Shadowman ‘Land Of The Living’ (Escape)
From page 88 of Classic Rock Magazine April 2004
With Shadowman seemingly destined to be no more than an intriguing diversion from the various members’ day jobs, the question of exactly what is the point of forming a studio-shackled, non- touring supergroup is inevitably raised.
But this apparent quandary is unravelled as the inspired nature of the material they have produced seems set to ensure this album can’t be dismissed as merely another obscure side-project.
The quality here shouldn’t come as a major shock given that they’re fronted by FM vocalist Steve Overland, with Thunder’s rhythm section of Harry James and Chris Childs providing a sturdy framework for Heartland guitarist Steve Morris to weave his melodies. Critically, Shadowman have remembered that decent AOR has always been about euphoric songs that conjure images of convertible cars, desert sun and freeways.
The album may only just dodge being tagged as a nostalgia trip, but what’s wrong with pretending – for an occasional, indulgent, melodic hour - that it’s 1987 all over again? ★★★ ★★ Rich Wilson


