Author: Aleš Podbrežnik
Artist: Soto, Jeff Scott
Label: Frontiers Records
Release: 2012
Length: 49:35
Rating: 4/5
Jeff Scott Soto is back with his fifth solo studio outing, »Damage Control«, a record that documents his continued artistic and expressive growth. With Jeff Scott Soto in 2012, don’t expect any art-world game changers. What’s more, nobody wants them. His velvety vocal range, tailor-made for AOR and bursting with color, runs through a whole string of albums by the various artists Jeff has worked with. But of course Soto is best known for his work on the first two Yngwie J. Malmsteen albums, for his time in the Swedish melodic hard rock outfit Talisman from 1990 until the band called it a day in 2007, for working with German Blackmore disciple Axel Rudi Pell, and for lending his pipes to Journey on stage between 2006 and 2007! Add all that up and it becomes pretty clear that for most of his career Soto has been drawn back to the old continent. For the new record he roped in, among others, two names that stand out on the list of European contributors: Jamie Borger (Talisman) on drums and Nalle Paehlsson (Treat, Therion) on bass. Old buddies and very reliable comrades,
And the Puerto Rican-rooted vocalist just won’t quit! On the new album he heads back to the beginnings of his solo studio career. The record is carefully soaked in melodic tightness but has a grittier production, with which Soto wanted to bring out that live, in-your-face punch, and in its melodies and vibe it gravitates toward the stuff Soto co-created with Talisman. Yep. A European, or let’s rather say Scandinavian-sounding, melodic rock album. Despite the endless list of guests, a hefty bunch of whom come from the US, with the biggest names such as Dave Meniketti (Y&T) on guitar, Mike Vanderhule (Y&T) on drums, Casey Grillo (Kamelot) on drums and Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) on guitar, the album holds on to its European, Scandinavian flavor!
Of course everything on »Damage Control« is geared toward letting Soto’s vocal expression shine in the brightest possible light. Soto, a sort of warm-blooded, soul-drenched version of a younger Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions, solo), except that Soto also has an outstanding feel for improvisation within soul elements running in his blood, doesn’t run out of breath on the new album, let alone drive or punch. The vocalist once again flaunts, unbridled, his vivid arsenal of rich, cradle-given traits of a one-of-a-kind vocal delivery and rules the roost in every last corner of vocal expression. Soto once again wins you over with his charismatic, instantly recognizable, magically refined sense of graduated mood-building, which slowly grows from verse to chorus, then suddenly digs under your skin in the catchy chorus hooks of the finely crafted melodies. Especially when the lead vocal is masterfully dressed up and generously backed by a vibrant palette of vocal harmonies that deepen the dynamic contrasts of the album’s moods. All these traits are exactly what every true fan of Jeff Scott Soto’s stature and voice demands. And the singer delivers all of it again this time, with both hands wide open.
The album, which captured in the studio a hungry feeling of liveliness filling the whole sonic picture, shows in its songs a more or less clear commitment to the classic melodic path, close to the European take on the lead melody. The riff approach is of course emphasized and the album is overflowing with rich guitar playing. The solos are played in a spirit that doesn’t tear apart the compact form in which big, anthemic melodies develop, but are set up so that they at most reward the anthemic effect (with a bit of instrumental »teasing« in between).
With all the miles on the clock, the experience and, of course, the natural talent, there’s very little room left for Soto to go wrong when he’s cooking up a solo studio album. And this time is no different. No surprises, no detours, nothing new. Just a confirmation of artistic maturity with yet another gorgeous, classically shaped melodic rock album, bursting with an infectious mix of melodic punch, with no expressive fluff and no half-baked songs that would rob the listener of their time (and the money they put into the album). And that’s the territory where Soto is strongest vocally anyway. And that’s enough for him. Let’s hope the man, in his incredible vocal shape, pulls together a touring band and hits the road for a new European tour as soon as possible!
Line-up
Jeff Scott Soto – vocals
Gary Schutt – guitar
Jorge Salan – guitar
Diego Armelin – guitar
Rodrigo Armelin – guitar
Joel Hoekstra – guitar
Emo Markov – guitar
Dave Meniketti – guitar
Peter Pac Söderström – guitar
Alex Llorens – guitar
Roger Benet – guitar
Leo Mancini – guitar
Fernando Mainer – bass
Nalle Påhlsson – bass
Henrique Baboom – bass
Fabio Ribiero – keyboards
Ulf Wahlberg – keyboards
BJ (Luis Paulo Almeida Jr) – keyboards
Edu Cominato – drums
Carlos Exposito – drums
Casey Grillo – drums
Mike Vanderhule – drums
Jamie Borger – drums
Joey Soto – drums
Track list
1. Give A Little More
2. Damage Control
3. Look Inside Your Heart
4. Die A Little
5. If I Never Let Her Go
6. Tears That I Cry
7. BonaFide
8. Krazy World
9. How To Love Again
10. AfterWorld
11. NeverEnding War
