Mr Quinn - Walking Through Fire (CD)

Mr Quinn is a Swedish hard rock band from the Västerbotten region (up north). ”Walking Through Fire” is the band’s third album and just like on the predecessors the band has its feet firmly tucked down in the classic hard rock soil. It’s quite obvious that the band members grew up with bands like Rainbow, Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. But, there are also some more elements here, like in “My Recall” with its almost theatrical touch of pomp rock and a pinch of AOR. Also “Nothing Last Forever” has a theatrical touch, and a really nice chorus. The band has a new drummer since last time. Former Moon Safari man Tobias Lundgren proggy drum playing fits perfectly. Mr. Quinn are quite close to the musical vein of today’s Europe, but they have actually managed to find a slightly more melodically accessible vein. However, sometimes they are even a bit too poppy, like in the slightly bland AOR song “No Tomorrow”, and where ballad “My Love” is also passes by quite unnoticed. Unfortunately album closer “Don’t Hold Back” is a slight anti-climax, after the highly pleasant “It’s Up To You”. For the most part a really nice album, which despite a couple low points is recommendable.

Janne Stark

Country: Sweden

Year: 2019

Label: Self-released

Mr Quinn – Long Way To Hollywood (CD)

The band dates back to the 80s, which may not be that surprising when you listen to the album. This is classic seventies Deep Purple/Rainbow/Whitesnake style hard rock. Despite the long history of the band, “Long Way To Hollywood” is the band’s second album, released three years after the debut. I did like the debut, but this one is actually a few steps up the ladder. Johan Paavola is a really good singer, and even though he has quite a smooth and melodic voice, he does roar a bit from time to time. The mix is well-balanced and classic sounding, which suits the music perfectly. The songs may not be earth shattering, but they are highly enjoyable. It’s definitely as far from the terms “modern”, “nu” and “loops” you can get, and that is just fine by me. A classic sounding album for fans of classic hard rock.

Janne Stark

Label: private

Country: Sweden

Year: 2016