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Takara -
Eternity (The Best 93-98)
 Roll
down the windows and crank up
the tunes because Takara, as
this 18-track collection proves,
refused to acknowledge that it
was a decade too late. The
melodic hard rock band from
California hooked up with
producer and singer Jeff Scott
Soto when it was recording its
first demo. After Takara’s
original singer couldn’t cut the
sessions, Soto was drafted. And
he has never sounded better than
he did on Takara’s first three
albums (released mainly in
Europe and Japan and the best
tracks of which are highlighted
on this best-of reissue). One
could argue that the man’s best
work musically came with either
Axel Rudi Pell or Talisman, but
Soto soars here on melodic hard
rockers like “Two Hearts
Together,” “Days of Dawn” and
“Blind In Paradise,” while
emoting on such ballads as
“Restless Heart,” “Colors Fade,”
“Last Mistake” and “Don’t Wanna
Be Alone.” Even his backing
vocals, more crystalline than
his leads, hit the sweet spot.
That said, the Prince-like
titles (“Take U Down,” “Say U’ll
Stay,” "Your Love 2night”) were
annoying, and Takara’s lineup (which
at one time included ex-Ozzy
bassist Bob Daisley) never
really solidified over the
band’s initial five-year
lifespan. Heck, Soto wasn’t even
a permanent member, according to
Eternity’s liner notes,
penned by founding guitarist
Neal Grusky. Takara reunited
with new singer Michael James
for 2001’s Perception of
Reality, but Eternity
lives on and is well worth
hearing again …
Track Listing:
1) Spotlight (3:26)
2) Two Hearts Together (3:41)
3) Restless Heart (4:02)
4) Fallen Angel (3:11)
5) Colors Fade (4:40)
6) When Darkness Falls (4:56)
7) Days of Dawn (4:30)
8) Your Love (3:11)
9) December (4:48)
10) Last Mistake (4:42)
11) Lonely Shade of Blue (5:27)
12) Take U Down (4:59)
13) Your Love 2night (4:08)
14) Don’t Wanna Be Alone (6:42)
15) Blind in Paradise (4:14)
16) Say U’ll Stay (4:59)
17) Restless Heart (Acoustic)
(3:10)
18) Your Love (Acoustic) (2:35)
Total Time: 77:29
Added: March 11th 2004
Reviewer:
Michael Popke
www.seaoftranquility.org
Score:
Related Link:
Lion Music
TAKARA - Eternity - The Best 93-98 (Lion Music)
Score: 4.5 out of 5 Battle-Axes
Posted: 4/6/04 @ www.metaldreams.go.to
Takara formed in 1987 but didn't actually release their first album, Eternal
Faith, until December 1993, not exactly the best time for a commercial melodic
rock band. While there was no record company to be had in the U.S., Japan's
Zero Corporation and Europe's Now & Then Records happily released Eternal Faith,
which went on to sell 15,000 copies worldwide. The band's second album, Taste
Of Heaven, was released in May 1995, hitting #96 on the Japanese Billboard
charts. In 1996, independent label Saraya Recordings issued both albums in the
U.S. In 1998, the band's third album, Blind In Paradise, hit the streets, as
well as this 'best of' recording. Now reissued, this eighteen-track compilation
reintroduces hard rock fans to a band that would have been huge if their
recordings were available in the late 80s. Featuring the highly talented Jeff
Scott Soto (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force) on lead vocals, the band rode
the line between hard rock and melodic rock, delivering rousing anthems
("Spotlight"), sensitive ballads ("Restless Heart" and "Colors Fade"), and peppy
rockers ("Take U Down"), all within a soulful context. Besides Soto's talents,
the music spotlighted the six-string skills of Neal Grusky, the leader of the
group Interestingly, Soto's voice was basically on loan, as he was never a
full-fledged member of the band, something that probably held Takara back from
reaching more people.
The Bottom Line: This 'best of' is very strong, as it mostly concentrates on the
band's energetic songs. If you were a fan of well-produced energetic,
commercial 80s hard rock, then you'll enjoy this group. If you're a fan of Jeff
Scott Soto's work outside of Rising Force, you'll like this too. It's hard to
believe a group like Takara existed during the height of grunge, and had the
tenacity to write, record, and release music that wasn't the industry standard.
For that, they should be highly commended. One final note: Grusky assembled a
new Takara a few years ago, releasing the band's fourth studio album, Perception
Of Reality on Lion Music.
