PERFECT PLAN – Brace for Impact

The Swedish purveyors of melodic hard rock and ridiculously catchy AOR are back with an inspired new offering that is pure ear-candy and overflowing with hooks. You know what? This might well be their most well-written and exciting release to date, which is saying something as their past efforts are also noteworthy entries in the genre, but yes, Brace for Impact ticks all the right boxes in terms of big choruses, strong vocal melodies, juicy riffs, and a rock-solid rhythm section that constantly drives things forward. With its incredibly well-balanced mix and punchy sound, this 11-track output really does make for a most pleasant and enjoyable listen, and Kent Hilli’s voice is remarkably good here. Only the two ballads, ‘My Angel’ and ‘Emelie’, fail to spark the imagination and stir the senses, and they are rather mundane compared to the rest. Regardless of whether you are a fan of the band or not, Brace for Impact ought to be added to your playlist if melodic rock appeals to you as this album contains some of the act’s best compositions to date, namely ‘Gotta Slow Me Down’, ‘Devil’s Got the Blues’, ‘Bring me a Doctor’, and ‘Still Undefeated’.