Reunions. Sometimes they can be really disappointing (Europe not actually sounding like Europe comes to mind). Sometimes they last forever (Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd) and sometimes they come out of the blue. I can’t say that I noticed the clamour for Shark Island to return to the fray but here they are, back back back. Was it worth the wait? Let’s find out. 

Self-produced without record company pressure – “literally a dream come true” according to vocalist Richard Black, Gathering of the Faithful finds Shark Island in mostly in laid back mode. It also finds them on the mighty Frontiers record label which is, depending on your taste: the home of quality melodic rock or: the old musician’s retirement home! I happen to think the former so I was excited when I opened the package whence this CD came from. Be warned though. This is not a typical Frontiers release. 

For a start there are no layered keyboards or big backing vocals. The singer isn’t a Steve Perry/ Jimi Jamison clone and it doesn’t sound like it was recorded in 1985. Once you get past those salient facts there is much to enjoy about this release, but there’s also some indifferent material as well. 

For a star it kicks off with a real winner. Blue Skies is the kind of life-affirming song that only melodic rock acts can really pull off. In that respect this album is like Survivor’s recent Reach platter in that the only way is down after an awesome opening salvo. Tomorrow’s Child finds the band veering towards Americana territory – imagine a melodic John Mellencamp and you won’t be far off track. 

The Stranger rocks along nicely whilst Go West is perhaps the most rocking track on offer featuring a particularly impressive solo. There’s a little drop in quality in the middle of the album, it kind of drags along and everything gets a little samey but Looking for the Sun redeems this section with a cool, late night vibe. 

The album races to a finish and Will to Power and the closer Temptation are two of the better songs on show. At pushing sixty-six minutes there’s plenty of music on offer, however, the question that needs to be asked is: Is Gathering of the Faithful special enough to justify Shark Island returning to the scene? 

Well… probably. There’s some really good stuff on offer here (Blue Skies, Looking for the Sun, Will to Power and Temptation) but much of this CD is a tad nondescript and certainly doesn’t give the impression that Shark Island have spent more than a decade working on their very best tunes. Maybe their next outing will see them really add to their legend.

Let us know your views on 'Gathering Of The Faithful'

Track List

Blue Skies
Tomorrow's Child
The Stranger
Go West
Welcome Goodbye
Life Goes On
Down To The Ground
Looking For The Sun
Heaven
I Had A Dream
Will To Power
Need Your Love
Temptation

Line Up

Richard Black - Vocals
Spencer Sercombe - Guitars
Christain Heilman - Bass
Glen Sobel - Drums