…they play melodic metal (no keyboards) but has some great songs that lift this album .The title track “Powerdrive” and “Isolation” are my personal faves on the album, but all songs are good. This album will appeal to people into more melodic metal.
(see also spaced and rockhard)
I have said previously I’ve had a great love of them ever since their first album “St. Elmo’s Fire”. Since then they have beat the streets of America supporting Nazareth, Y&T, Nightranger and Leatherwolf, bands they are rather similar to but the sound , in my opinion , of the above mentioned groups is very much below St. Elmo’s Fire. These guys harbor results that are decidedly a rock n’ roll festival., The band represents pure California rock to the bone. Whereas Motley Crue starts to annoy, St. Elmo’s Fire is a top rate group. They are fresh, and have so much to offer. There is something in their music that alters the hearing. On this album there is very little commercial material. “City Behind the Walls” for example is very rock and grabs you without intellectualizing.
In particular JEFF JONES plays very good guitar, he knows how to write songs of the first quality and also produces albums with incredible results. An album to occupy yourself with as soon as possible, especially if you havent purchased their previous albums.
4 out of 5 knives
see also spaced and rockhard
… an absolute a top band…The compact disc “Powerdrive” is quite definitely an obligation for every Guns n’ Roses lover as they are in that particular style.
also see spaced rockhard
..this is good rock’n roll, a good singer, a good guitarist, it is all there! The 4 musicians of St. Elmo’s Fire have really nailed it, that’s obvious. The 10 songs from this album are powerful and you’ll discover yourself banging your foot to it without a doubt. So much of it is that exciting. The sound grows on you immediately when it comes from these 4 rockers… from the USA of course!!
(see also spaced and rockhard)
…simply put they are a damn fine melodic metal act smack in the middle of the Y&T/Dokken/XYZ vein. Anchored around guitarist JEFF JONES (who produced the record and produced all ten songs) the band copes with light and shade, ballads n’ bruisers effortlessly in their stride. “Wrong Side of Love” is the US single. Cocksure guitar with swagger and bullocks a plenty and a beautiful chorus reminiscent of Y&T in their earth shaker prime. Alls set to a pace that defies you not to tap your feet! Opener “Gonna Get Wild” is all Cult rythym and Crue mentality whilt “City Behind the walls is an almost Dio-esque plodder with far more class than Diohas managed lately. Next you have “Powerdrive” – meaty driving Dokken stuff- the gritty punch of “Street Lethal” and the obligatory big ballad “I Need Yout Touch” straight out of the scorpions songbook, proving they can handle this sorta stuff with the same aplomb they’ve shown throughout the rest of the songs!
see also spaced and rockhard
…the efficiency of “Powerdrive is stunning, from the traditional metal rhythms of “Gonna Get Wild” with guitarist Jeff Jones skidding guitar to the solid ,hypnotic back beat of “Isolation”.
The rock ballad is their too in “I need Your Touch” pouring winsome melody into the album.
“Powerdrive may be rock by numbers but they can have my number any time they like!!
3 out of 4 stars ( spaced rockhard )
…they are a classic hard rock band who can remind you of Y&T, for example, with good songs and excellent performances, all on the weight of guitarist JEFF JONES, who shines on the extensive “City Behind the Walls”. And without a doubt to anyone one of the best bands Black Dragon/BMG has on their label. They may soon be able to convert upon a cult band , many fans! spaced rockhard
The name of St. Elmos Fire is getting more and more known by industry insiders. They have already released 2 albums before releasing their “Powerdrive” album. Originally they started out in the Bay Area of California but they don’t sound like the typical Bay Area band. Their sound is more comparable to “Cinderella” or “Dokken” and I’m sure with a little luck they can be just as successful because “Powerdrive” sounds very fresh an enthusiastic.
The songs are somewhat commercial ,very powerful and very well produced.
“Powerdrive is a very strong record!!
7.5/10 rating (spaced rockhard)
..it contains the sort of no frills, workman like music that makes a refreshing change to some of the lukewarm ersatz pap that’s currently being praised to the heavens.
Cuts like “Smoking Gun” and “iso;ation” are solid rockers with punchy riffs and catchy chorusesm
On other tracks ST. ELMO’S FIRE takes a stab at the epic style – the resultant “City Behind the Walls” with its menacing guitar and tasteful acoustic middle section more than satisfies.
The albums high point is the excellent, laidback, almost Scorpion s- like ballad “I need Your Touch”
“Powerdrive” aint gonna where no band had gone before and probably not be the next “Hysteria” (thank god !) but I can safely say it’s a fine addition o your album collection if you like your rock uptempo, gutsy sans make-up and hairspray!!
spaced rockhard
…classic riffs, simple melodies are the calling cards of these guys and who’s credit is due to JEFF JONES the composer of the quartet. ZANE LAZAR has a warm voice halfway between Klaus Meine of the Scorpions and Ronnie James Dio. Not a bad pedigree!!
spaced rockhard
