ARC ANGEL – Harlequins Of Light
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 19-08-2013
Connecticut AOR act Arc Angel return from their 1983 self-titled debut to release a new album. Main member Jeff Cannata (who sings and plays keyboards, guitars, bass, and drums) along with supplementary help from session guitarists and keyboardists perform on this 12 song effort. I’d describe the material as decidedly American, patriotic at times with "War (BattleWounds Of Life)" and a mixture of AOR, pomp rock, and rich with multi-part vocal harmonies.
80’s era Kansas, Billy Joel, "90125" era Yes, and Alan Parsons Project are four acts that come up when taking in "Voices of Illuminati", the softer "Fortune Teller 2", and the theatrical closer "Legend of the Mary Celeste". Jeff’s voice is one that takes a little getting used to, he has a flair for the dramatic and the rougher textures aren’t what I’m used to for a melodic rock artist.
"Harlequins Of Light" will find favor with many long time followers of the genre, but I didn’t feel that the songwriting really elevates the band to any noteworthy status.