Swedish band Ages of Reflection released their debut album “In The Heat of the Night” through AOR Heaven on 24th February. The album though is actually the outcome of many years of planning, with the founding members of the band having worked together in other bands for some time. The opportunity to work together on the AOR inspired tracks came in 2013 and over the past couple of years they have working to deliver their vision. I played the opening track “Borderline” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 13th January.
Read more: NI ROCKS Recommends "In The Heat of the Night" by AGES OF REFLECTION
Mike Tramp releases his latest album entitled “Maybe Tomorrow” via Target Records on 24th February. He’ll be following that up with a UK tour that once again sees him return to the Diamond Rock Club in Ahoghill on 18th March. It will be almost exactly 18 months since his last appearance there, promoting his previous album “Nomad”. That album had been seen as the final part of a trilogy that commenced with “Cobblestone Street” and “Museum”. Thankfully, any perception that there might be some “down-time” from Mike Tramp following the trilogy has proven to be wrong and he is back with another great album. I played the lead-off single “Coming Home” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 20th January and the track “Rust and Dust” on the Show on 24th February.
Read more: NI ROCKS Recommends "Maybe Tomorrow" by MIKE TRAMP
Three reasons to recommend “Wild At Heart” by The Wild which was released via Steamhammer / SPV on 17th February – (1) It’s a great album. (2) They’re Canadian – and who doesn’t love the Canadians! (3) I get to write about guys called Dylan Villain, The Kid, Boozus and Reese Lightning – awesome!!
I played the track “Livin Free” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 27th January and “White Devil” on the Show on 24th February.
American Idol finalist James Durbin and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi have been working on a collaboration entitled Maps To The Hollywood Scars. Their first 5 song EP Volume One was released worldwide via New Ocean Media on 17th February. It can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon and all digital and streaming outlets. The first single from the EP is the song “Till Death” which will feature on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 24th February.
Read more: NEWS UPDATE - Debut EP from MAPS TO THE HOLLYWOOD SCARS