SECRET HEROES - Loose, High & Free

Rockparade Records

Posted: 1/23/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Hard Rock

Released: 2004

Label URL:

Artist URL: www.secretheroes.com

1/2

If you enjoy stripped-down, simply produced, early 80s hard rock, Secret Heroes will be of interest to you.  The band hails from Europe, but I’m not exactly sure what part.  They do not have a European sound, though.  In fact, they sound very American. 

After a short intro (“Ignition”), “Eternal Nights” opens with a catchy, quick paced guitar riff, something that you would have heard in hard rock’s early days.  This is nothing that you expect to hear nowadays, and that’s what makes it so inviting.  The vocal lines are hooky as well, sung by Fred Carson.  Carson’s voice is melodic, but un-schooled, giving it an honest, true, early-80s hard rock appeal.

“Eternal Nights” is the best track on the disc but “Same Player Shoots Again” and “20^th Century Survivor” come pretty darn close.  These songs have simple guitar riffs that are right up front.  “Highway Runner” and “Maybe Tomorrow” aren’t as guitar oriented.  Instead, they are a tad lighter and have an 80s pop rock appeal, but are very enjoyable.

The Bloody Truth:  I like these guys but I must admit that the production is a bit thin.  Carson could use better production on his vocals, and the overall instruments need some fattening up.  Despite this, I like Secret Heroes’ throwback sound and give the band props for going against the grain and issuing material in this vein.  If you love simple, straight-ahead hard rock from back in the day, then this is for you.  Sound samples can be heard here.  You can purchase the cd here.