Review by Mark Donnelly
FIREWORKS Magazine Issue #91 2020
Readers with a good memory will remember my friend and fellow Fireworks' reviewer Dave Crompton raving about this opus back in Issue #83. 'Optimistic State Of Mind', the debut album from British melodic rockers Tokyo Storm,
was initially scheduled for release back in 2018; however, due to a variety of reasons the opus never saw the light of day, that is until now. Those who know Dave, know he's not quick to hand out praise, especially to Melodic Rock/AOR albums;
not of course, unless it's warranted. Well, having listened to this release multiple times, I concur Mr. C's approbation of this opus is duly justified.
For an independent release 'Optimistic...' boasts a great production. For the most part the songs switch between Melodic Rock to more traditional, laid-back AOR, all with an undoubted British feel. It all centres around the beautiful guitar tones of guitarist Joe Bartnicki and the smooth and relaxing vocals of Ben Green (it's nice to hear a singer stay within his limitations). They are ably supported by the tight rhythm section of bassist Jason Edwards and drummer Bob Peach.
Opener and title track, 'Kill The Machines' and 'Summer Feeling' are your standard Melodic Rock fayre, whilst 'Is This Love' (an original, not the Whitesnake classic), 'Tune' and 'Stormy Night' veer towards more traditional AOR, where I think the band are at their best. My personal favourites are the two outstanding, atmospheric ballads 'Silent Obsession' and 'Lady Darkness', where the aforementioned guitar tone and tranquil vocals really come to the fore.
The album, however, does throw in a couple of curveballs, which some may feel a little strange, but in my opinion adds to the overall listening pleasure. Firstly, the hard rock of 'Fire In Your Eyes' which sounds like a glorious fusion of UFO's 'Rock Bottom' and Saxon's 'Strong Arm Of The Law'! Secondly, the album closer 'Signals' is an eleven-minute instrumental with a light Progressive Rock vibe, which begins with a Magnum ('Don't Wake The Lion') vibe before developing into a more laid-back Alan Parsons-esque feel.
One of the few highlights of the annus horribilis that is 2020, has been the plethora of high-quality Melodic Rock releases, of which Tokyo Storm's 'Optimistic State Of Mind' should be included. Highly recommended.
Mark Donnelly