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)
Hard Rain – Hard Rain (1997) (Expanded Edition), MP3+FLAC
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