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Terraplane

Black and White – Expanded Edition

Review by Gary Hill

I like this set quite a bit. It’s a little on the generic side, but overall the blend of pop rock is quite good. These guys aren’t doing anything all that original or unique, but they do it as well as just about anyone. This is just an entertaining disc.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Don't Walk Away

Starting with a metallic build up, this works out to a hard rocking jam with an anthemic chorus. This reminds me more than a little of WASP in a lot of ways. Still, Kiss is a valid reference in some ways, too.

When You're Hot
A straightforward pop rock tune, for some reason this reminds me a bit of Meat Loaf. It’s got a very 1970s sound to it. It might be a bit generic, but it’s also very strong. It’s just a great song.
I Can't Live Without Your Love
This one lands sort of between the first two songs. It’s another that has a really familiar vibe to it. It’s nothing Earth shattering, but rather just very good.
Talking To Myself
Basically this is a power ballad. It’s based on a piano melody for the most part. It is definitely another that makes me think of Meat Loaf. The later sections here make me think of some of the Bob Ezrin produced Alice Cooper solo stuff.
You Can't Hurt Me Anymore
No big surprises are delivered here. Instead, this is another middle of the road kind of pop rocker. It has a catchy chorus and is a solid tune.
I Survive
On the one hand this is pretty similar to the rest of the stuff. On the other, though, the whole song is more complex and this one leans toward progressive rock.
Right Between The Eyes
Although this is still a mainstream rock song, it’s a lot more metallic. It’s catchy and straight ahead.
Black And White
The title track is a hard rocker with a great chorus. This might not be any kind of paradigm shift, but it’s a killer tune. It’s one of the highlights of the set.
I'm The One
This cut is sort of average. Meat Loaf is again a valid reference here. This song just don’t stand up that well compared to the rest of the disc.
Get Your Face out of My Dream
Now, this track is one of the superior ones. It’s got a great musical arrangement, leaning towards pop rock and progressive rock at the same time. The vocal arrangement is among the best here, too. This is definitely a standout. Somehow, it makes me think of a harder rocking ELO at times.
Couldn't Handle the Tears
Symphonic strings open this one. This is a mellow ballad with those strings as the accompaniment. Somehow it reminds me of Rod Stewart – when he was still a rocker. It works out to a crunchy section later in the piece that again makes me think of Ezrin produced Alice Cooper. Ruby Turner guests on this, putting in a killer performance.
Bonus Tracks
  
Beginning of the End
A diverse and dynamic cut, this is another rocker that has some hints of progressive rock. It’s another highlight. Given that it’s a bonus track, that says something.
Let the Wheels Go Round
This rocker is solid. It’s just not all that special. Still, it’s a bonus track. The metallic guitar solo is a nice touch, though.
Get Your Face Out Of My Dream (Demo Version – Previously Unreleased)
I think I might like this demo version even better. It’s a killer hard rocker.
All Night and Day (Live)
This rocker is just a little raw. That’s part of its charm, though. It’s an almost punky stomper and a great tune.
Tough Kind of Life
A straight ahead hard rocker, this is another that feels like something Kiss might do. Of course, Kiss would have foregone the keys.
I Survive (City Records Version)
A catchy rocker, this is okay, but not all that special.
Gimme The Money (City Records Version)
This is another average tune. It’s not bad, but it just doesn’t stand out. Then again, it is a bonus track.

 

 
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