Ginevra – We Belong To The Stars

Ginevra

We Belong To The Stars

by Neil Cook at 29 January 2023, 8:42 PM

Another week, another Swedish Hard Rockin group. Only Scandi-Noir crime dramas are more prolific.  This week we have Ginevra, a new band on the scene, and with members whose track record speaks for their selves.  H.E.A.T, PRIMAL FEAR, SEVENTH CRYSTAL and ECLIPSE are amongst the bands resumes, and perhaps my opening comments can be viewed with some cynicism on my part, true, but in Ginevra’s case they are a quality act, and quickly rise above the norm.

Stylistically they are in that Goldilocks zone, heavier than H.E.A.T and not as Metal as PRIMAL FEAR. So, they rock hard, can make it heavy when it’s needed but do it with melody and an upbeat feel, and a little of that good ol’ 80’s flare!

Kicking off with a gentle keyboard refrain which soon turns into a stabbing guitar riff, “Siren’s Calling” is a great hooky stadium friendly track to get the juices flowing.  “Unbreakable” (I wonder how many times this has been used as a title for a rock track?) goes in the same direction, but is a real showcase for Kristian’s crystal-clear vocals, and the virtuosity of the band, especially the slower gentle piano passage and soaring guitar solo(s).

“Apologize” rocks along in a similar fashion, keeps the pace going until we hit the ballad “Masquerade”, which features the sublime vocals from the fabulous CHEZ KANE (who with “Powerzone” produced on of 2022’a best albums) which compliments Kristian perfectly, and when they harmonize, oh! Hairs on the back of the neck stand up!  The song tiptoes on a knife-edge but never topples over into hysterical over-blown territory, voices, guitars, heck whole band nail it!  And the song flow with ease into “Break The Silence” which picks the pace back up but remains grandiose at the same time. And of course, yet another superb solo from Magnus.

Ideally I would tell you about every song, but I don’t want to write a book, and I don’t know how many times I can use the same platitudes before they have no weight, so, I’m going to pick out two further tracks from the 11 on display here.

Title track “We Belong To The Stars” simply takes all the elements gone before and cranks them up to beyond 11!  This one is going to be a strong one live!  The balance of light and shade is just so.  The guitars scream in heat (excuse the pun) and the drumming is a power punch to the guts, the keys add layers and the vocals are the silky smooth cream in my coffee.

Closing track “My Rock’n’roll” eases off the gas (a touch) slowing the pace, but increasing the emotion.  A big life-affirming “ballad” that only the best rock bands can do.  In the hands of lesser musicians this could have sounded very cheesy, but this is DEFINITELY not the case, more like a fine vintage Scotch, goes down smooth and leave you with a satisfied glow in the pit of the stomach.

Nay-sayers might say we have heard this all before, and that would be true.  What they could not say nay to is the sheer quality of the craftsmanship on display.  If there is another Swedish Rock band along next week, lets hope they are just as good as Ginevra.

Musicianship: 10
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 9
Production: 10