Whether it’s performing, writing, or recording, Alessandro Del Vecchio has shaped the modern AOR scene as we know it. Participating in more bands and projects than I could possibly list, Del Vecchio is Frontiers Records’ designated hitter so to speak. Pair him with one of the premiere AOR frontmen of the past 20 years (Work of Art’s Lars Säfsund), and you’ve got yourself a magical outing in Lionville’s fourth album, Magic is Alive.
Over the last decade, we’ve seen Frontiers spearhead many projects and supergroups that came and went. Some were memorable. Some not so much. Lionville has weathered the storm thus far and it’s not surprising why. Beside the tremendous talent of Del Vechio and Säfsund, the music is uplifting and carefree AOR. It transports many back to the days when MTV still played music videos, hairspray was the norm, and the only question on everyone’s mind was, “Where’s the beef?”
Magic is Alive is about as pure of an AOR album as you can make in 2020. The opening track, “Nothing Without You”, boasts a massive production, dreamy synthesizers, crunchy guitars (though not too crunchy), and a chorus that’s both harmonious and anthemic. This formula is utilized to its fullest extent throughout the course of the album. Each song is a light hearted trip down musical memory lane. The positive energy of “You’re Not Alone”, arena rock melodies of “Every Little Thing (Leads Me Back to You)”, and nostalgic reminiscing of the closing title track are bound to leave a smile on the face of any self respecting melodic rock fan.
Despite being a Euro based supergroup, Lionville taps into the west coast time and time again. It’s easy for AOR bands to fall into this worship/trap considering some of the genre’s flagship names hail from the west coast (Journey, Toto, Night Ranger, etc.) But these west coast leanings are more evident on “Reaching for the Sky” than any other track. Did Lionville really just drop a smooth, suave, yacht rock song in the middle of an album of high energy melodic rockers? Yes. Yes they did. And it rules. It’s my choice cut on Magic is Alive and if it weren’t for The Night Flight Orchestra’s “Curves”, it’d win “yacht rock song of the year” award.
In these trying times, we need an occasional reminder that Magic is Alive. This album does that and then some. If you’re looking for an escape from the hassles of everyday life, head on down to Lionville, where only AOR is real.
7 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Work of Art, Toto, Survivor