This is the first CD from an American/Dutch band called "Challenge." The band mainly consists of female singer Allison Lindsay and Dutch born guitar player Arno Verstappen plus some guest musicians who played for the likes of Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, Steve Vai and Alice Cooper.
Musically the band can be compared to such bands as Heart, Laos and Jaime Kyle..so the music is called AOR. The album title "Acoustic Universe" is some kind of programme for this album: acoustic guitars everywhere with some piano and hammond stuff added. Over all stands the fantastic performance of Allison Lindsay. She's got a very smooth voice and fits perfect into to the very slow rock songs.
Most of the tunes are Melodic Rock ballads. My favorite songs include "Angel's Scared To Fly" which is in fact a classic rock song with some touch of Sheryl Crow and "Don't Look Back" which comes along with a fantastic acoustic guitar solo in the middle-part of the tune. Other highlights include, "When Love Finds A Fool" that shows all the bands great musicianship and has got great melodies and choruses. Song No. 6, "Wake Into Daylight," comes along in a very kind of melancholy way which reminds me of Alannis Morissette a bit. A good tune as well.
Finally, I have to say that I like this album because musicianship is great and "Challenge" have something unique to offer: a very own sound. But I have also to say that I'm a little tired about all those completely acoustic albums. Maybe the variety of songs could be a little more wide open on the next "Challenge" record. Anyway, "Acoustic Universe" is a very courageous debut album...I don't know any other band who released a fully acoustic album as their first offer...If you like great Rock Music with acoustic guitars, check out this promising band.
Contact:
ALV Music
P.O. Box 36755
Los Angeles, CA 90036
USA
e-mail: Challenge
Homepage: Challenge
line-up:
Allison Lindsay - vocals
Arno Verstappen - guitars
tracks: 10
time: 41:06 min
label: ALV Music
producers: Challenge
released: 1996
home countries: USA/ The Netherlands