The original lineup consisted of vocalist Frank Dimino, guitarist Punky Meadows, keyboardist Gregg Giuffria , bassist Mickey Jones and drummer Barry Brandt. The band usually wore all white clothing and had an entertaining live show that involved a hologram where by the band just appeared on stage supposedly out of thin air.
There were a few lineup changes but the band continued to release studio records until 2000. Recently Lovember Records re-released the band's third disc On Earth As It Is In Heaven on CD. I had followed the band from their debut disc up until the original release of this record and I fell out of interest at that time. It wasn't that I thought it was a bad record but it wasn't a particularly great one either, I thought at the time.
The band's eponymous debut caught my attention with the blazing opening track "Tower". They followed it up with my favorite Angel disc Helluva Band. In particular, the opus "The Fortune" really showcased their musicianship, in particular key-wizard Gregg Giuffria.
With the Eddie Kramer-produced �Heaven, the band concentrated on less progressive songs and more hooky stuff. Since listening to the re-issue, I realize that I didn't give the record its due back then. The voice of Dimino demands your attention throughout and he is backed up by the restrained but solid playing of the other guys.
"Telephone Exchange" is a radio-friendly single with a great chorus and "White Lightning" is noteworthy as well. My favourite tracks are the back end of the record. "You're Not Fooling Me" has some of that old Angel pomp magic. The big single "That Magic Touch" provides the best moments on the record. The warpath thump of "Cast the First Stone" and the moody "Just a Dream" end off the record on a high note.
Fans of the band who want to re-kindle some old memories will want to pick up this re-issue with features a nice little booklet with commentary from journalist Dave Reynolds along with thoughts on each song by Frank Dimino.
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Angel - On Earth As It Is In Heaven
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