Now I fully understand why Georg Siegl over at AOR Heaven compared Hobbit to early Axe, and now I can confirm that early Axe is indeed worthy of that lofty praise – this is a super album, their second and last for MCA.
Written by: Lee South Africa
ARTIST: Axe
ALBUM: Living On The Edge
LABEL: MCA
SERIAL: MCA 3224
YEAR: 1980
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Edgar Riley – vocals * Bobby Barth – guitars * Michael Osborne – guitars * Mike Turpin – bass * Teddy Mueller – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Living On The Edge * 02 Fantasy Of Love * 03 First Time – Last Time * 04 Carry On * 05 Running The Gauntlet * 06 I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) * 07 Just Walk Away * 08 Let Me Know * 09 Save Our Love * 10 For A Little While
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Francis Ford Shottola !!! Now I fully understand why Georg Siegl over at AOR Heaven compared Hobbit to early Axe, and now I can confirm that early Axe is indeed worthy of that lofty praise – this is a super album, their second and last for MCA.
Although I’ll mention other bands for comparison’s sake in the body of this review, there really seems to be a sonic kinship with Hobbit‘s ‘Two Feet Tall’ record on most of these classic tracks.
The Songs
The title track ‘Living On The Edge’ opens the album in pure AOR fashion, strong hooks and melodies embodying the trademark Axe arrangements we’ve all come to love.
‘Fantasy Of Love’ is exquisite to say the least, keyboard laden melodic AOR like a pompier Foreigner or Survivor. ‘First Time, Last Time’ is atmospheric and fairly melodic, all at a broodingly slow stomp.
‘Carry On’ continues the melodic theme, the vocal harmony arrangements being worthy of special mention. ‘Running The Gauntlet’ is energetic and melodic enough, it’s most memorable feature is the solid AOR riff.
Other highlights are the well structured and accomplished AOR of ‘Just Walk Away’ and ‘Let Me Know’, and the stunning keyboard driven album closer ‘For A Little While’.
In Summary
According to Bobby Barth as at 2001, he’s currently involved in production work, but there’s every chance of a new Axe album sometime in the future to follow up the melodic crunch of their year 2000 effort ‘The Crown’.
Axe on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
