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There are many people whose hate of '80s pop and glam is the core of their musical being. Well, they should know that every genre has its ups and downs. Every genre has its standouts that defy commercial pressure, and every genre has groups who are talented, tight, and professional, but not unique in the least bit. Bluezone is a disappointment in many ways but manages to grab the listener in a way some similar groups never can.

The Rise is one such tight, professional group. Composed of members of Swedish groups like Leviticus, Jerusalem, XT, Motherlode, and Jet Circus, each member has his own respective chops. Sonny Larsson is an excellent vocalist, backed by Ulf Jenevall on guitars and driven by Micke Ulvsgärd with Peter Carlsohn on bass. Among additional musicians, Reider Paulsen fills in on keys.

The music itself ranges from slightly boring eurobeat pop to dynamic, expressive rock. It misleadingly begins with "New Beginning," a striking, but not incredibly unique song. In the chorus and drumbeats, the listener can hear house/dance influence. "Rise" is the anthem song of the album--the kind of song we just want to get up and point at nothing, or break out our lighters. It proves just as strong as the first track but not creative or unique. The album continues in a similar fashion until it's about ready to be dismissed.

If there is any song that saves this album, it is "Will You Be Mine," the first captivating song of the album, featuring excellent guitar work and a catchy vocal line. The bass is also quite good. There are several other songs that exceed the expectations of most '80s AOR bands. "Sweeter Than Wine," very reminiscent of Pink Floyd, is one of the best songs on _Bluezone._ The organs dominate this track, with a rocking chord progression similar to "Any Colour You Like."

Ulf Jenevall delivers more of the same gripping guitar work on "Fly," a hook-filled rocker. "Don't You Give Up" is a solemn ballad, featuring the best keyboard work on the album, with a dark piano arrangement strikingly similar to "Space-Dye Vest" from Dream Theater's Awake album. This song draws the debut of The Rise to an excellent and fitting close.

The Rise is definitely a group worth looking into, for aficionados of '80s AOR and for casual fans. There is definitely hope for this supergroup; most bands of their genre fail to produce material of their caliber, and with songs like "Don't You Give Up" and "Sweeter Than Wine," The Rise artfully delivers.

Tom MacMillan  19 February 2005