Reviewed by: Chris Dugan Metal Dreams
TAKARA / Eternity: Best
of 93-98 / Lion Music DERRIC MILLER
www.metallexpress.no
Takara has one of the strangest histories of any band
around. To start with, on their compilation Eternity:
The Best of 93-98, band leader/guitarist Neal Grusky
says about lead singer Jeff Scott Soto, “For the record,
Jeff was never an official member of Takara.” So it
seems odd that they could release a “best of” that
features a guy who was never an official member of the
band and yet covers five years. Their newest incarnation
of Takara has Michael James on board as the new singer,
and they have released Perception of Reality
without Soto. Anyway, Eternity … IS about the
Soto years, and they are well worth a listen …
Because they formed in 1987, they have that “look”
about them: long, teased hair; unbuttoned shirts;
necklaces; etc. But they are not really a hair metal
band. They have a sophistication and level of maturity
that belies whatever look they were going for. It’s
melodic rock with insightful lyrics sung mostly about
love, and not about getting their rocks off. Part of
this maturity does flow from Soto’s distinct emotional
style, though.
Anyway, getting to the music, Takara hits us with
“Spotlight,” one of their hardest songs on the
compilation. You’ll hear Grusky playing a mean intro,
Bon Jovi-type keyboards, and Soto’s characteristically
adept voice. This is pure rock song, no frills, just
straight-ahead rock and roll. As is there norm, they
don’t just make up lyrics to rhyme, but actually tell a
story. Think of “Jukebox Hero” here. If you’ve never
heard them before, they picked the perfect song to start
things off. You’ll enjoy a wicked guitar solo here as
well.
“Two Hearts Together” begins a capella and
again, you’ll just have to dig Soto’s voice. You really
can’t say enough about what an incredible singer he is.
(In some ways, it’s too bad he never dove into Takara
full time, once you hear what they can do.) This is a
more pared down rock song, and Grusky proves he can rip
it up if need be.
By the third song, they start getting into their
normal type of song, meaning slower, even more melodic,
and just radio-friendly hard rock. “Restless Heart”
sounds a bit like Heaven’s Edge “Cry,” a triumphant
almost-ballad, with more rock and soul than your usually
brooding ballad. The acoustic guitar is sharp as well.
Takara added keyboardist Eric Ragno later on, but
during the song “Colors Fade,” it seems Soto is doing
keyboard duties as well as vocals. This is another
ballad, the kind of song that truly embodies the Takara
sound, whether they like it or not.
By the time you make it down to “Last Mistake,” the
formula starts getting to you. The songs begin slow,
often with acoustic guitar and understated keys, and the
song crescendos to the chorus. While variety isn’t one
of their strongest suits, on this one they do a little
stealing of “Because the Night” with Soto’s vocals
matching the “they can‘t hurt you
now-ooo-ow-ooo-ow-ooo-ow” that Springsteen wrote so
well.
The best part about this CD is the quality of
material and the clarity of sound. The production is
dead-on, and their musicianship is just crystal clear.
On songs like “Say You’ll Stay” and “Don’t Wanna Be
Alone,” you’ll appreciate their efforts.
Takara ends the CD with acoustic covers of “Restless
Heart” and “Your Love.” The full band version of
“Restless Heart” is better, but not by much. The
transition from electric to acoustic is obviously as
simple as breathing for this band. “Your Love” is more
upbeat, so the acoustic version works just as well as
the original. Plus, Soto’s vocals aren’t obscured by any
drums or bass, and anytime you can hear his voice
better, it’s a treat.
It will be interesting to see how Takara does without
Soto’s magic touch. This is Takara saying goodbye to the
past while embracing their future, and if the view
through their windshield looks anything like the view in
their rear-view mirror, Takara has a lot more gas in
their tank.
Car analogies rule. |
Takara -
Eternity
”Eternity” is a re-release of a greatest hits CD
that was popped out shortly after the third and
final Takara outing with Jeff Scott Soto on board in
1998. Afterwards the band jumped the shark by
recruiting Michael Flatters for 2001’s “Perception
of Reality”, it was a wild change from the versatile
pipes of Soto to this fairly soulless sounding
vocalist that has recently been recording with James
Byrd with mixed results. Luckily there’s nothing
here from Flatters to mess up the beauty of what was
a great AOR band, and since this is the second go
‘round for “Eternity”, originally released before
Takara split apart and many core members were blown
to the four winds. This 2004 edition includes
nothing new as far as music goes. Those that pick up
the disc will be treated to some band photos and a
“letter to the fans” from founding member (and I
believe the only original Takara musician left),
guitarist Neal Grusky. For those new to the band,
this is the perfect introduction, in fact, it may be
the only CD you need from these guys because the
best is certainly represented and in force. A
staggering eight songs have been lifted from my
personal favorite of the bunch, “Taste of Heaven”,
every key track showing up in their full glory. You
also get a sampling from the debut and “Blind in
Paradise” but I’ll take it one album at a time.
