OC Music Magazine

Bruce Forrest

Hailing from Norway, WinterParade has recently released their second CD, simply entitled Two.  Although it is very well-written and played, it becomes difficult to listen to. It isn’t that any of the 10-tracks are bad by any stretch of the imagination; however, it becomes quickly apparent that it is very dated. Depending on your personal taste, that may or may not be a good thing.

Two is easy on the ears. Every cut is catchy, and is very commercial sounding. Had it been released in 1978, I have no doubt it would have burned up the Billboard charts. Winter Parade are influenced (and perhaps a little too much so) by bands such as Journey, Kansas, and especially Toto.   Considering none of the afore-mentioned have had a hit in quite some time, perhaps Winter Parade feel they can revive the arena-rock sound of yesteryear. If that isn’t their intent, then releasing music of this quality is quite bold.

The band knows their instruments and the vocals are top-notch, but they are just simply lacking originality. It’s one thing to be influenced by other bands, but you still have to take what inspires you, putting your own musical stamp on your compositions.  If they can distance themselves from their peers, and find their footing on subsequent releases, Winter Parade may stand out from the rest of the pack. With today’s buying public however, and ever-changing musical tastes, Winter Parade may find great difficulty in getting their name out there.  In all fairness, however, anyone still owns a Journey album, and who enjoy their music soaring and majestic, will enjoy this CD.

Photo credit: Two album cover