OUTLOUD - Destination: Overdrive (The Best of OUTLOUD) review

OUTLOUD - Destination: Overdrive (The Best of OUTLOUD)

Rock Of Angels Records

https://www.reverbnation.com/outloudtheband

Usually we consider best of releases as a move from a label to earn some more bucks from bands that are considered successful. Personally, I am not against such releases because many times in my life and especially if the band has released many albums they have given me the opportunity to learn about it and even gather the band’s discography after that. OUTLOUD from Greece are without a doubt a band that has impressed us with its releases so far which include three full length studio albums, a single and an EP. So, their label thought it was time to release a best of and here we are…  

THE COVER: Although it is a best of album or perhaps because of this it stays faithful to the tradition of OUTLOUD’s covers which depict beautiful women on them. This time we can see a rock looking chick holding the microphone and singing with passion. On her chest you can also see a volume button turned to the maximum. Yep we got it; it is loud because she sings OUTLOUD….

MUSICAL STYLE: OUTLOUD is a gifted band that through its music manages to travel us back in the 80’s era without though copying it. They actually use their 80’s influences as a basis upon which they create their own compositions. They offer to the listener a sound that holds certain nostalgia in it without losing its contemporary feeling. The compositions of OUTLOUD move somewhere between the 80’s hard rock and melodic metal sound, but they also have some poser metal touches in my opinion. To my ears they sound as a contemporary version of such bands like PRETTY MAIDS, EUROPE and even BON JOVI. They do have the ability to create catchy melodies that stick into your mind and when you listen to this album you can actually relax and have a good time. Finally in this best of you can find a track never released before from the band which is a cover to the song “I’m So Excited” of POINTER SISTERS. 

CONCLUSION: Best of albums function well when they help  the fan to remember the good times of it and also introduce the band to new fans (the second is even more important). In my opinion in this best of OUTLOUD manage to remind us some of their best moments so far and yet offer a release that can attract new listeners and make them discover the releases of the group up to now.

Nick “Verkaim” Parastatidis