Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Landfall hail from Curitiba, the capital and largest city in the state of Paraná in Southern Brazil. Their style of blending elements of melodic rock, metal, and pop creates a unique sound that captivates audiences both in Brazil and abroad.
The band’s line-up comprises of vocalist Gui Oliver, guitarist Marcelo Gelbcke, bass player Luis Rocha and drummer Felipe Souzza, all of whom bring their diverse backgrounds to the group’s dynamic compositions.
Landfall debuted with the album ‘The Turning Point’ in 2020, followed by ‘Elevate’ during 2022, which showcased their intricate storytelling and musicianship. The band’s Melodic Rock/AOR sound can best be described as a cocktail of such classic melodic rock legends as Journey, and some slightly heavier influences, such as Dokken, White Lion, and Extreme.
Landfall announce the release of their new album, ‘Wide Open Sky’, which is set for release on January 17th, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. ‘Wide Open Sky’ has a 11-song track list, with a healthy running time in-excess of 59-minutes.
The album commences with ‘Tree Of Life’, a punchy riff and steady beat gets us moving, Oliver’s clear and even paced vocal joins the mix. The pace builds as its driven forward by Souzza and Rocha, adding a summer bounce to the sound. A reflective and well produced track to start with.
The guitars and beats are harder and heavier as ‘SOS’ starts, with Oliver almost narrating the lyrics. Rocha’s burbling bass, Souzza’s galloping beat and Gelbcke’s power riffs and solo see Landfall plant both feet firmly in the classic rock sound. The switching of styles and sounds is impressive.
‘When The Curtain Falls’ begins at a high tempo with some quick Gelbcke fret-work. This is before Oliver takes over, and controls the quick/slow pace with his vocal, and is supported by Rocha as he slaps his strings. The breaks and bridges create a sound that although incorporates tempo changes, is seamless and free-flowing. A cleverly composed track.
Track number four is ‘Running In Circles’, and contains elements that give more than a respectful nod in the direction of Journey, and their 1983 monster hit ‘Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)’. A staccato tempo in places, blends effortlessly with harmonized vocals and a rip-roaring Gelbcke solo.
The radio friendly, and most recent single release ‘No Tomorrow’ follows. Oliver’s vocal delivery is inch perfect as he demonstrates control and range. The sound is rich and full with the addition subtle keyboards, betraying the fact Landfall are a four-piece. The track glides to a soothing close.
‘A Letter To You’ begins with a piano and guitar duet, Oliver adds slow and passionate lyrics, the ballad builds, the band adding harmonies Gelbcke’s delicate solo keeps the sentiment strong. A classic power ballad delivered faultlessly.
The tempo picks up its feet for ‘Coming Home’, as the rhythm section are let loose. A punchy riff adds urgency and will have an audience bouncing. The mid-section solo has a dirty blues intro before tearing into a real 80’s squealer. The track has everything.
The electronic inspired ‘Intoxicated’ is next, a Euro-rock vibe is also thrown into the mix, it feels like the band has given each other carte-blanche to express and enjoy themselves. And they have done just that, the result being an expansive ‘rock-out’ that’s fun and executed by talented musicians. A real favourite.
‘Hourglass’ is a near 7-minute epic, beginning with heavy riffs and drums. Oliver’s deliberate lyrics join in, the ferocity subsides as he carries his listener onwards, the interlude is brief as Gelbcke, Souzza and Rocha unleash their arsenal in rapid succession propelling the heavy sound towards the ears. This alternating combination of styles is captivating. Another track that must be included in a live show.
The albums penultimate track is ‘Higher Than The Moon’, an atmospheric instrumental eases in Oliver’s vocal. The tempo quickly rockets with his soaring lyrics, Souzza is double-tapping his bass drum in parts emphasizing the pace, we reach the climax before Oliver guides us in to for the landing.
The album’s title-track ‘Wide Open Sky’ is saved until last. Chugging riffs, harmonies, flowing melodies and lyrics full of emotion make up this AOR masterclass. All delivered with passion and talent, a fitting close to what has been a great record.
Landfall’s ‘Wide Open Sky’ could be the blue-print for an AOR/Melodic Rock album, but it incorporates elements of other genres that will make it last in the memory, whereas others may only be acknowledged in the moment. Currently, if you ask someone to name a Brazilian band, Sepultura, is the most likely reply, if Landfall continue to produce records like ‘Wide Open Sky’, then they will be on the tip of many more tongues as the answer given.
“Wide Open Sky” Tracklist:
1. Tree Of Life
2. SOS
3. When The Curtain Falls
4. Running In Circles
5. No Tomorrow
6. A Letter To You
7. Coming Home
8. Intoxicated
9. Hourglass
10. Higher Than The Moon
11. Wide Open Sky
Pre-Order “Wide Open Sky” HERE
Line Up:
Gui Oliver – Vocals
Marcelo Gelbcke – Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Luis Rocha – Bass, Backing Vocals
Felipe Souzza – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
