Gabrielle de Val - Kiss in a Dragon Night

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The melodic paths into Hard Rock and AOR are endless, but there are many that still lay their musical efforts in the old formula of the 80’s, that same one that became a commercial success (so it’s not strange to have such music being done again and again today). And as Rock ‘n’ Roll was born of the hands of a woman (Sister Rosetta Tharpe), and as I write these words is the International day of the Women, let’s celebrate to this date listening to “Kiss in a Dragon Night”, of GABRIELLE DE VAL. As the words above states clear, we are dealing with a modern AOR album (or as some call today, a Melodic Rock album). So the weight and aggressiveness gives place to defined and hooking sets of melodies, remarkable choruses, and a silk outfit. It’s truly good, with very good instrumental parts (many known musicians are in the album as guests), and charming vocals (take a careful listening to the contrasts of the vocals duets in “When Midnight Comes”, where Gabrielle sings with Mark Boals).

Again, it must be said that this musical formula isn’t new, but who really cares with it if the music is good? And “Kiss in a Dragon Night” is really an excellent release. Produced by the hands of Khalil Turk for Turkish Delight Productions, with the mixing and mastering done by Fredrik Folkare (who also play guitars and bass parts), the main idea was to create a crystal clear sonority the enables the songs and melodies to flow in a charming form, and that could be understood. And it is really a great final result. And as guests, the names are Mark Boals, Robin McAuley (on the vocals on “Kiss on a Dragon Night”), Mick Devine (on “Fight for Love” and “Hold On”), Terry Brock (on “Stayin’ Alive”), Steve Overland (on “Natural High”), and Gary Pihl (on “Hold On”), amongst others.

To hear this album is really a very good experience for the mind, because such uncompromised and melodic feeling that flows from its songs really relaxes the fans, especially during “Take on the World” (a very good set of melodies with catchy sets of melodies, and a great work of guitars and keyboards can be heard), “When Midnight Comes” (an amazing duet of vocals can be heard under the melodic and charming instrumental sheath), “Kiss in a Dragon Night” (a deeper and melodic song, with very good duets again, but laid on a strong playing of bass guitar and drums), “Fight for Love” and “Candle in the Window” (wow, what lovely guitars can be heard on both songs, contrasting with the keyboards’ arrangements), “Stayin’ Alive” (another fine moment of the vocals, with a clear focus on the keyboards), and “Let’s Get Something Started”. But don’t forget: all the album is great!

“Kiss in a Dragon Night” isn’t here to unleash a musical revolution, but shows how good the work of GABRIELLE DE VAL is.

Songwriting: 9
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 8