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 Sound Clips
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First Shot from the hip DELETED esm071 Marc LaFrance - Lead Vocals, Percussion (Blackstone, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Bon Jovi) Dave Pickell - Keyboards (Bryan Adams, BLVD) Peter Clarke - Bass, Vocals (Straight Lines, Body Electric) Doug Edwards - Guitars, Keyboards (Skylark, Nick Gilder, BLVD) Like a breath of fresh air, First Shot come straight at ya and give a fantastic display of fine pop rock that ranges from heart-wrenching ballads through catchy beats and choruses to highlight on spontaneous outbursts of hard rock. There has always been a magic about Canadian rock and First Shot are no exception to the rule. Marc LaFrance, who has a strong pedigree in the Canadian rock scene, and is no stranger to the Escape label, fronts the band. Many will remember his fine performance on the Blackstone album (ESM 021) and his work on many well-known albums over the years. The opening chords of the title track will certainly impress, the quality production stands out, and bands such as Aerial, Body Electric and Leyden Zar come rushing through. Third track "Lost without your love" has "instant hit" written all over it as it was of those immense ballads that tug the heart strings, the sort of melody that would be at home on a Chicago album. Then the speakers explode with sheer force of "Caught in a Hurricane", a song that mixes the lyrical sense of Bryan Adams and infuses it with the hard rock aggression of Nightranger. "No Fun Anymore" rattles along at break neck speed with some great guitar work from Doug Edwards, then we are introduced to "Turn to me", a tune with a mesmerising rhythm that has a distinct air of Canadian favourites Saga. "Can't stop the rain" is a haunting song; clever use of keyboards to emulate falling rain makes sure that this song won't be forgotten in a hurry. Then the mood swings into Genesis territory, the tune "Take a chance on love" has a great chorus and has beautiful layered keyboards and a powerful percussive beat. "Heartbreak Avenue" is one of the album highlights and boasts a chorus so catchy that you will be singing it weeks after you first played it. By now, you will have realised that First Shot is a first class recording and has all the elements of becoming a huge hit with rock and pop fans alike. The later tracks like "What's so good about him" and "Action" are great examples of Canadian rock in the manner of Boulevard, Nightranger and Agent, the latter especially so with that ripping guitar sound. The final bow of "Being with the one I love" is a powerful piano drenched song layered with harmony vocals that are to die for. First Shot fire from the hip and are sure to hit home; this is by no means the last you will hear of this promising Canadian quartet |
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