Here’s a new female fronted UK band called Tao with links to three countries and a strong connection to the band Ten.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Tao
ALBUM: Prophecy
LABEL: Tarot Label Media
SERIAL: TLM CD 001
YEAR: 2021
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
LINEUP: Karen Fell – vocals * Chris Gould – guitars * Dave Rosingana – bass
Additional Musicians: Darrel Treece-Birch – keyboards * Brian Webster – drums * Gary Hughes – backing vocals, keyboards, lyrics, production
TRACK LISTING: 01 Nobody But You * 02 Rock Brigade * 03 Angels And Clandestine Fools * 04 Breathe In, Breathe Out * 05 Fire In The Sky * 06 Might Just Break Your Heart * 07 Prophecy * 08 Fight Club * 09 Nazarene * 10 Gone Forever
RATING: 
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Here’s a new female fronted UK band with links to three countries and a strong connection to the band Ten thanks to the involvement of mainstay Gary Hughes along with bassist Dave Rosingana and keyboardist Darrel Treece-Birch. However, it’s the presence of Scottish vocalist Karen Fell that holds all the attention, a new name on the scene for many, who also happens to be the partner of the aforementioned Mr Hughes.
The Songs
It’s easy to throw comparative names into the pot such as fellow contemporaries Dante Fox, Iconic Eye and Romeos Daughter, though Tao tend to sit at the heavier end of the melodic rock spectrum, but only just mind you.
Some of these tracks are tailor-made for GDM, and for lovers of female melodic rock, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the year 2021 can deliver such quality considering this genre of rock went missing decades ago. Album opener ‘Nobody But You’ surges into view soon after, a high energy affair with guitars and vocoders competing for attention.
‘Rock Brigade’ has Gary’s fingerprints all over it, from the chorus to the helping hand on the arrangement. I like it though. ‘Angels And Clandestine Fools’ (good songtitle) takes the power ballad route. It’s the sort of song you could imagine Robin Beck performing back in the 80’s. Another goodie with some super guitar work to boot.
‘Breathe In Breathe Out’ is top heavy with modern synths percolating in the background but the track is still brimming with hard rock energy. ‘Fire In The Sky’ comes ready made with stacked vocals, an abundance of organ and fiery guitars. So far all is good. ‘Might Just Break Your Heart’ leads off with some mighty piano, a power ballad mostly, Karen singing up a storm, and those backing vocals are the icing on the cake. Woah!
The exotic imagery of ‘Prophecy’ is an easy one to understand if you’ve ever listened to the entire Ten back catalogue, and though the songtitle ‘Fight Club’ might appear tough, the music is as melodic as anything. The same goes for ‘Nazarene’, while the ballad ‘Gone Forever’ rounds out an entertaining set from start to finish.
In Summary
‘Prophecy’ as an album does it for me on so many levels. It’s been a very long time since I’ve heard a modern melodic rock outing that convinces me and does a strike through on so many of the recent 2021 releases, with ease.
Released on a private label toward the end of 2021, Tao have a lot going for them, and potentially a hookup with a major label could be a possibility, though these deals are becoming rarer by the day as business restrictions bite hard in our post Covid world. Definitely a band to keep an eye on if female led melodic rock is your thing. Recommended!
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Nobody But You
Fire In The Sky
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