Homerun

Homerun is a work on which Gotthard pulls together its thick guitar riffs and widely open melody in an unforced, exquisite balance. Steve Lee’s soaring, powerful voice gives even hard songs rich, deep emotion. Powerful rock numbers and mellow ballads beautifully stand at the same temperature, and the whole album has a steady, sure conviction. A record showing the fullness of the mature period. From up-tempo rock at the opening to the moving ballad classic “Heaven,” the songs hold wide expression, while the lyricism of “Light in Your Eyes,” the momentum of “Take It Easy” and cuts like “Eagle” and “Lonely People” convey the work’s fullness. Rather than merely showing off flashy technique, the expression of delivering the singing surely and powerfully shines throughout. Uniting catchy, accessible melody and sturdy hard-rock appeal at the highest possible level, it is a record that further raised its polish as melodic rock. The band’s mature, sure ability is fully displayed. Fusing Steve Lee’s soulful voice and the band’s steady playing, it is an engaging, fulfilling work — Gotthard’s appeal concentrated.