By Maria Glover
Hartmann is a German hard rock band founded in 2004 by singer/guitarist Oliver Hartmann, perhaps better known as a member of Avantasia. After eight successful albums between 2005 and 2018, they have now presented us with ’15 Pearls and Gems’ , comprised of five new tracks, five covers and five live originals, hence the ’15’ in the title. If you aren’t familiar with the band then they can be described rather vaguely as for fans of Mr Big, David Coverdale, Bad Company and the ilk.
Let us start our evaluation with the new tracks…
‘Can’t Stop This Train’ is melodic rock with gruff, deep vocals and a driving beat. There is a screaming guitar solo and the vocals are very Coverdale-esque. Single release ‘Walking A Thin Line’ is a heavier sound from the off; with bold riffs, this is a bass-tastic foot-tapper with vocals turning from gnarly to the more familiar and melodic, to a higher pitch near-scream. ‘How Does It Feel’ is a piano ballad with gentle emotional vocals and a real retro, familiar feel. ‘You Will Make It’ is heavier again and more bluesy, leading as is now expected, to the big chorus. This track is a bit tamer than I hoped or anticipated, so I am left a little unfulfilled – but that’s my personal taste. ‘Glow (Remix)’ opens with lovely gentle chords and is a chilled, middle of the road grower, though not entirely unlike the original…
Now let’s turn our attention to the covers, shall we?
Jermaine Jackson seems an odd choice and I don’t remember the original of ‘When Rain Begins To Fall’, but, to be honest, the electro-pop ‘80s vibe doesn’t do it for me. The duet features Ina Morgan (also from Avantasia) but I don’t quite feel it; I don’t believe the sentiments and it doesn’t reach me. Sorry. ‘Street Café’ however, a cover of Icehouse, is a different style altogether and I like it, the song really suits his voice and is moody and sultry. Perhaps the most dated sounding track on the album is a cover of Billy Joel’s ‘I Go To Extremes’ – I hated it. The ethereal and brooding ‘Uninvited’ Alanis Morrissette cover, however, shows flexibility in vocal range and is strangely enjoyable, in that I really like it but it seems a little out of place. ‘Fire And Water’ is a whisky-infused classic and this is a worthy cover, but not a patch on the mighty Free.
Finally, we come to the five tracks which make up the last third of the album…
The vocals sound great and stand out well from the music and the background noise, and ‘The Sun’s Still Rising’ has a catchy beat with plenty of hooks and melody and a lovely guitar solo. ‘What If I’ has a country feel and is upbeat and rousing but is not really to my taste. ‘Don’t Give Up Your Dream’ is a stand-out track, emotive with or without lyrics, such is the power of the music underlying the soulful vocals, and with beautiful riffs rolling throughout. It’s haunting at times and so textured it’s a musical gourmet meal. Another duet, this time with Tobias Sammet (also, of course, from Avantasia) in ‘Brothers’ which has a southern twang I really like. I love the way the different vocals meet, the more powerful and passionate style blending well. The album closes with ‘Out In The Cold’ which is a moody and sombre affair.
The collection is a good demonstration of Hartmann past and present and illustrates some of the range of style and influences across their discography, but for me it’s a little too mixed-bag and I would skip quite a lot to be honest to suit my mood that day. If you are a big fan, of Hartmann, the style or the genre, you will love it.
- ’15 Pearls and Gems’ is out now. You can get your copy, and more Hartmann goodies, HERE.
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