Brash, uplifting mid-Atlantic Melodic Hard Rock shot through with vibrant AOR melodies.

Despite the odds being stacked heavily against them, there's a never ending supply of would be "Rock stars" more than happy to throw their hat into the ring in a bid to achieve global fame and fortune.

About thirty-five to forty years ago it took a modicum of talent to even get a foot in the door, but increasingly, since the dawn of the eighties and the advent of media oversaturation, it seems to be all about sensationalism and image and zero to do with anything approaching aptitude or skill. Of course, you only have to flick through YouTube to discover a near limitless proliferation of self-delusion, but as fans of any marginalised genre of "real" music will tell you, there's enough genuine talent out there that deserves a far better shake of the dice... take Rob Moratti for example.

A hugely talented Canadian singer, Moratti first appeared in the dark days of the mid-nineties fronting Moratti – both their albums are worth searching out – before joining forces with Von Groove guitarist Mladen in the equally notable Final Frontier. His big international break came when his was the voice chosen to replace that of Michael Sadler in Saga, their sole album (2009's 'Human Condition') a fine advert for his talents and indeed something of a high for the band themselves. Inevitably, Sadler returned to the Saga fold leaving Moratti out in the cold, but undeterred he hit back with the excellent 'Victory' in the summer of 2011.

Now, he's teamed up with guitarist Torben Enevoldesen, keyboard player Fredrik Bergh, bass legend Tony Franklin and drummer Stu Reid to record what many are already calling a career highlight. Entitled 'Transcendent', his second solo set proper is a joyous celebration of everything that is great about classy AOR-fuelled Melodic Hard Rock. Clipped guitars, driving keyboards, pumping rhythms, svelte emotions and soaring vocals reign supreme; the range of moods and styles covered by tracks such as 'Within Your Eyes', 'Answer Of Life' or 'I'm Flying High' a much needed breath of clean air in a genre in mortal danger of stagnating... even former Saga colleague Ian Crichton has been drafted in to add extra gravitas to the joyous 'I'm Back', not that it needs it though!

Brash, uplifting mid-Atlantic Melodic Hard Rock shot through with vibrant AOR melodies, 'Transcendent' is as bold as it is infectious!

Dave Cockett