The band had been kicking around since the late 80s
but it was not until 1993 that they managed to
finally push a disc out the door. Sounding very much
like a Christian band with the title “Eternal Faith”
they dazzled and impressed with such songs like the
lush feathery ballad “Colors Fade”
and the pounding love anthem “Restless
Heart”, which opens with lapping acoustic
in a delicate setting and then ramps it up to eleven
with soaring vocals and pounding drums for a
climatic chorus. The guitar solo absolutely sizzles
with passion and emotion and the song slides back
into stripped down mode right after for a nice
contrast. There’s also the upfront rocker
“Spotlight” which reminds me of early 80s
Rainbow, but sadly is a little on the repetitive
side and the slightly generic uptempo burner but
still worth noting, “Two Hearts Together”.
The songs are all decent, but having heard so many
albums in this hard rock-bordering-on-AOR genre that
are better, the songs from “Eternal Faith” sound
dated and sometimes unremarkable. When its good
though its great, and thankfully some of the best
have been handpicked.
“Taste of Heaven” from 1995 yielded many more
memorable songs and was Takara’s magnum opus without
a doubt. Lyrically it was all about love, but
musically the band gelled better, and the song
structures were tighter and ventured to allow for
more variety. The middle child is often the one with
the most problems, but not in this case, since every
song screamed “1987 radio play!” and the best are
definitely harvested here for “Eternity”. The
powerful European hard rock flavored, “When
Darkness Falls” opened the CD then, and
here it is the first track from that album, and so
it goes, with the first five songs from “Taste”
slapped on here in order, then skipping down to the
heartbreaking ode to a love one passed away ballad,
“Lonely Shade of Blue”. But
everyone has their choice tracks, and mine would be
“Days of Dawn”. That one flaunts a
powerful performance by Soto. The chorus just soars,
the guitars squeal and guest all-star Bob Daisley’s
bass contributions are also notable. Verses are
smooth as silk highlighted by keys and explode into
hard rock glory with the bridge that leads back into
that catchy as sin chorus. Killer stuff.
“December” opens with a capella singing
then quickly transcends into another upbeat rocker
with a gigantic hook.
“Blind in Paradise” is like a mixture of the two
previous albums, the AOR stylings of “Taste” and the
more upfront rock n roll approach of “Eternal
Faith”. A couple of anthems are tacked on here, the
full frontal rock of “Take U Down”,
complete with the obligatory wild man axe solo and
cheesy synthesizer in the spotlight, gotta love
that, and the fidgety “Your Love 2 Night”
which leaves me wondering what they could have
really done if more effort had been exerted.
“Don’t Wanna Be Alone” is a long-winded
ballad that does some things right but the hooks
just stumble into boredom in the end. “Say
U’ll Stay” is a vast improvement that
actually is blessed with a bit of passion, utilizing
a lot of lapping acoustic and of course the pipes of
Jeff Scott Soto.
The final two songs are acoustic tracks recorded for
and debuting on “Taste of Heaven”. “Restless
Heart” just isn’t the same with the
bombastic sections stripped down. “Your
Love” works better, since the original is a
melody packed killer (also included here, so dare to
compare for yourself!) and doesn’t rely on the tempo
changing gimmick to ensure interest is held like
“Restless” does. Both showcase Jeff
Scott Soto’s pipes in their finest shape.
Seeing Takara through the years like this you can
definitely see where they made improvements in
songwriting and just straightened and tightened
things up as the years passed away and the
recordings where shuffled out the door. Jeff Scott
Soto has definitely earned his wings as a legendary
vocalist by singing everything from disco (The
Boogie Knights) to balls-to-the-wall guitar driven
heavy metal (Axel Rudi Pell, Yngwie Malmsteen).
Having thought he always sounded his best doing
AOR-esque material, I can’t recommend this journey
in time called “Eternity” enough for those looking
for another glimpse into Soto’s past. Unfortunately
he spread himself a little thin in the late 90s,
doing too much for too many and that can be heard in
the songs from “Blind in Paradise” where he comes
off a bit raspy at times – something you would never
hear in the pristine deliveries in the previous
tunes. At any rate, this is a nice compilation that
truly is the “Best of” Takara, and any fan of Jeff
or AOR in general should enjoy it. If you didn’t
pick it up in 1998, here’s your chance now.
Rating: 7/10 www.revelationz.net
TAKARA `Eternity - The Best 93-98' LMC093
Lion Music (2004)
http://www.lionmuisc.com
Hot on the heels of Lion Music's re-release of Takara's first
three albums comes the `Best Of' covering said three albums plus a
couple of acoustic numbers added on. Takara is the brainchild of
guitarist Neal Grusky and on the first three albums you had the vocal
talents of Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman/Yngwie Malmsteen). In the mid-
90's there were very few melodic hard rock bands bar Ten, Crown of
Thorns and of course this band.
