Fortune - 'The Gun's Still Smokin' LIVE'

(Frontiers Records)

As soon as I got the review copy of this live album from cult AOR band Fortune I quickly scanned the track list and was initially disappointed to not see ‘Stacy’ amongst the set, when you have a ten song limit some people’s favourites will always slip the net. The set contains five songs from their classic debut 1985 album, four from their 2019 release ‘II’ and an airing of vocalist Larry Greene’s ‘Through The Fire’ which is from the Top Gun film soundtrack!

With songs that get under your skin it’s a shame the band only have two albums to their name with almost twenty-five years between them. The newer songs stay faithful to the heart and style of their debut which is highlighted here with how easily the songs blend and flow seamlessly through out the set.

The Infectious ebb and flow of ‘Deep In The Heart Of The Night’ is a stunning highlight which kickstarts the magical finale of the album, as ‘The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter’ and ‘Shelter of the Night’ maintain the energy of the songs before the almost epic and grandiose conclusion of ‘Dearborn Station’ and ‘Freedom Road’ both sweeping AOR anthems that showcase just how good Fortune are even though these two songs were released 25 years apart.

I love Greene’s distinctive voice and it gives Fortune a very strong and unique identity even though they have a very typical mid-Eighties AOR style of prominent keyboards and chunky guitar riffs.

As I’ve stated in previous reviews, I’m not really a huge fan of live albums much preferring the DVD/Video presentation of live media, but I have a strong fondness for these Frontiers Live releases. There’s a lot of effort put into making sure it is a quality product, they make sure it’s not to rough as to make it unlistenable but still raw enough to retain its live energy and atmospherics. It’s worth noting this is a dual CD/DVD release, therefore doubling its value for money appeal.

I think it’s about time Fortune gave us AOR fanatics another new studio album, it’ll be torture if they make us wait another 25 years but this live album will keep us ticking over in the interim! ‘The Guns Still Smokin’ Live’ has a stellar setlist and is performed stunningly and will be greatly appreciated by AOR fans especially those who adore this cult act.

8/10

Essential Track - 'Deep In The Heart Of The Night'

Review by Woody