CAP OUTRUN – High on Deception

RELEASE YEAR: 2021
BAND URL: https://www.facebook.com/capoutrun/

When glancing at the album cover, I had no idea what to expect, but “High on Deception” turned out to be a spirited melodic prog rock offering with quite prominent traces of AOR coursing through it. This Swedish/American gang of hugely skilled musicians sure know how to keep things interesting and diverse throughout, and what blows me away is that despite all the shifts and clever turns, everything flows so incredibly well. Things move seamlessly from one part to the next while the gorgeous vocals deliver hook after hook and the guitars churn out some melodically stunning stuff. The rhythm section is both tight and funky, and this record, which is superbly produced and boasts a sound that is both crisp and powerful, is simply charming as fuck. The song arrangements are creative without being too clever for their own good, and how could anyone possibly resist the infectiously catchy chorus to the title track or the epic 9-minute musical orgasm that is “Shadows on the Wall”. Only “Disaster Mindset” and “As Long as You Believe” do not pack that much emotional punch altogether and pales in comparison to the rest of material as the melodies and vocals are not as memorable here.

“High on Deception” is a remarkably well-played and well-written record that all lovers of melodic rock, prog rock, and AOR ought to check out. It sounds vital and refreshing somehow.