Quite often is is difficult to review what, effectively, is a demo from an unsigned band. Lack of money tends to lead to poor quality in recording and this can overshadow any quality that the songs may have. However in the case of Berkshire based band Sacred Heart this has not proved to be a problem. From the outset it is obvious that Sacred Heart have put a lot of thought and effort into the release of Lay It On The Line.

First track 'Lay It On The Line' come across like a  heavier Bryan Adams with its staccato guitar opening and simple construction. Boasting a strong chorus and a well executed, melodic guitar solo this is ultimately a very  satisfying track. 'N.Y.C' continues in the same vein leaning towards the 80's AOR sound favoured by many an American band at the time. The chorus however does not have the same instant appeal as the opening track and it is the guitar solo which produces this song's strongest moments.

'Rock 'N Roll Away' bangs its head very much in the direction of the NWOBHM. It would not have been inconceivable to believe that twenty years ago Saxon could have penned this tune. The lyrics are somewhat on the cheesy side, but as a fist in the air live anthem I can see this working extremely well. 'The Last Goodbye' moves firmly back into Melodic Rock/AOR territory especially with the guitar tones and riffs employed. The solo is perhaps the most melodic on the album and the verse melody is arguably the strongest on the CD.

Anyone who reads this site on a regular basis will know that I am generally not a fan of ballads as, unless they are of the highest quality, they often break up the flow and groove of an album. 'Always' unfortunately does not quite cut the mustard to my mind. Both musically and lyrically the song is very derivative, sounding like a thousand other ballads out there. 'What it Takes' on the other hand is a mid tempo number that benefits from mid song mood changes from heavy guitar to quieter interludes post chorus.

'In My Heart' and 'Its Alright'  firmly return to the melodic rock arena. When listening to the guitar lines especially there is a tendancy to think "Where have I heard that before?", however this is not necessarily a bad thing as it proves that the melodies incorporated into the songs work extremely well.

'Hand In Hand' is definitely on the heavier side with a serious riff opening proceedings and comes as dokkenesque is places, specifically with the drum/bass patterns and the vocal melody. Rounding out the album is an acoustic track in the form of 'Forever'. Reminiscent of Leppard's 'Two Steps Behind' the song is rather good, if misplaced, coming as it does, at the end of the CD.

'Lay It On The Line' is indeed an admirable and, given today's musical climate, brave release by Sacred Heart. The band do not attempt to hide their influences nor wrap up their styling in some nu-metal type clothing. As with any release there are some quibbles of course, at times the harmony vocals could do with some extra work, so they compliment the melody rather than act as gang-style BV instead. The lyrics also at times are somewhat stereotypical of the genre, but in the overall scheme of things these are minor niggles. Hopefully Sacred Heart will continue to grow and improve and based on 'Lay It On The Line', they are well worth checking out. You can check out further info on the band at www.sacredheartband.com

Let us know your views on 'Lay It On The Line'

Track List

Lay It On The Line
N.Y.C
Rock 'N Roll Away
The Last Goodbye
Always
What It Takes
In My Heart
It's Alright
Hand In Hand
Forever

Line Up

Paul Stead - Lead Vocals/Guitars
Mark Stephenson - Guitars
Leigh Westbrook - Bass
Claudio Cafolla - Drums