Review by Woody

Infinity was rescued from the unreleased vaults thanks to Andrew McNiece of Melodic Rock Records, who has finally let loose these songs 22 years after they were written.

Infinity was the creation of principal band members Dave Rosenthal – Keyboards (Rainbow/Red Dawn/Whitesnake) and melodic rock vocalist Mitch Malloy. Infinity never landed a record deal so the songs were shelved and Rosenthal and Malloy moved onto other things, although my fellow AOR anoraks may recognise “Liar” and “Christine” from Red Dawn’s debut album, which featured Rosenthal.

After listening to the album I was shocked it had never been released, had it been, it would have been huge. Very traditional AOR sound with major upfront keyboards, in fact this album is very keyboard orientated even for an AOR album. Although with keyboardist Rosenthal as principal song writer, this shouldn’t be surprising. I love Rosenthal’s keyboard here, showing off some varied styles of playing, with intricate finger work, lush multi-layered moments and big pompous pumping licks.

Malloy’s vocals, as you’d expect are astounding, although it does feel odd to hear him sing in such a straight ‘80’s AOR style, as I’m so used to the bluesier, gritty vocal style that he is better known for.

“I’m On The Edge” is a song that showcases all that’s great about AOR and opens the album with an impressive jaw dropping slap in the face. It’s full of soaring keyboard flourishes which I love on this one and it has more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box. A pounding rocker that will definitely get AOR fans reaching to switch the volume right up! “Secrets” is a changeable mid-tempo song with a memorable chorus, whilst “She’s On Fire” has a moody meandering sway to it and contains some cool subtle keyboard licks. It has a big unforgettable chorus where Malloy’s vocals really hit you.

“Christine” is a heavy rocker. The Hammond keyboard work on this one gives it a late ‘70’s vibe to it. “Let It Go” has big multi layered keyboards, the pre-chorus is a hook riddled beauty and the song has a huge pomp fueled chorus.

 “Liar” is a throbbing, catchy as hell track and the keyboard work is sublime. Malloy’s very distinctive vocals are at their most recognizable on this track, which is my personal favourite. The chorus shines and sticks with you thanks to the vocals and intense keyboard work.

“Promise Of Love” is a ballad with moody vocals from Malloy and intricate keyboard work. The song builds to a huge soaring, bright traditional AOR pre-chorus and inevitable BIG chorus!

 “I Can’t Get Over You” has a wonderful chorus that has an impact with Malloy’s vocals really shining on this slow burning track, then “Running” sees Rosenthal going nuts and giving us lots of different types of keyboard flourishes. The delicate but head bopping guitar riff keeps you rocking; it’s full of delicious melodies.

This is a little gem of an album and it’s great it wasn’t allowed to slip into oblivion! Fans of ‘80’s melodic rock will eat this up and it’s a shame that this will be it – a one off – but a nice bit of nostalgia. I suppose at 9 tracks it’s a little short in this day and age, but it’s definitely quality over quantity with this album, bunging on a couple of sub standard songs just to get the track numbers up could have distracted from what is a great collection of traditional AOR.

Album Rating: 8/10

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