Released by: Metal Blade Records
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Genre: Hard Rock
Links: https://www.facebook.com/talasv2
Line Up:
Phil Naro
Billy Sheehan
Kire Najdovski
Mark Miller
Tracklist:
1. Inner Mounting Flame
2. I’ll Take The Night
3. Crystal Clear
4. Don’t Try To Stop Me Tonight
5. Do You Feel Any Better
6. On The Take
7. Come When You Call
8. The Power To Break Away
9. Black & Blue
10. Close To The Killer
11. 7IHd h
Buffalo rock ‘n’ roll legends are back!!! The Billy Sheehan lead 80’s Rockers managed after such a long time to reunite and finished recordings that we’re done mostly in 1985. Always amazing to see bands that never came to be, and by this, I mean no disrespect to Talas, they should have been bigger than they were. Their melodic hooks, and anthem laden material that they released in their eponymous debut in 1979 and later took it a step further with their follow-up with “Sink Your Teeth Into That” are fantastic records especially for fans that we’re into bands like Riot, Y&T etc.
This time around the lineup consists of Sheehan on Bass, the late great Phil Naro who passed on last year after a long battle with cancer, but managed to get the vocals recorded for the record before his untimely passing, drummer Mark Miller, and newcomer Kire Najdovski on guitar.
Talas wastes no time as they kick into retro style with the imposing “Inner Mountain Flame”, this one is a speed killer with Naro’s high-rising pipes taking over as the ultra tight rhythm/bass just crushes with precision. The frenetic pace continues with “I’ll Take The Night” with another up-tempo sultry number, killer guitar licks, and Sheehan’s monster thumping crushing it, memories of early Mr. Big previews for free here. The Police inspired number “Crystal Clear”, sounds like it was pulled straight out of an 80’s time capsule, another prime number with addicting rhythm and chorus and hooks all over dripping with nostalgia.
When listening to “Come When You Call”, this nitty and burner of a tune kicks it into high gear, with an addicting rhythm, and the verse here sounds like something straight out of a UFO – Stranger In The Night – same vibes. The bass play by Sheehan is again majestic, and the vocals by Naro are outstanding here. The only song not recorded in 1985 was “Black and Blue” and it plays very well in the overall scheme of the record, with a more laid-back groovy/bluesy rhythm that pulsates with freshness. The last song on the record features a Sheehan bass solo, what brass on the guy, super cool ending to an outstanding album.
The album artwork was conceptualized by legendary artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Fates Warning) who provides the classic Delorean from the Back to The Future Movies, perfectly portraying the whole core of this album. Even better Naro’s son, James, makes a guest appearance on the record also singing some harmonies, in a superb tribute to his late father. This one features so many hooks, tight grooves, sharp machination that was left mostly untouched, as Billy stated most of the songs have been left as they we’re in 1985, what a treat. The musicianshp is flat out outstanding which you come to expect from Billy, the drum work by Mark Miller is marvelous, and the vocals by Phil are lofty and magnificent, RIP to a great vocalist.
“1985” perfectly epitomizes in a way what the band’s journey was at their inception, from playing tons of gigs and taking years for the guys to land a record deal, and as Sheehan stated, “Because so many of them were there, with us, and a million other great bands that made the 80s such a special musical experience”. What a gem of a release, kudos for seeing it through the end and for the many legions of fans that we’re there before, they will be there again for sure. One of the best releases we have heard all year!!!
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 9/10
Editors Pick 
About Author
- Super Melodic
- 80's Classic
- Retro
- Musicianship
- 9
