Reviews

KKKK

PREVIOUSLY ONLY available in Japan, 'Never Say Surrender' is a record that requires immediate purchase if you're into Night Ranger and bands of that ilk. Red Dawn are capable of achieving stuff as on the ball as that with relative ease.

Formed by ex-Rainbow keyboardist David Rosenthal and also featuring the likes of drummer Chuck Bürgi (Rainbow, Meat Loaf) and vocalist Larry Baud, Red Dawn play awesome Hard Rock songs with acres of melody. Whiz-kid axe hero Tristan Avakian supplies the flash to the outrageous brilliance of 'Flyin' High', the inspiring 'I'll Be There' and the Wingeresque 'Dangerous Child'.

Red Dawn only stumble with the big ballad 'Take These Chains'. But 'Never Say Surrender', at the end of the day, is a minor masterpiece. - Dave Reynolds

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ALL HAIL Red Dawn, whose debut album commences with a flamboyant keyboard flourish from one-time Rainbow man David Rosenthal, kick in with a solid House of Lords-style riff and is propelled into the stratosphere by Larry Baud's soaring vocals...and that's just the opener, 'Flyin' High'! Inevitably, the songs are based around Rosenthal's deft touches, but there's plenty of widdling and all-round musicality - notably from another former Rainbow man, drummer Chuck Bürgi, and ex-Alice Cooper bassist Greg Smith - plus songs that match their pedigree. Kick-ass North American Rock! - Dave Lino

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Although released as an import for quite some time, Red Dawn is really just now starting to make a name for themselves in the States. The band is comprised of former Rainbow keyboardist David Rosenthal and drummer Chuck Bürgi, bassist Greg Smith (Alice/Vinnie Moore), vocalist Larry Baud, and new guitar extraodinnaire Tristan Avakian. Their debut release Never Say Surrender has received numerous praises overseas in mags such as Burrn and Rock Report. Produced by Rosenthal himself, the album is packed with plenty of power, melody, and superb musicianship. If you like bands such as House Of Lords and Asia (believe it or not, there is still a market for this stuff) these guys are for you. - AM

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It has been a long time coming but Mark Ashton at Now & Then has finally come up with a beauty. Originally released in Japan over a year ago this, the debut album from Red Dawn is very good indeed. Fans of "I'll Be There" the stand-out track on the Dream in Colour sampler will be quite happy as album opener "Flyin' High" kicks in with a real statement of intent. Ex U.S.A. vocalist Larry Baud catches the eye with his fine wide ranging performance. There is something for everyone here as keyboard player and Red Dawn main man David Rosenthal (ex Rainbow) leads his troops through a variety of material, from the high pomp of "Liar" and "Dangerous Child" to the sublime ballad "Take These Chains" all which highlight Tristan Avakian's sharp but melodic guitar lines.

A terrific debut and to think the band originally featured Mitch Malloy, one time great white hope of all things AOR. Career direction is a very funny thing. - Dave Vousden

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