge is really a superb ballad and proves the band - celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2003 - can still produce exceptionally high quality AOR. In comparison to Arrival, these tracks are far more to my taste! The EP ends with I Can Breathe, again a melodic up-tempo rocker with pumping bass and a smashing guitar solo. Can I have some more of these? Well, we all have to wait for Neal Schon’s solo album first. It seems the band is going to hit the road shortly and we can only hope they will play in the Netherlands as well and they will continue to write music of the same high quality standard as on this EP.