CHALLENGE-Spirit (Splash International)
It’s been quite some time since we wrote about this band for the first time. It was 1996, when we reviewed their CD “Accoustic Universe”, and did an interview with Allison Lindsay and Arno Verstappen. The title already tells you that this was an acoustic CD. Now they’ve got the amps plugged in and they surprise us even more with their new CD “Spirit”. Their catchy rock sound is ready for radio airplay. The horn section gives the songs a swinging mood, while Arno’s guitar puts the rock influences into the music. My thoughts directly went out to a band like TOTO. One minute, they really rock the hell out of you, while the next song will be a tender slow ballad. The same variation is on “Spirit”. Allison's voice is warm and she sings rock songs as easy as a tender ballad. “Lullaby” reminded me a bit of “Blue Bayou” of LINDA RONDSTADT, and it easily became one of the highlights to me. Next to the other ballad “Once Again”, that creates the same warm atmosphere. While “Too Late” is one of the most appealing rock songs on this album. An album, worthy of ten honest rock songs and forty-five minutes of great music. A giant step forward for a band, that already showed their talents on their debut CD. You can visit the website for all the latest news about this well- talented rock band. Just go to www.officialchallenge.com to find all the information you need. In the meantime I will give this disc another spin or two. [8 points] (Toine van Poorten)

ã 2003 Toine & Rita Van Poorten - Metal Maidens Magazine