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DataReleased March 2011Format CD Type Studio Genre Hard Rock N of discs 1 Edition date March 2011 Label Target Records ReviewREVIEWER: RAYMOND "EVERYBODY LOVES RAY" COONEN
Mike Tramp made big name with White Lion; a band that was formed in 1983. Mainly active in the 80s and early '90s, the band achieved double platinum status with their two top ten singles 'Wait' (highest position no 8) and 'When The Children Cry' (no 3) from their second album called 'Pride'. The band continued their success with their third album 'Big Game' which included 'Cry For Freedom' that even entered the top 40 (no 23) in the Netherlands. After the fourth album 'Main Attraction' (my favorite one) White Lion disbanded in 1992, but was reformed again by Tramp in 1999 with all new band members.
After White Lion, Mike Tramp went on to form Freak Of Nature in 1993, releasing two studio albums. Tramp has released also four studio albums and one live album as a solo artist. Today Tramp continues his solo career, now forming his latest act, "Mike Tramp & the Rock n Roll Circuz", a Copenhagen-based band with all Danish members. So you can easily say Mike Tramp never sits still!
'Stand Your Ground' is from A to Z an one level heavier version of Mike Tramp's solo work. The band (as their name suggests) leans heavy on the unique voice and skills of Mike Tramp. The songs sound more or less all alike... but that is a thing you can expect is you followed Mike Tramp's life path the last ten years. No extreme overproduced songs or massive vocal choruses. Well, what can you expect from 'Stand Your Ground'? Eleven ,from the first time you hear them, great rock ‘n’ roll songs with melody lines that will stick in your head. Songs like 'Don’t Let Them Put You Down', 'Distance', 'Straight From The Look In My Eyes' (this one could have been a great White Lion song) , 'Wish You Well' and 'The Soldier Never Started A War' are highlights on the album. The last title reminds me also a little bit of White Lion. Mike and his gang weren’t afraid to write songs about political or social topics. Think of White Lion’s 'Little Fighter', 'Cry For Freedom' and 'War Song'.
All tracks on 'Stand Your Ground' are played very well and I think that the band will kick ass on a live stage, although I miss some mind-blowing guitar solo here and there. 'Stand Your Ground' ends with a bonus song 'Hymn For Ronnie' the beautiful tribute of epic proportion written for the late legend Ronnie James Dio. "Hymn To Ronnie", clocking in at almost 8 minutes long, takes you through a magical journey of RJD's life, and you will be left breathless at the end. The ultimate tribute ever... great lyrics, really good written... thanks Mike.
LINE UP:
Mike Tramp - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Claus Langeskov - Bass
Søren Andersen - Guitar
Morten Hellborn - Drums
Emily Garriock - Vocals, Keyboards
Produced by Mike Tramp & Søren Andersen
'Hymn For Ronnie' mixed by Michael Voss
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