HARTMANN – Hands On The Wheel

Hands On The Wheel is the 6^th studio release from Germany’s Modern Rock/Melodic Rock veterans Hartmann.  Formed in 2005 by lead vocalist/guitarist Oliver Hartmann, the band has enjoyed many opportunities to tour with some of Melodic Rock’s finest artists over their careers, including Toto, Uriah Heep and Y&T, to name a few.  Hartmann definitely land on the Melodic side of the Melodic Rock genre.  Their intensity level calls to mind Mr. Big.  Not aggressive, good melody and hooks, and relaxed tempo.  In fact, Eric Martin of Mr. Big provides guest vocals on track 4, “Simple Man” (not the Skynyrd song).

Hartmann’s vocals immediately call to mind David Coverdale, particularly in the higher registers, and the music is laid back, bluesy and groovy.  Keys, especially the B3, abound, laid down by Jimmy Kresic, the drums and bass provide a steady but relaxed pocket, thanks to bassist Armin Donderer and drummer Markus Kullman, and guitarist Mario Rack makes use of some very traditional bluesy rock devices and effects to round out the sound.  Standout tracks include “Last Plane Out”, “Your Best Excuse”, and “Don’t Want Back Down” are straight ahead rockers, and there are many flavors to experience in the rest of the 12 tracks comprising Hands On The Wheel.  Fans of Melodic Rock, Mr. Big, and Hartmann’s previous work should check it out.

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