VELVET THUNDER

I have not come across the band Save The World before and now we have two albums from them with One being a re-issue of the debut which originally came out on 2017 and, logically, Two being the second and new album out in May 2021.

Let’s have a quick look at One, the reissued debut first from this trio of well established and most talented musicians from Nashville, Tennessee and it is quite amazing just how evocative those two simple words are as ‘Nashville Tennessee’ is a musical heritage to be justifiably proud of. First of all, the label files the band under hard rock but I would suggest cultured melodic rock, AOR and a touch of classic rock/pop would cover the bands style more thoroughly. The remit of the band seems to have been to produce classic music that inspires and contains plenty of hooks and infectious melodies to maintain interest throughout and ensures that you thoroughly engage with the band.

The band comprises Dan Tracey a most fine singer, song writer and guitarist who has written scores for TV and films and is currently performing with the Alan Parson Live Project. Actually, as I was listening to the first album I wrote down some of the influences you can detect in the music and I noted the Beatles, 10CC, Mike & The Mechanics and Alan Parsons with the album being very much melodic meets art rock. Given the names mentioned then it is hardly surprising that this is very cultured rock music with the songs being perfectly compiled and played to perfection; these guys seem to have the same work ethic and high standards of Steely Dan! Robert Wright is an equally multi talented musician, song writer and award winning producer and he shares singing duties as well as playing bass and lead guitar, keyboards and drums. As if that wasn’t enough, they then have Jon Wysocki, founder member of Staind, supplying drums and percussion. Together they have produced a classy AOR/art rock album that is technical and complex yet, paradoxically, sounds fresh, simple and easy listening but scratch the surface and you find a whole new world to explore. Alan Parson also makes short guest appearance which only helps to strengthen the Parsons sound on this very fine album that is a real cornucopia of delights.

Line-up:

Dan Tracey – Lead & background vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards, drums.
Robert Wright – Bass, electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards & synthesizers, drums, cellos, lead & background vocals.
Jon Wysocki – Drums, percussion

With additional Musicians:

Joey Hodge – String arrangement/programming on Comic Con.
Jeffrey Sturms – Piano on The Light.
David Albro – Bass on Cecilia Weiss.
Todd Cooper – Saxophone on Cecilia Weiss.
Deena Bistodeau – Violins on Bleed.
Alan Parsons – Spoken word on Circus Maximus.

The new album Two sees the band now operating as a duo following the departure of Jon Wysocki but is still very much a continuation of the gorgeous and sublime melodic rock seen on the debut. These guys certainly know how to write classy and emotion filled songs with intelligent lyrics and stories that are interesting and make you want to know more; as usual the more you put into a work then the more you get out of it!

The music is played in exemplary fashion and these must be two of the finest multi talented musicians on the planet and their combined voices are a wonder to behold. Now, do not put these albums on and expect churning guitar, portentous riffs or macho lyrics as this is not their style. However, if you want perfectly crafted AOR that you can listen to and continue to discover something new in it then this is most definitely recommended for you. Again, the themes and concepts as explored by Alan Parsons in his long and illustrious career have guided Tracey and Hodge but these are not mere Parsons clones as they still have all the beauty and symmetry of the Beatles contained within their music and songs that Lennon and McCartney would have been pleased with.

If music should progress and grow in an organic fashion then this is most definitely progressive rock and damned good it is too. Both albums can be played low and quiet if you are in reflective mode or loud and raucous if you need a perfect pick me up and under headphones the music is different again. Each listener will find something new in these two wonderful albums and you are most definitely recommended to go on a journey with Save The World; you will enjoy travelling, learning and developing with them.

Line Up:

Dan Tracey – vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards, backing vocals, percussion.
Robert Wright – drums, percussion, bass, vocals, keyboards, guitars, strings.