REBECCA TORRELLAS - NO HARD FEELINGS INDEPENDENT

New US heart-throb babe Rebecca Torrellas sent me her debut album. She purveys the smooth glossy sound that one would expect from such artists as Bon Jovi, The Corrs, Gloria Estefan, Kate Bush, No Doubt, Fiona, Marilyn Martin and Romeo's Daughter. The album features twelve songs, some are pop orientated songs whilst others, such as the hugely attractive “Have It Your Way,” take on the aforementioned artists. The guitars are supplied by three different players Chris Howland, John Staehely and Jeff Moore and, as I said, the album mostly consists of great power pop songs.

Rebecca has a sufficiently easy going voice similar to Gloria Estefan, which is a bonus in my book as I think Gloria happens to be one amazing singer. Check out gentle summery pop songs like “Not So Innocent” through to darker spiritual songs like “Turning Blue” and “Brave Is The Soul,” which develop into their own identity after several plays. But, for me, I like it better when the chords strike twelve and Rebecca and company rock out on colourful songs such as the aforementioned “Have It Your Way,” “Take A Look At Me Now,” “What Is It Now,” “I Don't Know,” and the thrilling ballad, “Never Got To Say Goodbye” all show that the band are much better when they are flat out than when they stay parked on the laid back shoulder.

There a couple of songs that screw up the album's feels such as “Might As Well,” “Running From Reality,” “Corner Pocket” and “Only To You,” which are the albums only fillers. But, on a positive aspect, subsequently I honestly think that the talent is definitely there and even though the album has been recorded on a small budget, the album is a pleasant suprise. The choice, as they say, is yours.

Nicky Baldrian
Strutter'Zine UK