Classic melodic rock CD of the week

By Stephen Kasenda

BANGALORE CHOIR “On Target” (1992)

Bangalore Choir is a short-lived melodic rock act comprised of former Accept frontman, David Reece, and also ex-members of Hericane Alice. Playing with the typical sound of Bon Jovi and commercial Whitesnake, "On Target" is a sanctuary for melodic ears, but the real strong element inside is the Coverdalish singing style of Reece. His vocal performance is blazing and flawless on many varied tracks inside, from the fast-tempo rockers to the acoustic ballads.

"Angel In Black" will grab your attention instantly. This unreleased Autograph track was enhanced with the band's uplifting rhythm, and somehow turned out to be surprisingly awesome. "Loaded Gun" is the band's MTV-hit, a great commercial tune. "If The Good Die Young" is really a wonderful power ballad, one of their strongest tracks. The other ballad, "Hold On To You", is also quite okay, even though not nearly as great as the former. "All Or Nothin" and "Slippin' Away" are definitely their best tracks. The quick pace of intense hard rock rhythms combined with superb choruses and beautiful hooks are simply genius. The last track, "Just One Night", is also an underrated gem with an unbelievably majestic chorus. "Doin' The Dance", written by Jon Bon Jovi and Aldo Nova, ironically is the worst of a bunch.

After folding the cards, Reece resurrected the band in 2010 with their latest release, "Cadence". Apart from the fact that it's a good album and showed the band's heavier side, there's no doubt that "On Target" remained their best release. For fans of Bon Jovi, Warrant, or 80s Whitesnake, the recently remastered disc should be on your top-priority buy list if you don’t have it yet.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.