`Spotlight' sets Takara's sound out nicely - hard rockin' riffs
with big melodies and the soaring vocals of Jeff Scott Soto. For the
softer side of the band there is ballad `Restless Heart' (also on
here in acoustic form as well). Soto is in fine vocal form with Neal
Grusky laying down those long guitar solos most associated with power
ballads. `Colors Fade' is another top draw ballad, this time with
more keyboard fills and harmony vocals. Plenty of hard rockers on
here like `Blind In Paradise' (very Joe Lynn Turner fronted Deep
Purple in sound) and `Your Love 2night'.
Eighteen tracks in all, making this an ideal starting point for
those new to the band and a welcome addition to any self-respecting
melodic rock fan's CD collection.
Jason Ritchie
Rating ****
The home of classic, metal, AOR, folk & progressive rock -
http://www.getreadytorock.com
‘BLIND IN PARADISE’
(LION MUSIC/BERTUS)
With the re-release of the third TAKARA release,
LION MUSIC closes the TAKARA book for a while. The album is just like TAKARA’s other
records filled with classy melodic rock of a very high level, and together with JEFF SCOTT
SOTO’s unmistakable lead vocals it’s another must-have record for fans of the
melodic hardrock genre. Highlights on ‘Blind paradise’ are “Take U down”,
“Your love 2night”, “Love is gone”, “Time waits 4 no one”,
“Blind in paradise” and “Say u’ll say”, but actually all 12
tracks are sensational. It’s a pity Jeff left the band, because he was basically the
face behind TAKARA, although we must not forget of course that the real leader of the band
is guitarist Neal Grusky, who has always played his instrument very well. Anyway, this
TAKARA album is one of those near-classics that should not be forgotten, so if you haven’t
got a copy of it, then here’s another opportunity to obtain the album.
(Points: 9.0 out of 10) Strutter Zine
Takara - Eternal Faith (Lion Music
2002) (2002 - orig. released in 1992)
The debut release by Takara with Neal Grusky on guitars, Jeff Scott Soto on
vocals/keys, Robert Duda on drums and bass player Gary Scutt. I must admit I originally
bought this when it first came out via Now & Then and I wasn't a fan! But with time
and hindsight I have really grown to like this album.
The band's heaviest release to date with guitars high in the mix, none more
so than 'Spotlight' and 'Two Hearts Together'. Aside from Neil Grusky's impeccable guitar
playing Jeff Scott Soto's vocals really stand out - he is a powerhouse vocalist. 'Just
Like Yesterday' has crisp guitar riffs and a hook filled chorus - all that good melodic
hard rock should be! Mellower moments take the form of the ballad 'Restless Heart', which
builds slowly to a harmony vocal chorus and a Yngwie Malmsteen style guitar solo.
Power ballad 'Colors Fade Away' has some delicate piano and another harmony filled chorus
with Soto on fine vocal form. A couple of tracks drag like 'Don't Walk Away' and
'First Attraction', whose start sounds like your CD has got stuck! A welcome re-release
and an album that deserves a place in any melodic rock fan's collection.
Classic Rock Newswire - Jason Richie
TAKARA 'Blind in Paradise'
Lion
Music (2002 - originally released in 1998)
This was the third studio album by Takara and the last to feature vocalist
Jeff Scott Soto. The rest of the line-up on this album featured keyboard player Eric
Ragno, founder member guitarist Neal Grusky and bass player Carl De Marco. Bob Daisley
(Ozzy/Uriah Heep) appeared on bass on one track as well.
The album is a tuneful slab of melodic hard rock with the highlights being
Soto's vocals and Neal Grusky's guitars. Three up-tempo rockers start the CD with 'Fly 2
Your Arms' being the best of the bunch. The first power ballad appears in the shape of
'Love is Gone'. Takara particularly excel in this area with slow burning verses and
crashing guitar chords on the choruses. The power ballad theme continues with 'Don't Wanna
Be Alone' and the chorus is one that you will be singing long after the song
finishes. The final ballad, 'Say U'll Stay' again brings to mind the harmonies Journey but
Takara have their own style as well. Nice keyboard and guitar touches on this song as
well. Journey come to mind on 'Time Waits 4 No One' (with these abbreviated song titles
were the band forerunners of the text messaging craze?!), with its harmony filled chorus
and crashing guitar chords. There are a couple of standard rockers like 'What Do U Want
from Me' and 'Lookin' Out'. A very welcome re-release but sadly no bonus tracks. If you
enjoy bands like Ten, Journey, Whitesnake (post '87) and Y&T then add this to your
collection ASAP!
