Rock music and Sweden once again go hand in hand, but this time it isn’t melodic death metal out to catch you attention. It is now classic rock, courtesy of the young quintet known as The Gloria Story. Mixing some modern touches into music clearly inspired by the pioneers of rock, the guys from Skövde have released a gem of an album entitled Shades Of White.
Formed in early 2009, The Gloria Story decided to reach back to roots rock for inspiration while maintaining a crisp and modern tone. As one listens to Shades of White, the influences of Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick and Kiss are obvious, but in no way derivative. The music is undoubtedly modern and fresh, and the band does its best to pay tribute to the greats without imitating them. Fronting the band are vocalists Joan “Kid” Sallrot and Filip Rapp. Besides doing a commendable job in front of the mic, both also contribute solid guitars throughout. Carl Ahlander also slings the guitar with fire and enthusiasm, providing the opportunity for some slick harmonies and neat and tidy solos. The real heartbeat of the music however is the solid teamwork by Joakim Ståhl (bass) and Henrik Siberg (drums). These guys are shy and really know how to drive a song without being too “in your face.”
The album is engineered with a good bit of warmth, and a mix that favors bass and drums equally with guitars and vocals. It definitely has a bit of old school feel to it, and no trace of the coldness or sterility of the more modern genres. Nicely balanced recording serves to enhance the quality of the music rather than distract the listener. The songs on Shades Of White are well structured and well written with an enthusiastic spirit and good humor. The band operates as a unit with a great deal of teamwork and no glory hogs to make simple and basic rock music.
Overall, The Gloria Story’s Shades of White is a very good album. There is nothing revolutionary here, nothing truly groundbreaking – but the performances are energetic, enthusiastic and above all, fun. This is the kind of music that will get hands clapping and feet tapping. After all, isn’t that what rock and roll is all about?
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Highly recommended for all fans of classic rock, particularly late 70s rock and roll. If you are looking for dark or heavy, look away, but if you want some light-hearted and enjoyable rock then do not let The Gloria Story pass you by.
01. Valentino
02. Total Stranger
03. When Hearts Cease To Bloom
04. Highway
05. That 70’s Night
06. Baby Let The Good Times Roll
07. I Don’t Wanna Be Your Bet
08. I Can Make You Run
09. 15000 Ft.
10. It’s Forbidden To Make You Mad
Joan “Kid” Sallrot - Guitar,Vocals
Filip Rapp - Guitar,Vocals, Percussion
Joakim Ståhl - Bass, Backing Vocals
Carl Ahlander - Guitar
Henrik Siberg - Drums
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THE GLORIA STORY – SHADES OF WHITE (2011)