Houston – Relaunch III

Melodic rock and AOR of the highest order are what this fabulous and utterly talented act from Sweden offers, and while the previous full-length disc named IV was an amazing and expertly crafted opus, this 2023 output of theirs is just as wicked due to its enticing atmosphere, melodic strength, and sophisticated arrangements. What makes that even more remarkable is the fact that this record consists of cover renditions, which is something that Houston have done before hence the title of the LP being Relaunch III. As it says on the Frontiers Records website, “The basic concept behind the Relaunch albums is for Houston to shine a light on obscure, unknown AOR gems from their personal musical collections.”  

There is hardly a single tune on the album that does not stand out in one way or the other, and the crisp production envelops the material in a polished yet sufficiently heavy sound that brings out the subtle nuances and interesting dynamics of it all in a most splendid manner. These gents have chosen to interpret and churn out some incredibly memorable tracks that possess finesse, substance, and a fantastic melodic flair, and hardly anything on the disc appears superfluous or out of place, which is to say that everything here is enjoyable and entertaining to listen to. A confident and convincing AOR gem that recalls the best of the glorious 80s, and you are bound to be surprised by the song selection, so make sure you check this enjoyable offering out.