Hardline – Life Live
Label: Frontiers Music
Release date: 14th February, 2020
Website: http://www.hardlinerocks.com
Well, you have the choice: If you want the original HARDLINE, you will be disappointed. Period. This is far from being the real McCoy, as the only survivor of the original band can be found in AXEL RUDI PELL crooner Johnny Gioeli. The other members of the band, Neal Schon, Johnny’s brother Joey, bassman extraordinaire, Todd Jensen and drum animal Deen Castronovo are long gone and have been replaced by rather unknown Italian musicians (except for keyboarder and Mr. Everywhere Alessandro Del Vecchio), who simply don’t have the mass appeal of the originals, let alone their charisma. Then again, if you simply miss HARDLINE’s music being performed live, this might be something for your collection. Especially if you consider the fact that “Life Live” contains all the hits of the band, such as “Takin’ Me Down”, the monster tune “Hot Cherie” or the Mike Slamer penned “Dr. Love”. What I really can’t digest, though, is the sound of this live album – overall, it sounds too dry and one-dimensional. Moreover, I ask myself, why a DVD (shot at Frontiers Rock Festival, 2019) is necessary when there is only one genuine member left? Admittedly, a few of the songs feature guest performances by Deen Castronovo (still one of the best drummers around!) behind the kit, but still, the question remains why fans should watch a (good) cover band pull it off live. A mixed bag, for sure!
6.5/10
Kai Brockschmidt
Tracklist
CD/DVD
1. Place To Call Home
2. Takin‘ Me Down
3. Dr. Love
4. Where Will We Go From Here
5. Page Of Your Life
6. Life’s A Bitch
7. In The Hands Of Time
8. Take You Home
9. Everything
10. Hot Cherie
11. Fever Dreams
12. Rhythm From A Red Car
