THE GLORIA STORY – SHADES OF WHITE (2011)

Rock music and Sweden once again go hand in hand, but this time it isn’t melodic death metal out to catch you attention. It is now classic rock, courtesy of the young quintet known as The Gloria Story. Mixing some modern touches into music clearly inspired by the pioneers of rock, the guys from Skövde have released a gem of an album entitled Shades Of White.

Formed in early 2009, The Gloria Story decided to reach back to roots rock for inspiration while maintaining a crisp and modern tone. As one listens to Shades of White, the influences of Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and Kiss are obvious, but in no way derivative. The music is undoubtedly modern and fresh, and the band does its best to pay tribute to the greats without imitating them. Fronting the band are vocalists Joan “Kid” Sallrot and Filip Rapp. Besides doing a commendable job in front of the mic, both also contribute solid guitars throughout. Carl Ahlander also slings the guitar with fire and enthusiasm, providing the opportunity for some slick harmonies and neat and tidy solos. The real heartbeat of the music however is the solid teamwork by Joakim Ståhl (bass) and Henrik Siberg (drums). These guys are shy and really know how to drive a song without being too “in your face.”

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“Valentino” opens the album, and the guys from Thin Lizzy would be pleased with this bouncy bass driven track that features some great guitar harmonies and a vocal delivery that the late great Phil Lynott would love. Light, pop-inspired guitars, strong vocals and great drumming make “Total Stranger” a light rock kick. An amazingly upbeat blues rock bass line will have even the most jaded feet tapping along to “When Hearts Cease To Bloom.” “Highway” is a truly a classic rock guitar tune with some great hooks and driving riffs – and would be an excellent sing-along song thanks to its good natured catchy chorus. The lower energy Cheap Trick-inspired “That 70’s Night” proves that you always need more cow bell…“Baby Let The Good Times Roll” features some slick guitars and great vocals backed by a driving bass and drum line – another real foot-tapper. “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Bet” is the heaviest track on the album. Pounding bass and brutal drums blend seamlessly with energetic guitars and well done vocals to make this the standout track on the album. “I Can Make You Run” showcases the band’s vocal abilities while mixing in some lighter guitars with a simple but effective solo and some awesome bass. “15,000 Ft.” is a killer guitar driven track that tells the story of someone who really hates air travel. Anyone who has ever been nervous while in the air will appreciate the sentiment – and anyone who like rock guitar will learn a thing or two from this song.

The album is engineered with a good bit of warmth, and a mix that favors bass and drums equally with guitars and vocals. It definitely has a bit of old school feel to it, and no trace of the coldness or sterility of the more modern genres. Nicely balanced recording serves to enhance the quality of the music rather than distract the listener. The songs on Shades Of White are well structured and well written with an enthusiastic spirit and good humor. The band operates as a unit with a great deal of teamwork and no glory hogs to make simple and basic rock music.

Overall, The Gloria Story’s Shades of White is a very good album. There is nothing revolutionary here, nothing truly groundbreaking – but the performances are energetic, enthusiastic and above all, fun. This is the kind of music that will get hands clapping and feet tapping. After all, isn’t that what rock and roll is all about?

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