Classic Rock Newswire - Jason Richie
Takara - Taste of Heaven (Lion Music
2002)
Finnish label Lion Music is in the process of re-releasing all prior
Takara albums. In 2001 Takara released their excellent album "Deception Of
Reality" but their earlier work has withstood the test of time pretty well. The first
to be re-released was Eternal Faith which was originally released in 1992. Second is this
one, originally from 1995, and up next is "Blind In Paradise", originally
released in 1998, and to be re-released in Oktober 2002.
The regular line up of Takara consists of Neal M. Grusky on guitars, Carl DeMarco on bass,
and Robert Duda on drums. All vocals, keyboards and percussion, as well as some additional
acoustic guitars on this record are done by none less than the mighty Jeff Scott Soto, who
does an *excellent* job! At first I wasn't a big fan of his voice, but now that I've grown
accustomed to it I can't get enough of it! Maybe this goes for you too, so give him a shot
if you don't appreciate him already.
The tracks starts with a blast. Both rockers "When Darkness Falls" and
"Days Of Dawn" are radio friendly rockers that will probably break little
ground, but - boy - does this *rock* ! Grusky's guitars are amazing. His playing is
superb, and fits this music like a glove. Both DeMarco and Duda do an excellent job laying
down the solid and thumping foundation.
An album like "Taste Of Heaven" is the ultimate place to be for one or two
mid-tempo tracks as well, and of course a ballad or two are hardly out of place. The
ballads are where Jeff Scott Soto really shines. When this guy unleashes the full power of
his voice, he'll send shivers down many a spine. "Last Mistake" (this one builds
into a power anthem) and "Lonely Shade Of Blue" are great ballads. Maybe Lion
Music will get these ones on some ballad compilation or something like that, to
familiarize some listeners with Takara who wouldn't get to hear this amazing stuff
otherwise.
The last two songs are acoustic bonus tracks. I honestly don't know if these were on the
original 1995 release as well, but though obviously a little quieter than the rest of the
material, they fit with the rest of the material well enough. They'd have gone down very
well in the early nineties acoustic mania.
This is simply a great mid-nineties rock album that should be in each and every rock
collection. Get it. Fast.
Eef Vink www.rocknet.nl
Takara - Eternal Faith (Lion Music
2002)
Jeff Scott Soto fans, it's time for you to take a look to the Eternal
Faith album. An album that was recorded in 1993. All the fans of melodic rock & Glam
with be pleased to hear this great CD. Like I said, It's really melodic with catchy guitar
riff and big chorus & big solos! It's the classic glam album with 5 potential single
hits! This album should have been release in 1989 and I'm sure that it could have been a
classic! Great production by JSS, you have to listen to that CD!!!
Note: 85%
Patrick www.thedarkesthours.com
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
January 2002 | Released: December 2001, Lion Music | Rating: 4.0/5 | Reviewer: JP
Metal-rules.com
Some of my colleagues think it is weird I can enjoy melodic bands like Takara just
as much as Cannibal Corpse or somebody heavier. That¹s OK because a kick ass band
like Takara deserves some recognition and appreciation too! Once again Lion music, rapidly
becoming one of the bright lights in the European metal label industry has provided a
fantastic little release. I say ³little² because it arrived with little fan-fare, no
advertising, no hype etc but it maintains the tradition of high caliber, high quality,
hard rock that Takara is known for. Great packaging, if a little new age for my tastes,
butterflies, seascapes, moons, and little floating globes add to an existential feel to
the CD done by none other then Derek Riggs! It is gorgeous however. Some people in the AOR
type crowd suggested that Takara could not easily survive the loss of Jeff Scott Soto but
his replacement Michael Flatters does an admirable job, a perfect fit, range, some
power, smoothness and control, all good elements in a singer for this type of band. Maybe
I¹m over-analyzing it but I liked his voice, bottom line!
The songs are all excellent high caliber melodic hard rock style songs. They aren¹t too
wild or frantic but not too smooth and consequently lacking in balls. Guitar solos are
solid and competent, but not too shreddy, the drums and bass are along for the ride
fitting in quite nicelySin fact everything about this CD isSnice. Maybe too nice. It is
short too 9 songs at under 40 minutes. The song titles are a little dull as are the
lyrics, really nothing new, however, they are positive and uplifting in a sense which
makes up for the lack of originality.
Takara are a strange thing, an American (!) classy, melodic hard rock band with tons of
European feel and after 15 years and 4 great CD¹s this under-rated band still survives in
a musical environment hostile to this style. It is a testament to their talent, commitment
and dedication to making classy, sophisticated hard rock. A recommended buy.
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Sorry to those waiting on a review of this album and to the band
themselves. It's a great album that deserves more attention. Takara now features vocalist
Michael Flatters in place of Jeff Scott Soto. It would be hard to claim anyone was as good
as Soto, but although Flatters sounds similar, he thankfully doesn't try and imitate him.
