SLAMER
Mike Slamer, the mainman behind the wonderful brand new SLAMER "Nowhere Land" album released in Europe today - Sept. 22nd - sent his track by track comments for the songs included on the album. Enjoy the read and click on the songs titles to enjoy samples !
Nowhere Land
This was the first track written for the album. The first minute or so is a gradual atmospheric build into the song. Sets the stage for the album with a combination of powerful and subtle riffs. The lyrics are an observation on the increasing loss of identity, individuality and privacy.
Strength To Carry On
This was the first track that Billy Greer of KANSAS and SEVENTH KEY co-wrote with me for the album. Great melody and lyric reflecting on getting through life with the help of a special person. A great mid tempo melodic rock track.
Not In Love
Powerful instrumental intro releases into a strong almost funky guitar riff. Big smooth chorus. A little Mutt Lange'ish. The sort of track you'd expect from me.
Come To Me
This track turned out awesome. Based on a piece of music I wrote for a well known TV show. I always wanted to re visit this track and develop into a song. Billy did a great job writing the melody and lyric. Original title was Love's Fantasy (I hated that) and wanted to change it. I happened to see a movie called Dragonfly one night and that influenced the lyric change.
Higher Ground
I like the changes in this track and Terry Brock's vocal has such great attitude. A hint of City Boy in the pre-chorus but heavier.
The lyrics were inspired by a TV show I saw about a group of young marines, some going to and some already in, Iraq.
Jaded
I think this is also the sort of track people expect from me. Soft subtle opening building into a big powerful melodic chorus. Terry wrote the lyric and most of the melody and topped it of with a fabulous vocal performance.
Beyond The Pale
The second track based on an existing piece of music. A dark musical landscape sets up a very special lyric based on similar personal experiences that Terry and I had. Again, great writing and vocals from Terry.
Runaway
Probably the most 80's influenced track. Big grinding melodic rock.
Audio Illusion
More up beat melodic rock with a hint of City Boy. Pretty straight ahead until the middle. Lyrics comment on the state of pop music.
Perfect Circle
A positive track with a strong uplifting feel. This was going to be a bonus track but Frontiers wanted it on the album.
Superstar
This song has so many influences in it I don't know where to start. It's a musical journey with some of the softest and heaviest parts on the album. The lyric is about the demise of a Hollywood star. For me, this track absolutely completes the album.
A full sample of the album's title track can also be listened by surfing on the brand new Frontiers Records page on My Space: www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords