Vega Only Human cd review

The 11th of May sees the release on Frontiers Records Srl of the 5th album of UK melodic rock band Vega who I have championed since the debut Kiss Of Life way back in 2010.

Seems amazing to think we are on album 5 where does the time go?

Only Human sees the first appearance of Martin Hutch Hutchinson on drums and although a road member for many years Mikey Kee on guitars is now a fully paid up band member so now there are 6.

The rest of the band all play their part with primary songwriters Tom Martin on bass and James Martin on keys and Marcus Thurston on lead guitar and the golden tonsils of Nick Workman on vocals who has never sounded better.

The band have produced the album with Harry Hess of Harem Scarem mixing and mastering and adding the necessary gloss to the sound.

Only Human is 51 minutes 12 tracks all killer no filler and on repeat plays it becomes difficult to pick a favourite with the band having written more quality rock anthems with melodies to die for.How they pick what will be played live will be a nightmare as you can imagine Nick working the crowd to sing every song with him.

Let's Have Fun Tonight is a guaranteed show opener with it's big guitar riff and pounding drum rhythm and Nick's slightly distorted vocal in the verse before a huge chorus built for stadium's and audience participation.Nick's melody and tone alongside the band's backing whoa whoa's is stellar as Nick implores Let's Have Fun Tonight and who are we to argue.

Worth Dying For is the first video with a big stop start guitar riff and the superb mix gives James keyboard flourishes time to breath and more whoa whoa;s in the chorus before the first Marcus fiery guitar solo.I love Nick's held note acrobatics at the end of the song too.

Last Man Standing is a Vega classic with Marcus's guitar riff insistent alongside James's keys with the mix again flourishing.A superb chorus which would have been all over MTV back in the day and you are singing the chorus hour's later as it refuses to leave your brain.A song about a damn good night out with what happens in Vega staying in Vega.

Come Back Again sees the first drop in place for a mid paced number starting on whoa whoa's and Nick's velvet touch on vocal.You can imagine Planet Rock being all over this track and another superb Nick vocal.

All Over Now is a mid tempo number that Vega do so well with the mix again astounding the guitar has a crunch to it but it doesn't overpower the bass or keys.The chorus has a hook the size of a continent and another live favourite for sure.

Mess You Made keeps the standard incredibly high with Marcus's guitar riff leading the opening with Nick's vocal held note's spectacular. The guitar dips for the first half of the verse before crashing back in just before the chorus that beg's to be back to the band in the live setting.Marcus shines on his fast fingered guitar solo with a slightly longer length which is great as he is a quality act.

Title track Only Human starts on a keys intro before the verse sees keys prevalent and a monster chorus with Nick at his majestic best.

Standing Still is an 80's power ballad with Nick given the chance to show all of his tone and melody and a chorus built for radio.The writing team really do astound you as every chorus is so memorable and you just want to hear it all over again.

Gravity is an uptempo number with guitars and keys entwined in the main riff and a big chorus with backing vocals taking the word Gravity with Nick singing the lines between.A Def Leppard feel to the chorus with the mix too.

Turning Pages is an emotional ballad that again has Nick's vocal at it's heart and he does a wonderful job.

Track 11 Fade Away is as catchy as the common cold with the mix again superb and a chorus to die for and Marcus all over his solo that fit's just so.

Go To War is a great cd and show closer with it's uptempo drum rhythm and big guitar riff and Marcus also adding guitar add libs in the verse too.As the cd started it end's with yet another great chorus and you want to press play again.

Only Human is another impressive string in Vega's armoury and they so deserve the break into the big time which hopefully this cd will provide.

They hit the UK road's in support of the cd shortly with Midnite City in support get yourselves along you won't be disappointed.