by Paul Dyas

October 2000

This album seems to have been knocking around for a few years and the sleeve confirms that it was released in 1996.  After reading some pretty good reviews about this on a few aor/melodic rock websites we managed to track down lead vocalist Allison Lindsay who very kindly sent us in a copy to review.

Challenge in the main consists of two people, Lead Vocalist Allison Lindsay and Guitarist Arno Verstappen.  Both of these people are highly talented and have produced a wonderful slice of acoustic melodic aor/rock.

The vocals by Lindsay are beautiful and she clearly has a voice that will stun many and impress even more.  Comparisons with Ann Wilson of Heart can be made on many of the tracks with their 'The Road Home' album being an obvious reference point.

Guitarist and chief songwriter Arno Verstappen has the ability to add an extra dimension to the songs with most of his guitar-playing superb.  I would love to see this guy play some 'full-on' electric guitar.

The fact that this is an acoustic release means that the songs have to be very strong and there are no worries on that score as all 10 tracks are superbly written.

The stand-out tracks to me are  'How Does It Feel' & 'It's My Life' both are excellent.  If a large record company got their hands on this band then I am sure they could take them to a much bigger audience.

Lindsay tells me that the band are in the process of recording their second album and if they are open to a bit advice then I would suggest they include some electric tracks to supplement the acoustic numbers, as I am sure this will appeal to more people and probably gain the group more coverage in the music press.

If all goes according to plan with the new album I feel you will be hearing a lot more from this band. Overall then a wonderful release that fans of west-coast aor should track down immediately.  This is one challenge well worth accepting !!!

The band's website address :    http://home.earthlink.net/~challenge