Angeline - Confessions (2010)

Angeline were a Swedish band that I initially thought might get reissued on the AOR-FM label a few years back. It wasn't to be (or perhaps my imagination was running away from me). Instead, this hard rock/AOR outfit from Sweden's North finally release their first proper CD, even if it's taken them a few years and more than a few heartbreaks along the way. I won't go into any detail on their earlier bio, you can read it here... Named after that classic Paul Sabu track, Angeline have been in business since 1987, with more ups and downs than Aussie soccer star Harry Kewell's football career. They have actually released three prior recordings, 1990's 'Don't Settle For Second Best' which was a mini LP, 1994's 'Rain [ep]' plus a 1997 CD of cover songs. The band called it quits in 2001, but like many bands who have been reclaimed from the fires of the past in typical Phoenix like fashion, Angeline too have reformed thanks to renewed interest and of course.. the Net. Back into the studio during 2009, the band have released 'Confessions', a 12 track CD, plus the additional of two bonus tracks. You're all waiting with bated breath to find out who these guys compare to. Well, a magical blend of Harem Scarem and FM (UK) is evident on the first half of the album, Angeline then move into a groove/hard rock sound for the second half, sounding very modern, not unlike recent efforts from German outfits Demon Drive or Mad Max.