| Musical Style: Classic Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: Mike Florio |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: 57:40 |
With the May of 2019 independent release of his third album Vanity Rock, Westchester County, New York native and vocalist/keyboardist Mike Florio takes a seventies influenced classic rock heading as opposed to the progressive sounds of debut and sophomore effort Arisen (2006) and Reconcile (2014), respectively. Not that this should surprise in light of how Florio composed the Vanity Rock material between 1983 and 1991, a period prior to him branching out into the progressive leanings he would assume in years to follow. Since the original recordings were on old cassettes, he re-recorded each song from the ground up but employing a vast array of musicians as opposed to the trio of Bill Thomas (guitars), Dave Bailey (bass) and Steve Golden (drums) on the aforementioned Arisen and Reconcile.
In terms of specifics, the artist (from his press material) ‘treated each song like a single - a small project unto itself - and that kept the whole process stress-free’. However, he did ‘make a couple of changes here and there - including some lyrics - but for the most part the goal was to come up with basic arrangements and hopefully have a little fun’. I cannot help but think Florio proves successful in this regard in that what I hear in Vanity Rock is the foundational sound that made Arisen (85% Angelic Warlord review) and Reconcile (80% review) such solid releases. No doubt, Vanity Rock derives strongly of classic rock but with repeat listen, I also hear aspects of AOR, hard rock, symphonic rock and progressive rock that would later impact his songwriting.
Album presents with choice variety accordingly, beginning with the heavier focus of opener “He Won’t Last”. Reveling in up-tempo energy, it is home to hard rocking guitars and cascading drums (ably performed by David Wallimann & Van Hunsberger) as symphonic keyboards brighten the backend and catchy hooks abound. Also of an upbeat nature is “Secrets Of Love”, rocking forwardly but combining a mirthful feel to reflect upon the jazzy with an intriguing melody driven vibe, and “Hit The Road”, a funk based rocker with a jam based instrumental opening that gives way to a cool (and quite engaging) dance like rhythm groove. Spicy lead guitar on former attributes to John Eargle and festive bass to latter Michael Delanni.
Album hits its stride on its wealth of mid-tempo material. Seventies rocker “Keep Me Going” is one of my favorites, distinctive to catchy hooks as organ and horn section along with a grooving bass line hold sway, as is “Going Home”, smooth and easy going as even bigger doses of organ coalesce with defined rhythm guitars to touch upon melodic hard rock. Tastefully done closing instrumental runs help further separate the two.
Also good is “Between Broken Hearts” as one of the albums slowest with its laid-back keyboard rooted vibe to touch upon the melodic and “Doldrums” in similar vein in manifesting defined AOR aspects to see moving vocal melodies and luxurious keyboards set the composed tone. Inherent to each is Florio’s crystalline and smooth classic tenor vocal qualities. Maintaining the mid-paced bent but not quite my cup of tea is “Next Sunny Day” with lounge like keyboards and bouncing rhythms carrying its distance. Far from bad and I do enjoy Steve Waite’s bluesy lead guitar but I tend to pass.
Vanity Rock is also home to two very well done ballads. “Reality” comes across piano based in this capacity with all the trimmings in the form of lush orchestration, keyboards and sweeping vocal melodies. Likewise with “The Journey” from a similar piano laced and layered vocal melody form but emanating of a more upraised tempo. I particularly enjoy the saxophone solo near the end.
As one might imagine, some of my choice Vanity Rock material is its most progressive. Seven minute “Hold Onto Your” emanates of the low-key and reserved, tasteful with its keyboard and organ emphasis but also sweeping in terms of the gentle twists and turns to build upon the manifold scene. Multiple instrumental excursions highlight moments both keyboard (noting the artist’s deft work) and bluesy to Southern lead guitar driven (ably done by Eric Benjamin Gordon).
“Love Is Free” also comes in at seven-minutes. It begins to a stunning orchestral instrumental opening highlighted by classical keyboards and church organ (akin to AD’s “The Fury” off Art Of The State) only to make an abrupt transition to a slower direction moving ahead. With Randy George’s jazzy bass leading the way, the song passes through reticent verse sections prior to impetus uplifting for an AOR tinctured refrain interwoven with stately vocal melodies. Wallimann returns on lead guitar to decorate the songs duel instrumental runs.
It is important to note Vanity Rock does NOT encompass a bunch of second best leftovers or throwaway tracks haphazardly put together. Rather, it represents a choice selection of album worthy cuts professionally recorded using top-flight musicianship. Yes, a bit of musical variety - classic rock to AOR to the progressive - but overall feel is a cohesive package of songs that make sense from one track to the next. This is more observation as opposed to critique, but I would like to have seen the album include an additional up-tempo song or two, noting the decided mid-tempo bent to Vanity Rock. That said if into any of the styles presented or a fan of the artists previous work then Vanity Rock comes strongly recommended.
Track Listing: “He Won’t Last” (4:07), “Doldrums” (5:34), “Next Sunny Day” (3:32), “Keep Me Going” (4:40), “Secrets Of Love” (3:18), “Reality” (4:14), “Hold Onto Your Heart” (7:15), “Between Broken Hearts” (4:11), “The Journey” (4:30), “Hit The Road” (3:17), “Going Home” (5:34), “Love Is Free” (6:47)
Musicians
Mike Florio - Lead Vocals & Keyboards
John Eargle - Guitars
Michael Delanni - Guitars & Bass
David Wallimann - Guitars
Matt Sweitzer - Guitars & Bass
Steve Waite - Guitars
Eric Benjamin Gordon - Guitars
Randy George - Bass
Clyde ‘Dave’ Bailey - Bass
Jaymi Millard – Bass
Sam Varon - Drums
Van Hunsberger - Drums
Frank Basile - Drums
