Gunshy - 'Mayday'

(Lions Pride Music)

Gunshy’s ‘Mayday’ was originally released way back in 1995 and it’s no surprise this full on AOR album is so obscure given it was released during the dead zone time of melodic rock. It’s great this one has been given a second chance, given the era it was released in it would never have been given a fair chance, the rockers of the time were looking for something darker heavier and a thousand times less commercial. Also, there was a lot of animosity towards this genre during those dark times, so ‘Mayday’ was D.O.A.

There are elements of many old school melodic rock bands in their sound, I hear hints of Europe and Mr Big. But they have a stronger straight ahead AOR sound than both those bands would indicate. There is a very definite American sound to them and many of these songs would sit on movie soundtracks from the Eighties with ease. They remind me at times of another overlooked band Outside Edge, yes, I know they were British! But they too had a strong Americanised commercialism to them too!

I strongly recommend ‘Mayday’ to genre fans as it is a classy slice of AOR, far from perfect but strong enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s bright and breezy summertime AOR! With strong vocals, stirring melodies and heartening atmospherics.

One of the first tracks to make a massive impression on me was ‘You Take My Heart’. It’s a really uplifting AOR tune and comes across like you’ve heard it on a movie soundtrack. It’s certainly a radio friendly hit and if this one doesn’t get under your skin, then none of them will. Other tracks which showcase the bands upbeat and uplifting style include ‘Last Chance’, Love Is A Game’ and ‘Friends Or Lovers’

‘Mayday’ is a great little unearthed gem and every serious AOR fan really needs it in their collection. Gunshy were a band out of time and could have been far more successful had they released ‘Mayday’ just a few years earlier. If you’re looking for some summertime AOR with an Eighties movie soundtrack vibe to it then get your hands on this and turn the sun on!

7/10

Essential Track - 'You Take My Heart'

Review by Woody