Released by: Self
Release Date: August 5th, 2022
Genre: Hard Rock
Links: https://davidreadman.com/
Line Up:
Vocals: David READMAN (PINK CREAM 69, VOODOO CIRCLE)
Guest: Many
Tracklist:
Madame Medusa
The Fallen
Generation Dead
Turned To Black
Shelter From The Storm
Change The World
Mary Jane
Children The Thunder
Summer Wine
King Who Lost His Throne
When we speak about outstanding vocalists in Rock, one name that may not slip off people’s tongues is the talented vocalist David Readman. His vastly underrated catalog would surprise any newcomer not familiar with his work. From his times in the underappreciated Pink Cream (PC69) band; which started in 1995 to his work with Voodoo Circle and even his versatility in the progressive metal project with Adagio. His body of work speaks for itself. But when it comes to his solo production, Readman’s debut solo hasn’t been heard of since it came in 2007, some 15 years ago. But don’t let that fool you for a minute if you thought his new solo album titled “Medusa” wasn’t going to blow your mind and remind you why he remains one of the strongest voices in Hard Rock, because one peak at the new album and you can already tell it will be highly touted.
Crowdfunding has been a source of a lot of indie bands and artists finding a manageable way to get their music out in this big ocean of potential, often left unforeseen due to lack of budget and or lack of interest from major labels. What better way to engage new fans and old ones than to get help from your fans to begin with? This has proven to be a safe avenue for many artists now to deliver new works and to please fans as they get to personal interaction and more music geared at your most fanatical of people. I think it works out great for many artists that rely on their funding to make music. let’s face it living off the land that is this crazy music industry now, is tough and many have day jobs that don’t revolve around the music. Readman went the crowdfunding way for this solo project and it has worked out just fine. His plea to the fan base worked out, and in the pandemic world we have gone through, it was tough to get on with a label so smartly choosing this avenue was a sound decision. Making a solo record is just that much closer to one’s heart as more personal touches get cemented in the output; not to mention the fans just feel that much closer to the material done this way. Readman managed to get the funds necessary and here we have it, folks!!! Is it worth the wait? Yes yes it sure is!!!
Right from the onset, you get a banger of a tune in “Madame Medusa” and Readman comes out firing on all cylinders. This tune here sounds like something that could be put on any PC69 greatest hits. A quick up-tempo melodic burner, David’s vocal range is fantastic and the hooks in this tune are what he has made a staple of throughout his long career. Cheers to the guest vocals of Jessica Conte on this tune, terrific stuff. Excellent opener!!! The harder uptempo pace keeps churning via “The Fallen”, another track that features Readman power vocals in full swing. The guitar solo here is particularly of note, nice uplifting and rising anthemic hooks all over this one. The mid-tempo groovy “Turned To Black” is another highlight for me, with more quality melodic hooks. The intro keys lay a nice foundation in “Shelter From The Storm”, as Readman through no fault of his sounds like iconic legend David Coverdale, I’m not much for comparisons but his voice often can be compared to the great Whitesnake vocalist. This is another outstanding song that keeps the flow of the record strong, the choruses and guitar solo are very strong in this one.
The soulful chorus and backbone in “Mary Jane” has a nice 70’s vibe to it, the guitar riffage in this one is pretty cool, and the trippy lyrics bring a witchy woman vibe to the tune. The shapeshifting pace in “Children of Thunder” is another standout track, as Readman continues his solid vocal work here providing spitfire lyrics; and the savory rhythm makes you headbang right along. The choruses in “Summer Wine” perhaps have one of the most infectious vocals on the record, David is flying high as his highs are superb, which only benefits the song even more. The music overall is tremendous on this tune. As good as anything I have heard all year.
His second solo offering was definitely worth the wait and having on board some cool musicians the likes of Roland Grapow, Simone Mularoni, and Eric Ragno, among many others, only adds more credibility to the overall production and final output. The mix was done by the terrific Dennis Ward, no surprise at the quality of the product here. Overall the record flows smoothly and it goes by too quickly, you know you have a banger here when most of the songs are excellent and just plainly Rock Out. Not to anybody’s surprise that has followed Readman’s career, most of his material is always top-notch. Hopefully this one lands on many top albums of the year lists as it does deserve recognition. May we please have another?
Written by: Shadow Editor
Rating 9/10
Editors Pick 
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