He has his own style and sounds great for it. His vocals are strong and helps the
songs within this album shine. This is classic hard rock with a few interesting twists
(Tomorrow for example). The ballad Without You is also a highlight. At 9 tracks, there are
no fillers, just all rock n roll and the album is over
well before you wish it was. If you haven't check it out yet, then do so, as a solid
American hard rock album with a European influence awaits.
source:www.Melodicrock.com
reviewer Andrew Mcniece
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Takara are a colourful AOR band who are extremely tight and together. Their vocalist,
Michael James Flatters, at times is a dead ringer for the Freddie Mercury in his mid 70's
heyday especially in the tracks 'Ready to Promise' and the rocking 'Dream it all'.
The CD kicks off with a crackin' pacey number about the loss of a girl who is 'Miles Away'
and is followed up by classy numbers like 'Without You' that has an acoustic riff which is
reminiscent Paul McCartney's 'Young Boy' from his 'Flaming Pie' album - before the song
explodes into a gorgeous AOR ballad epic with a big song-title chorus and endearing guitar
solo, (thanks to the talents of Neal Grusky).
To sum it up nicely, Takara are a strong unity that have the ballsy flare of Foreigner,
the musical beauty of Boston and the joyous variety of Journey.
Find out more about this exceptional group via our links page which'll take you straight
to their
web-site www.takararocks.com
An easy 10/10.
By Glenn Milligan, BA Hons CS
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Michael Flatters - vocals; Neal Grusky - guitars; Carl Demarco - bass; Brook
Hansen - keyboards; Chad Clark - drums
Since Takara's last release 'Blind In Paradise' there has been a drastic
change in personnel, in particular the departure of Jeff Scott Soto. Not only
did Takara's leader Neal Grusky have the daunting prospect of finding a new
vocalist, he also had to search for a new keyboardist and bassist as they
also buggered off. Stepping up to the plate came Brook Hansen (keyboards),
Chad Clark (drums) and Michael Flatters (vocals). With the line up complete,
Takara spent a year in the studio recording their latest offering 'Perception
Of Reality'. Before we get into the tracks themselves, I'm sure there are
those readers who are concerned about the performance of the new vocalist.
Will he sound as good as Jeff? Will he have a similar style? Any concerns can
be allayed as Michael has put in a fine performance. I don't think Takara has
lost anything at all in the vocal stakes.
Neal Grusky has such a distinctive guitar tone, I wouldn't expect Takara to
sound like anyone other than Takara. Having said that, you do get the
impression that there has been a step up in the class stakes. Opener 'Miles
Away' signals immediately that Takara haven't deviated from their acclaimed
brand of melodic rock and it also serves notice that Michael Flatter's is a
quality vocalist. 'Shadows In The Night' further increases ones impression of
Mr. Flatter's and the feeling that the Grusky/Flatters relationship has been
very fruitful. The next three tracks show a different side to Takara with the
slightly proggy 'Tomorrow', the wonderful ballad 'Without You' and the high
energy, hard edged pop rock of 'Ready To Promise'. With those slight
deviations in approach we are back to a more familiar Takara on 'L.I.E.S',
'Dream Of It All', 'Believe' and 'Tell Me', all very good rockers with
Takara's typical smooth choruses.
Credit has to go to Neal Grusky for persevering after some big upheavals
within the band. The addition of Michael Flatters is most welcome and so is
the energy that the new members have brought to 'Perception Of Reality'. On a
slightly sour note, I have to draw attention to the fact that this album is
only 39 minutes in duration, which really isn't good enough. I'm sure they
could have come up with another couple of songs (only nine to be had).
However, the quality of the material and the bands performance does help to
make up for it. - Luigi Cisaria
Rating: 8.5
Pros: Michael Flatters performance; a feeling of freshness and
energy in the
songs.
Cons: Only 39 minutes long!!!!
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Takara as you all know comes from USA and on their three studios album the vocals were
handle by superstar Jeff Scott Soto.
Now with Soto gone one would have thought it would be impossible to follow in the
footsteps of such a respected and well known singer, but the reality is Takara started to
sound stale with Soto, so out he went and in comes new singer Michael Flatters (last heard
on the recent James Byrd album) and thanks to his deep range the bands early AOR and
melodic rock music is now overshadowed by a more darker technical progressive style which
not many US bands are doing at the moment. But fear not, the bands melodic rock edge is
still evident throughout "Perception Of Reality" making Takara surely one of the
bands that will meet large success in the forthcoming years as their style progresses.
