OVERLAND – Break Away

Overland, the band, takes its name from founder and front man Steve Overland. Steve is probably best known for finding, singing and playing guitar in the 80s based British Melodic Rock band FM. Steve has had several projects before and after FM including most recently two releases with the group The Ladder, which in some ways was an extension of FM. 2008 sees Steve releasing his own solo album in Break Away and the results are nothing short of spectacular in the Melodic Rock category.

Steve has assembled some top musicians to help on this platter of twelve tracks as his main man, Anders Rydholm (Grand Illusion), has many of the duties including production. Another member from Grand Illusion is lead guitarist Ola af Trampe who puts in a very strong performance on this album with a blistering lead guitar sound. The infamous Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth) handles the drums and to ensure gold Overland ended up getting the infamous Tommy Hansen to handle the mixing.

Though Overland was credited for playing guitar and handling vocals with FM, here on this solo release, he stays real focused and handles only lead vocals… but that’s just fine since his Toto-like vocal approach really is the icing on the cake for this release.

Album opener “This Time” is a gem with various keyboard sounds, jabs of guitars and a strong rhythm section driven mainly by Bissonette’s powerful drumming. Add in some multi-tracked choruses and a metallic like guitar solo by Trampe and the track can be nothing short of spectacular. This kicks immediately into the edgier “Alive And Kicking” which is initially fueled by a buzz saw Trampe rhythm. “Break Away” is an up-tempo rocker replete with an arena like chorus.

“Like A River” is another melodic hotspot with its great chorus and a great guitar and keyboard jab harmony driving the tempo. There are a few ballads, not to be completely unexpected with a release like this. They are palatable but it’s the Melodic Rockers that will compel most fans to pick up this release.

Bottom line, if you’re a big fan of quality AOR or Melodic Rock à la Toto then this is a release you’ll find much to like about. Steve Overland’s emotive vocals hit the spot and Trampe’s lead guitars, along with Bissonette’s steady drumming, gives the music that overall kick in the pants.

Lineup

Steve Overland – Lead Vocals
Anders Rydholm – Guitars, Keyboards, Bass
Ola af Trampe – Lead Guitar
Gregg Bissonette – Drums