This time we got three artists of a musical style, which has been already declaired for dead. We call it Melodic Rock. - On the other hand - what is Melodic Rock? In my point of view, this is rockmusic like any other, sometimes a bit harder, sometimes a bit smoother and nothing new or different. I have mentioned this in the past already. That's why I keep some distance to this expression, because I think it is pretty superfluous.
Also the international music vibe is keeping distance  to those artists, who describe themselves as Melodic Rock Bands. Maybe they shouldn't do so.
Most of them live an underground existence and sometimes pop by to play in front of aprox. 100 people or so. Or they appear at festivals like Firefest in England or at the United Forces of Rock in Germany, where they bands get some 500 fans to check 'em out. Like I said in the beginning - rockmusic is rockmusic, and sometimes I ask myself, why exspecially those so called Melodic Rock Bands get so less attention internationally, despite a few exeptions. Maybe it's the lack of promotion, trend matters or the ignorance of the media world. You'll never know this exactly. 

                                                                                            

Fact is, that here we got three of those discribed artists, who went on a german tour together in a package. We got first of all the italian export 'Mitnite Sun', german rockers 'Hartmann' and the US-band 'House Of Lords'. A true multiculti club. While the first two acts are rather new on the scene with one or better two albums released so far, the third one, who is also the headliner tonight, is known for quite a few years now within Melodic Rock circles. But it doesn't help to develop  this evening to a big event, and some 100 fans only have found their way to the Backstage Club.  

                                          
Mitnite Sun are opener of the program, and I can't help the feeling, that this is only one of many other average MR bands - nothing special, nothing new. So 30 minutes are enough to be filled with mainly tracks of the 2005 album 'Groovin' Sexplosion'. Only the voice is worth mentioning, but that's all. In the end noone in here is sad, when the last cord is played.
http://www.midnitesun.it/

                                     


No. 2 is Oliver Hartmann, who supported Toto last year and has just released his second album 'Home'. this musician and singer made himself a name in the german rockscene during the last few years working with many other artists.
At some point he got the wish to start his own project, and so he founded 'Hartmann'. The debut album 'Out In The Cold' came out in 2005. - Live on stage you can easily make out, that Hartmann put out a certain potential, and solid guitar-rockmusic accompanied by Olivers powerful voice sticks in our ears. Congratulation, this is an almost perfect stint, I will remember. But he should really watch out to get a better support slot next time, like Toto. Otherwise the risk is too big, that this diamond gets lost as well in the huge and endless music landscape. Speaking for myself, Hartmann has been the true highlight of tonight. 

http://www.oliverhartmann.com/



                                                      

                                       


And last but not least 'House Of Lords' start their set with a big bang, which is lasting for the whole time of the gig. To get it straight - please don't forget your earplugs  next time, exspecially when the venue is as small as this here. Mr. James Christian does give us everything in that way. But a strong noise only,  does not make an impression that's for sure. 
Two years ago this band still played in the original line up at the Firefest. But nowadays James Christian, who is married to singer Robin Beck, has put a complete new band around him. No reasons given for that, but I name it assumingly personal or musical aspects - a very neutral notion. You can realize pretty soon, who is the boss here, and Mr. Christian shows this fact in his body language. He is right, because in the end, he's always been 'House Of Lords'  in first place - for many years and five albums alltogether.  Yes, the name is established within this small scene, only the recall tastes a little bitter. Because as well as the shape of the singer has suffered over the past years, also the reputation has gonne downhill at least here in Germany. Let's put it this way - times have changed. Songs like 'Love Don't lie' still get recognized  by some MR lovers, but they don't fix the problem. And also overdone solos of each musician don't help, exept for giving Mr. Christian a brief rest to relax in between due to a lack of condition - I guess.   
However, let's take this gig of 'House Of Lords' rather a nostalgic dejavu' to refresh our memories, - without edges, too straight and much too loud reigning down on us. Maybe this band should rather concentrate on festivals like the upcoming Z-Rock on june 27. in Wigan, England. Because there ain't no other place right now due to the current music trends and the lack of a fanbase. Sad but true.  

http://www.jameschristianmusic.com/