These Scandinavian melodic rock bands with a love of all things 80's keep coming along. The latest is Finnish band Firenote who comprise of Ricky (vocals), JR, Hammond (keys), Isko (guitars), Gene (bass) and Mike (drums). They have a lot in common sound wise with the excellent H.E.A.T. taking the big 80's melodic hard rock sound and adding modern production.

Songs like 'Firenote' and Speed Freak' are real fist in the air anthems that you keep coming back to play again and again. They throw in a few big number ballads (complete with some OTT keyboard moments that recall House Of Lords and White Sister in their prime) as well although vocalist Ricky is more suited to the big rock numbers as he has a very high, powerful vocal. Good to see as well they don't take themselves too seriously with the excellent 'She Stole My Speedos' rounding off a very enjoyable album. Very much like Steel Panther but without the filthy lyrics…

Firenote won't win any prizes for originality but they do produce highly memorable hard rock tunes. Given the right exposure this band could easily be up there with H.E.A.T. the Poodles and Brother Firetribe keeping the melodic hard rock flame alive.

*****

Review by Jason Ritchie