World5
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3/6/2013 2:16:08 AM
WORLD5: “Man Of Action” – New Single Coming 12th March 2013!
WORLD5: “Man Of Action” – New Single Coming 12th March 2013!
By Rick Jamm on March 5, 2013 in Reviews
Rating: 5.0/5
WORLD5 a unique band formed with musicians from the United States, New Zealand, Germany and Sweden. The band is comprised of five talented musicians who not only come from different countries and cultures but compose the band’s songs from the comfort of their own homes.
About a year ago we positively reviewed their “Global Experience” album, branding WORLD5 as a group who: “Play a sophisticated brand of Adult Orientated Pop/Rock, that is both nostalgic and fresh sounding. Their musical arrangements embrace the same lusciously controlled-power concept, that made supergroup Toto a household name, with some traces of the creative Yes sound.” Confirming, that their sound had: “Flamboyant rhythms, layers of shimmering strings, acoustic pianos and stabbing horns, all driven by exquisite electric guitar hooks and beds of catchy vocal harmonies.”
Well since then, some things have changed. Pat Hunt ( lead vocals, keyboards) and Randy Miller (bass, vocals), both Grammy winning artists, have become World5’s newest members, replacing Don Bruner and Roland Childs respectively. Steffan Goeres (lead & acoustic guitars, trumpet, flugelhorn), Stephan Goessl (saxophone, keys) and Raimund Breitfeld (drums, percussion) make up the rest of the original band, who all know each other well enough musically, and also as friends.
WORLD5 will be releasing their much awaited single, “Man Of Action”, featuring new members Pat and Randy, on the 12th of March. The single which describes trying to live up to unreal expectations in a relationship, showcases yet another change in the band’s overall aura. The Toto and Yes influences, so firmly heard on “Global Experience”, are still there, but have given way slightly, to introduce a smoother, brassy-sounding pop feel, very reminiscent of top group, Chicago. In particular what is generally known as Chicago’s ‘third era’ or the ‘David Foster Era’, which covered the years 1982-1987 (or rather the albums Chicago 16 through Chicago 18).
It was then, that Chicago began to move toward an Adult Contemporary Sound. Many criticized this change, but Foster got the band back on track commercially and still respected. With “Man Of Action”, WORLD5 succeed in bringing back that golden sound of Adult Orientated Pop/Rock, when music was actually arranged thoroughly in all its parts…without Protools!
Guitar riffs, bass-lines, keyboards, strings, horns and even percussion, sound perfectly contemplated and placed, like tiny little pieces into a gigantic, full color puzzle. Copy and paste, or drag and drop (though quite probably used in the recording and mixing processes) sound like terms that just don’t match too well with WORLD5’s authentic full-blown arrangements.
One thing that is most noticeable about WORLD5's new single is that it has a certain style, unfound in the major part of today’s music releases. The keyboard arrangements have a distinctive and dominant sound, while often there is a wide variety of instrumentation – especially an infusion of horns and guitars, which make their sound infectious.
WORLD5's ability to produce a great, timeless sounding single, is very evident, as “Man Of Action” confirms that WORLD5 are evolving into something special. Would-be big selling single or not, there is excellent music and musicianship to be found here.
A combination of excellent instrumentation, dynamic vocals, and captivating lyrics, makes this a welcome entry in anyone’s musical library. Don’t hesitate on this one!
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