Shining Line

Shining Line

Price: 11.95

Review / Notes: According to the proclamations of most ‘trendy’ music rags, AOR is dead … kaput, history, an ancient relic with as much relevance to the modern music scene as wandering minstrels from the Middle Ages. In truth, most of us recognise the fact that a genre that used to sell millions is now little more than a specialist niche market serving a small (albeit dedicated) group of fans, but dead? … not as long as bands like Shining Line have a say at any rate. Ok, ‘band’ might be pushing it a bit as this is in reality a studio project put together by Italian songwriter / drummer Pierpaolo "Zorro11" Monti and bassist Amos Monti, but their status is kinda moot when you take into account firstly those involved, and secondly, the quality of what’s on offer. Looking at the guest list first then, musically the duo are helped out by the likes of Michael Voss, Alessandro Del Vechhio and Mario Percudani, whilst the imposing cast of voices includes those of Robin Beck, Harry Hess, Erik Martensson, Michael Bormann, Bob Harris and Michael Shotton (amongst others). Impressive enough in its own right I’m sure you’ll agree, but what’s even more exciting about debut ‘Shining Line’ is the fact that the dozen or so songs included within are articulate, well produced slabs of prime time AOR/MHR. Awash with melody, boasting hooks strong enough to drag you in from the very first spin, and a wonderful joie de vivre as heart-warming as the California sunshine, contrary to popular opinion, they do indeed still make ‘em like this! Granted, Shining Line bring nothing particularly new or innovative to the table, but the fusion of pop, rock, pomp and AOR influences is delivered with such panache that becomes entirely irrelevant. From pulsing anthems to svelte ballads; if tracks such as effervescent opener ‘Highway Of Love’, ‘Heat Of The Light’ (great performance from Ms Beck by the way) or ‘Still In Your Heart’ (an emotionally charged duet between Bob Harris and our very own Sue Willets no less) can’t put a smile on your face, then you really have come to the wrong place. Excellent debut shot from a project which, if nurtured correctly, should go on to even better things ... you read it here first. (D.Cockett)