By Denis Abello, MelodicRock.it
” … Kratz’s absolutely particular voice combined with Michael Landau’s guitars juggle between elegance and refinement on the first center of this work which also sees David Garfield’s hands resting on its notes …”
New name, at least in our latitudes, that of Michael Kratz. Danish by origin, with a strong background in the music business and who at home also tasted success as a drummer for the pop band Kandis!
After a long work and having found a home in the arms of the increasingly far-sighted and very Italian Art of Melody Music Michael is preparing to present his first solo work entitled Live Your Life on the international stage, which plays with both AOR and Westcoat in a mixture of TOTO and Boulevard with a touch here and there of Pop Rock. High-level production, a cast of first-rate guests including Steve Lukather, Michael Landau, David Garfield, Dom Brown and our own Alessandro Del Vecchio, all combined with a unique taste for writing and arranging the pieces… the conditions for a disc that knows how to talk about if everyone is there.
Assumptions immediately maintained on the notes of We All Live In This Nation. Kratz’s absolutely particular voice combined with Michael Landau’s guitars juggle between elegance and refinement on the first center of this work which also sees David Garfield’s hands resting on its notes.
Live Your Life is a powerful catalyst. The underlying rhythm is captivating, Michael’s voice enraptures the mind while the choirs envelop us in a text that makes us think. Another notch on the roadmap.
This Town Is Lost Without You, boasting a monumental guitar solo by Steve Lukather, is the masterpiece of this particular album. Overwhelming but delicate like the early morning breeze, if you love these sounds between westcoast and AOR you cannot help but be fascinated by them.
Dom Brown’s guitar is the focal point of the delicate and melancholy What Did I.. ?. We’ve already talked extensively about the irresistible groove of Never Take Us Alive (here if you’re interested ;)) and so let’s fly straight to the next Game Of Love (Over And Over) and its ultra radio refrain!
Lying is one of the most introspective pieces, a delicate confession that strikes as direct as a stab… and at this point all that remains is to indulge in the refined guitar touches of Paradise Lost embellished by the choirs of the seven very young singers of the MidtVest Juniorkor.
Last four pieces that enter the scene playing between the Pop Rock of Shade and the radio gait of Bye Bye. Dying Young manages to make the heart ache. Poignant slow that once again showcases all the qualities of this splendid work signed by the Danish artist.
In closing, there is also space for a little of our Italy. In fact, the keyboards of the song In Between are by our ever better Alessandro Del Vecchio!
IN CONCLUSION
An album that is a cross-section of the Life and Soul of the Artist and Person who is Michael Kratz.
At times sunny, at times melancholic but always supported by pieces capable of moving and reaching the target. Stellar Production as well as the Guests who alternate between one song and another. Michael’s voice is either hate it or love it… but I think it’s easier to love it. An unconventional album but one of great elegance and sophistication!