I guess the imagery conjured up of this new album is more of a LIVE band feel as opposed
to the previous albums which were often too polished, thus the new sound is more
convincing and shows progression instead of repeating the same old cliched lyrics, this
time Takara just play hard rock at it's best. In fact, Takara still remain a cult U.S.
band, JSS certainly gave the band the attention they deserved.
It's impossible to ignore these kind of rocking songs, all of which are an excellent play.
Witness the bands own unique style which has evolved with considerable substance. Songs
like 'Shadows Of The Night' and 'Believe' are surely two of the best songs Takara have
composed and are reasons enough for buying "Perception Of Reality"
Their musicianship is totally impressive and the band have an over the average technical
level and super pinache for songwriting. One of the best points in this band is Michael,
he over powers Soto's range and will become a very much sort after singer in the years to
come. Michael has got his own voice and he knows how to use it at its best. He succeeds in
finding the best vocals line that suits to songs. His voice can fly really high like on
the addictive radio friendly 'Tell Me' or sweet and subtle like on the superb power
ballad 'Without You'.
The guitar virtuosity is amazing and guitarist Neal Grusky plays his instrument with the
technical articulation and fluidity and feel of many of todays hot shots . The rhythm
section bring in lots of arrangements without loosing any of Takara's trademark dynamic
melodic melodies.
Takara's new album proves the point the band are here to stay and reaches the boundaries
of progressive and hard rock/metal with the lavished melodic qualities of A.O.R. much like
their previous albums but fresher.
The new album already shows a huge potential and leap forward for the band formed by Neal
Grusky, it's maturity immediately hits you in the face from the opening track 'Miles Away'
through to the last track 'Tell Me'. "Perception Of Reality" is an audacious
masterpiece, each song is played with depth, elegance and subtly that will set the bands
standard for the future. Takara have cunningly avoided a fate of atrophy and the resultant
marriage is evidenced by the constant quality. Share this vision now, "P.O.R" is
a paragon of melodic excellence which I can guarantee you'll love.
www.Takararocks.com
TAKARAOLOGY
Eternal Faith
Taste Of Heaven
Blind In Paradise
Eternity The Best '93 - '98
Nicky Baldrian
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Rightly or wrongly, Takara have always seemed to suffer from the perception that they were
another in the long line of Jeff Scott Soto projects, which probably isn't fair, but
perceptions often are not fair.
2001 sees them armed with a new deal, at Lion Music who must have considerable faith to
finance Derek Riggs artwork, and blessed with a new singer, Michael James Flatters, who
made such an abiding impression on Byrd's 'Flying beyond the 9' album, though here he is
not quite as theatrical, coming across as a meeting of Richie Sambora of Johnny Gioeli,
especially on what should be single, with it's naggingly familiar melody line, 'Tomorrow'.
Opener 'Miles Away' rocks in true 'Spotlight' fashion with guitarist, the talented Neal
Grusky balancing the genies of shred and melody nicely; whilst 'Shadows in the Night'
opens with some Broadway vocal drama before delivering a light & shade rocker dancing
along the spine of some nicely observed keyboard figures from the consistently good Brook
Hansen, whose interplay with Grusky here is worth the price of admisssion alone.
The gem in the pack is the Spectorish wall of sound of 'Ready to Promise' with it Roy Wood
style vocal line, which Flatters delivers with utter command and ease; a built for radio
in any era chorus' a power pop middle eight which gives way to a guitar solo you can sing
along ; in fact the pop element rears up again, garnishing the crunch of 'Dream it all'.
'Perception of Reality' sees the long held promise fulfilled, Takara come across as their
own band now, less a baby Talisman, more a technically melodic outfit in the Joshua mould,
and one ventures to suggest broader sunlit uplands of greater success beckon.
8/10 Andrew Paul
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Takara was founded in 1987 and this CD is their fourth album (not counting
the “Eternity Best off” release). On the three previous CD’s they had super
vocalist Jeff Scott Soto behind the microphone. Jeff left and in came Michael Flatters. It
must not be easy to replace a singer like Soto but Michael does an excellent job. On
“Perception Of Reality” are nine new songs which boost again the typical Takara
sound. Although everything seems to sound a little bit heavier this time around. The
A.O.R. sound borders now more towards hard rock / metal. The songs are very catchy and
loaded with hooks and great melodies. Guitarist Neal Grusky plays technically perfect and
his solo’s and rhythm guitar are giving the music a strong drive. The album starts
heavy with “Miles Away” and has only with the excellent ballad “Without
You” a resting point all other seven songs are high energy rock tunes.
