White Widdow

Review by Teresa Hopkins

Artist: WHITE WIDDOW
Album: CROSSFIRE
Label: AOR Heaven
Release Date: November 28, 2014

Tracklist:
01. Caught In The Crossfire
02. Fly Me Away
03. Just Another Night
04. Below The Belt
05. Dreams Don’t Die
06. Too Many Tears
07. Angel
08. Born To Be A Rebel
09. Carry The Heartache
10. Never Again

Fans and critics alike have raved on Melbourne, Australia’s WHITE WIDDOW. With their previous albums, 2010’s self-titled “White Widdow” and 2011’s “Serenade”, the band established themselves with a sound that harks back to what we initially loved about AOR rock while maintaining a crisp, modern edge. Their momentum would be threatened in 2013, as the band’s rhythm section was dealt a double blow: bassist Trent Wilson retired from music and later that year, drummer George Kristy passed away. WHITE WIDDOW endured, however, and brought in Ben Webster and Noel Tenny as a very talented foundation for their core of brothers Jules (lead vocals) and Xavier (keyboards) Millis and guitarist Enzo Almanzi.

The band returns this year more polished, precise, and tight on “Crossfire”, their third release on AOR Heaven, with production and mixing by Xavier Millis and Pelle Saether. Terrific melodies and vocal harmonies, primo guitar playing, and the artistry of the Millis Brothers give the band distinction among their current peers with a big, signature sound. Enzo Almanzi’s wow-factor guitar playing sizzles, vying amicably with Jules and Xavier for front and center at just the right times with a vibrant, melodic style and a gorgeous lead tone I love listening to! He truly shines on this album, his leads more like peaks than breaks in the songs. He’s a team player, though, never veering off too far or too long during his solos, and always leaving the listener wanting more. Since I’m admittedly more guitar-biased, it’s got me very curious to hear what he could do untethered.

“Crossfire” has a consistent feel, each song transitioning smoothly into the next, seemingly without missing a beat. The hooks and melodies are so good, and the guys play with a sustained level of passion and high energy throughout. Lyrically, the songs are strong as well; they grew on me more with each listen, inviting me to concentrate more closely to the stories told from experience, inspiration, and depth of heart.

Along with the title track, songs that I particularly like from the album are ‘Just Another Night’, ‘Too Many Tears’, ‘Born To Be A Rebel’ (a Richie Sambora guitar riff may come to mind on that one), ‘Carry The Heartache’, and ‘Never Again’, showcasing what a natural knack Almanzi has for bringing out the best in each tune.

“Crossfire” makes for an enjoyable listening experience with broad appeal, and I’m happy to hear bands like WHITE WIDDOW representing the best of their genre.

Rating: 8.5