 SURRENDER
Better Late Than Never
Kihmo Records 2005
www.surrendertunes.com
What’s the 4-1-1?
Surrender re-releases their long-lost album that was never released
in the first place. Confused? Well, let me clear it up for you. Better
Late Than Never was recorded originally between 1987 and 1989. By
the time this self-produced and self-financed project was finished
and it was time to secure a record deal, the musical landscape had
changed. Out were the big hooks and bright rhythms of melodic rock,
and in was the down-tuned angst of grunge. Somehow the unreleased
material made it’s way onto the internet and was sold on eBay
for hundreds of dollars.
The band was totally unaware of this until
it was pointed out to them by a fan. Surrender had become a cult
classic. Based on what they learned of their apparent underground
appeal, Surrender decided to put the album out themselves properly
through their website for an affordable price. They even added
three bonus tracks that weren’t included on the original album.
Genre
Melodic rock / arena rock / hard rock
The Good
Powerful multi-part vocal harmonies start off “Never” and continue
into the catchy chorus. Vocalist Frank Siccoli shows off that he is the consummate
melodic rock vocalist when he flexes his pipes. Michael Olszewski lays down
a memorable guitar lick that repeats itself throughout “Claire”,
as does a warbled keyboard loop. Surrender keeps their odes to women in their
life alive with “Nikki “. Crunchy riffs dominate here, and the chorus
sung in the round helps enhance the melodies. The keyboard laden power ballad “Feel
the Burn” brings the tempo down a bit, but the emotion remains high.
“One
Tough City” is a mid-tempo rocker that highlights Siccoli’s vocals
and Kenny Hamberg’s vocals more than anything else. The song tackles the
quality of life issues that all neighborhoods face. “Thought You Should
Know” has some meatier riffs mixed with blaring synths and harmonized
vocals. I never would have thought there would be another song from the 80s
era about a woman named “Carrie”. Europe’s version may have
been a bigger hit, but if Surrender’s version was released at the same
time, it would have given them a run for the money. The final two tracks, “A
New Game” and “Little Asia”, feature a different singer, (Eric
Thompson) but still manage to match the quality that Siccoli delivered.
The Bad
They do the a cappella vocal introductions just a bit too much.
The Verdict
I never really followed the melodic rock cult scene. In fact, Surrender
found me (does that make me a cult hit?). I must say, for a self-released,
self produced, self-financed project, it sure does sound like a lot of
money was poured into this project. The quality is top-notch and all the
songs are great. Since money was not a factor, that just goes to show how
great Surrender are as musicians.
Granted, it’s not material that
would fly in today’s musical climate, but it sure would have torn
up the charts in the late eighties. If you’re loyal to melodic rock
and not one of those drones that follow music trends because the media
tells you to like it, then Surrender is right up your alley. Better
Late Then Never is a lost melodic treasure that should be put on display for
all to enjoy.
Did You Know?
The studio where the music was recorded, Studio 1212, burned down in the fall
of 1995.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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