As requested, here’s the Magnum spin-off HARD RAIN, the band formed in 1996 by guitarist / songwriter Tony Clarkin and vocalist Bob Catley when Magnum momentarily split a year before. HARD RAIN released two albums, and disbanded when Magnum reformed in 2001.


The first album, self-titled “Hard Rain“, has been reissued in this ”Expanded Edition”, remastered and including bonus tracks.
After Magnum split up, Tony invited Bob to help him finish off a few demos. The demo secured a record deal with German label Sophomore GmbH, so they made the decision to form a new band, rather than re-form Magnum. While a full band was assembled and Hard Rain did successful tour presenting the album, the studio recording is essentially Clarkin / Catley performing all instruments and vocals, with female Sue McCloskey contributing backing vocals
Musically this is very similar to Magnum late Eighties / early Nineties in terms of sound, with some surprises here and there.

The vocals are distinctly Catley, and Clarkin’s songs are superb as ever. But don’t go expecting a full Magnum sound – that’s why the duo formed this other band, Hard Rain.
There are similarities, but this is less pomp & circumstance without Magnum’s fantastic imagery and a more straight hard rock affair with a polished and slightly commercial edge. However, it’s too full bodied to be considered commercial in the American sense.

Opener ‘Rage On’ is a classic sounding song, there’s bluesy melodies on ‘Stop Me From Loving You’, ‘Different Kind of Love’ is pretty Magnum, then ‘Shame For The Bad Boy’ is more anthemic with a cool tribal drum sound. The intricate keyboards bolster the sound well. Even the ballads sound good.
A must listen for Magnum fans and fans of classic Brit melodic hard rock.

 

Tracklist:

1. Rage On
2. Shame For The Bad Boy
3. You'd Start A Fight
4. Stop Me From Lovin' You
5. Lookin' For A Way
6. Cry Cry Cry
7. I Must Have Been Blind
8. Perpetual Commotion
9. Different Kind Of Love
10. Another Nice Mess
11. That Ain't Love
bonus
12.Stop Me From Loving You (Single Version)

turbo FLAC

mirror link on file:
Hard Rain – Hard Rain (1997) (Expanded Edition), MP3+FLAC
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