I’ve never been a fan of re-recordings. You see, I consider a record like a time capsule in a band’s career or if you prefer, like a chapter in a book that was written and doesn’t need any interventions. However, Mike Tramp attempted something special last year by approaching classic White Lion songs with the idea of adapting them to the voice, the attitude and a refreshed approach with all that implies. The result was excellent and rightly received positive reviews. So, the announcement of a second part of Mike’s project was something I personally looked forward to with great anticipation.
I must make it clear that these White Lion tracks are deeply burned in my DNA as I grew up with the classic albums by the American band but at the same time I have an unlimited appreciation for Mike Tramp’s gigantic solo career. So here we have a…best of both worlds as Van Halen would say. In the 80s White Lion stood out for three main things: Mike’s voice, Vito Bratta’s guitar and the sensitive lyrics. Now, we have the opportunity to enjoy these songs again with the voice of a 63-year old Tramp who brings out the meaning of these great songs even more with his tone and maturity. Of course, you should not go into the process of comparing these new versions with the original ones. On the contrary, one should approach them as new songs since the arrangements maintain the atmosphere of the original material but at the same time Tramp adds a contemporary dimension to the songs which, we repeat, are perfectly adapted to 2024.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Mike’s band – and guitarist Marcus Nand in particular – have done a flawless job in the studio. Definitely one of the best hard rock releases of the year and we hope to hear many of these songs in a concert…why not in Greece, too! Who knows…?
Highlight: The re-recording of “Lights and Thunder” is fantastic and looks on par with the first version as much as it sounds like an exaggeration.
