Frisbie released a bona-fide power pop hit album in July 2000 with “The Subversive Sounds of Love.” A critical hit that put them on the map, however personal problems for band members prevented further albums. Now we get a really strong effort with “New Debut” — and it’s another classic. Built on catchy melody and supported with incredible musicianship, it inspires and takes influences from Cheap Trick, Big Star, Kiss, Styx and the best of the guitar-driven pop bands of the 70’s. It opens with the brilliant title track “New Debut” that has a juicy cowbell and guitar chorus. “Distaster” is another gem that gets downright Bandwagonesque, but most of the tracks here recall classic Styx mixed with Kansas more than anything else. In fact, “Half-Breed” sounds like it belongs on Styx “Pieces of Eight.” But what makes this album so special is that the overdone bombastic approach of the era is gone in favor of the melody. Both guitars and harmonies are nicely done on “I Speak Your Mind” and other than the strange schizophrenic lyrics of “S.F.B.” not a single track is wasted here. “The Main Complaint” has elements of Thin Lizzy, Alan Parson Project and even Yes. Both singers, Liam Davis and Steve Frisbie do a great job and make this album shine brighter than “Subversive Sounds” ever did. Listen to the entire album streaming here.
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