Heartland FM thunders back - well sort of! This is the second album under the Shadowman banner featuring the Thunder rhythm section, Heartland’s guitarist Steve Morris and last but by no means least former FM vocalist Steve Overland. Their first album, 'Land Of The Living', was released two years ago and proved to be a great slice of straight ahead AOR. However this new album, rightly called Different Angles, is a far more laid back affair and  is AOR approached from a different angle (gettit?)

Guitarist Steve Morris must be a bit of Carlos Santana fan as many of the guitar runs have a feel of his playing about them. No more so than opening track Learn To Live Without You which is a great up-tempo opener. Take Me Home is indeed, as the album title suggests a different angle, as it starts off quite heavy before becoming acoustically driven and third track in, 'Cry Wolf'  proves to be very bluesy and reminiscent of Torn by Australian songstress and former Neighbour Natalie Imbrugila. 

'When Its Gone' is the most FM sounding track on the album and is great and then, with 'The Way of The World', Morris once again  showcases his acoustic guitar talents before heading back into the rhythm and blues territory that was once occupied by later day FM.  'In The Shadows'  is a great mid tempo track that seems to grow on the listener over and features, of all things, a bass solo complete with some sterling  interplay with guitarist Morris. 

Did It For Love is a great bluesy ballad where Morris continues to showcase his Santana like leanings in the solo and then comes 'Chains' , the heaviest track on the album at least until the vocals kick in and then it becomes the most up tempo track on the album. If Chain was the heaviest track on offer, 'Dreams Die Hard'  does a complete 180 degree being almost Crowded House in feel, unsurprising really as I Overland has always professed a love of Neil Finn's work. 

'Runaway Girl' is yet another laid back track but one that show’s Overland's vocals off to their best and the chorus gets stuck in your head whilst 'Satellite' feels like an old 60’s soul number done in a rock style - I wonder were he got that idea from? 'Shine On' then rounds the album off in fine style. 

The two HardRockHouse Steve’s and I can only agree on a few things in life, one of these is however is that  Steve Overland is one of Britain’s finest vocals and this album does nothing to alter that opinion. However no matter how good this album may be - and believe me it is good -  what I and I would guess rather a few more Overland fans want, what I really really want is an FM reunion. Somebody need to make them an offer they cannot refuse!

Dougie