“Perception Of Reality” is I think the strongest release of this American AOR /
hard rock band. (8)
Bruno Van De Welde http://members.tripodnet.nl/spincity
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Although a fine talent in their own right, Takara have always been perceived by some as
the younger brother to Swedish melodic rock gods Talisman. It probably hasn't helped their
cause that much insofar as their three studio albums to date have all featured the
inimitable vocal talents of Talisman frontman Jeff Scot Soto, but to casually dismiss them
as mere imitators is to do the band quite a disservice. It's now been three years since
the release of the last Takara album 'Blind In Paradise' (not my favourite I'll readily
admit), three years which have seen quite a change in their ranks, not least of which was
the ending of their relationship with Soto, long time producer as well as ever present
vocalist.
Of the original Takara, only guitarist and main songwriter Neal Grusky remains from their
'Eternal Faith' debut back in late 93/early 94 (depends which copy you have), although
bassist Carl Demarco has been around since the days of sophomore effort 'Taste Of Heaven'.
Those two aside however, the remaining three fifths of Takara are all new blood, and no
disrespect to either Brook Hansen (keyboards) or Chad Clark (drums), but I'm guessing that
the bulk of the attention (initially at least) will be focussed on Soto's replacement
Michael Flatters with all the inevitable comparisons that entails.
For all those of you who didn't catch his performance on James Byrd's excellent 'Flying
Beyond The 9' opus recently, all I'll say on that matter is that stylistically at least,
Flatters is quite distinct from Soto. Whilst that may come as a bit of a disappointment to
the legion of JSC fans out there, it's actually a great opportunity for Takara to finally
step out from the shadow of their former mentor, forever laying to rest the Talisman
comparisons which have pursued them pretty much throughout their recording career. And
obviously relishing that opportunity, with 'Perception Of Reality' Takara have produced an
album that is in many respects quite different from anything else they've so far
delivered.
The bouncy, infectious pomp and circumstance of opener 'Miles Away' is probably the
closest in spirit to the Takara of old, but as soon as Flatters soulful, brooding vocals
kick in it's readily apparent that changes are definitely afoot. Follow up 'Shadows In The
Night' starts off by throwing a curve ball in the shape of some decidedly Broadwayesque
vocal harmonies before settling down into a nice mid paced groove which reminded me at
times of the much missed Red Dawn. Then, as the album unfolds, Takara become ever more
adventurous as they strive to push back their musical boundaries further than ever before.
Flurries of baroque harpsichord styled keys punctuate the Rainbowesque Tomorrow' (a track
which also benefits enormously from its continually changing tempo); 'Ready To Promise'
has an introductory riff which reminded me very much of Vandenberg's 'Friday Night'
although the song itself seems to be a throwback to the 70's (I detected touches of Slade,
The Sweet, Wizard and Styx), whilst the galloping 'L.I.E.S.' came over as an updated
Balance (now there's a blast from the past). Finally, lest I forget, the intriguing cover
artwork was provided by no less a personage than former Maiden/Gamma Ray designer Derek
Riggs.
Filled with highly infectious, uplifting songs, 'Perception Of Reality' proves that their
three years away haven't been wasted on Takara - nice one guys.
8/10 Dave Cockett www.hardroxx.com
TAKARA - PERCEPTION OF REALITY
LION MUSIC
Review by Urban "Wally" Wallstrom 01-11-28
Who´s perception of reality are we talking about here? Well, I guess it´s down to
the eye (ear) of the beholder to see (hear) what´s real and what´s not. The new CD
by the American band Takara could be the real deal for some, while others may have
another opinion.
Before you ask: the answer is NO! Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Talisman, Eyes etc.)
is no longer the singer in the band. There´s no need to worry though, as Michael Flatters
steps right into his shoes. Flatters sang on another CD released by LionMusic
earlier this year, namely (James) Byrd.
The typical "Takara" sound can still be found on this disc though. Nicely
played hardrock with sing-a-long choruses and fluffy keyboards in the background. The main
force behind the overall sound is guitarist and band leader Neal Grusky. I believe
he´s the only "original" member left. Grusky´s guitarwork/songwriting
makes me think of bands such as 'Stryper' or 'Mass' from time to time. Especially
the latter, as all the songs are very uplifting somehow, still not in a religious way....
Or? Well, "Shadows In The Night" even have those "typical" Mass (or
Stryper) sounding harmony vocals. I say, the whole CD is actually full of lovely
background vocals. "Ready To Promise" will have Stryper fans singing hallelujah
of joy, as this is as close you can get without cloning. The main problem is that with
only nine tracks and some 38-39 minutes of play, "Perception Of Reality" is way
too short for today´s CD standard. Still, songs like opener "Miles Away" and
the wonderful ballad "Without You" (ballad of the year?) may be reasons enough
to buy? Bottomline: Old fans will not be disappointed, but I´m not sure if it´s enough
to attract any new ones. Nice but not groundbreaking would be the final verdict.
