Passion’s debut album brings another great melodic rock album from the label Frontiers Records. The self-titled album came out back on January 24th, 2020 so I am a little late to the party. Better late than never I always say…okay, not really. I am sure you have some questions, so let’s get to those.
Question #1: Who are they?
Answer #1: The band is a four piece with the following members…
Lion Ravarez – Vocals
Chance Vanderlain – Guitar
Weston James – Bass
Bobby Laker – Drums
Lion Ravarez is actually Daniel Rossall, former singer of the band Night by Night. His love for the 80’s music inspired the band and created something special.
Question #2: Why is this one worth listening to over all the label’s other releases or any other releases period?
Answer #2: Simple…it takes you back to the 80’s hard rock you grew up loving (well, grew up with if you are my age).
Question #3: What do they sound like?
Answer #3: Think Dokken, Slaughter and Danger Danger all rolled in to one. A voice that can mirror Ted Poley (“Trespass on Love”), Don Dokken (“Lost in the Dark”) and even go all Mark Slaughter on you (“She Bites Hard”). It is the best of everything you love about the 80’s from rockers to ballads what more could you want.
Question #4: What are the best songs on the album?
Answer #4: It would be too easy to say everyone of them, so I will give you some that really standout. I have mentioned a few above in Question #3…
- “Too Bad for Baby” sounds like Damn Yankees (and I think I read somewhere Rossall contributed to Revolution Saints with Jack Blades…if so…coincident…I think not)
- “Back” has this confidence and strut to it and a vibe that fits almost any 80’s band
- “We Do What We Want” – the Danger Danger vibe is strong with this one as did I mention that Lion sounds a lot like Ted…oh yeah, I did, so it must be true!!
I hope that answered all your questions. The album is a blast from the past and brings back the fun in rock that is surely missing nowadays. I needed that lift right now with something that reminded me of old times, but still grounded enough that it sounded fresh to me. Passion is a total blast. They are a little of a parody of the genre and that is okay because I know they are for real. I will give it a 4.5 out of 5.0 Stars.
Oh, sorry, you have one more question…
Question #5: Should I Buy this album?
Answer #5: Hell YES!!!!
Nice album.
You should also give their Under The Covers EP a listen. It was released recently.
They cover Poundcake from VH, Up All Night from Slaughter, Lovin’ You Is A Dirty Job from Ratt and Easy Come And Easy Go from Winger.
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I’ve heard that. Really great. Not the same old same old covers either.
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On the Passion album the opening track main riff, brings back memories of “Ive Had Enough” from Kiss.
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Oooh. Yeah, you are right.
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Will check them out due to your enthusiasm John!
Great stuff. It’s always a cool thing to come across new bands at this point in our lives! lol
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Yes it is. And I like it when the make me think of music I grew up with. Always a plus.
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I think that’s why I like the darkness debut so much – rock with a bit of fun works for me!
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Absolutely! That Darkness one was a blast.
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I like your new banner!
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Thanks Jay! I really appreciate that.
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Fun write up. Will check them out for sure.
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Thanks. Sometimes I need to do it a little different than my normal way. Keeps it interesting for me.
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I don’t mind this at all! It’s going to take a few more songs for me to gain a “passion” but this is very good. I hear a lot of that Dokken sound for sure.
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It is a fun album. They were their influences on their sleeve for sure. And I don’t know if I have a “passion” for them, but what a nice surprise they were.
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