Winding Road – Fill My Sails

Pride & Joy Music (October 18^th 2024)

Reviewer: Chris O’Connor

 Since their formation in 2018, Winding Road, founded by Jan Hedlund (Coastline) and Magnus Åkerlund (Blender), have been steadily carving out a place in the melodic rock and AOR scene. While the band members’ musical journeys span countless genres and stages across Sweden, it’s clear that their heart belongs to the captivating, feel-good sound of Melodic Rock. With the recruitment of powerhouse vocalist Jonas Tyskagen (Domino Drive), the trio set their sights on creating music that could resonate with fans of the genre.

Following the success of their self-titled debut in 2021, Winding Road has returned with their highly anticipated sophomore release, ‘Fill My Sails‘, and they’ve only raised the bar. Released under Pride & Joy Music, this 11-track album is a perfect blend of soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and expertly crafted song-writing. The album is once again produced, mixed, and mastered by the talented Magnus Åkerlund, ensuring a sonic experience that is polished, dynamic, and utterly irresistible.

‘Fill My Sails’ doesn’t just ride on the strength of its core members; the album also features contributions from standout guest musicians like Thomas Larsson (Glenn Hughes) and Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed). These collaborations add an extra layer of depth and artistry, elevating tracks to new heights. From the opening chords of ‘Close My Eyes In Tokyo’ to the fading notes of album coda ‘When The Lights Go Down’ – this is simply a masterclass in AOR/Melodic Rock perfection.

From the first note to the last, Winding Road demonstrates their mastery of Melodic Rock, delivering songs that are not only catchy but emotionally resonant. ‘Fill My Sails’ is an album that captures the spirit of the genre, brimming with passion, energy, and heart. Whether you’re a long-time fan of AOR or new to the sound, this album is a must-listen. Winding Road has not only filled their sails with powerful anthems and heartfelt ballads, but for me personally, they have filled my heart with a renewed love for melodic rock.

The sheer quality of the songwriting, music, and musicianship shines through endlessly, this album is so clearly a labour of love – it’s filled with killer choruses, huge hooks, and perfectly crafted tunes, everything about it screams of undeniable class. The guitars are smooth yet muscular, the keyboards are luscious, and the rhythm section is punchy, driving the music with effortless ease.

If you’re a fan of melodic rock, this album is a must-listen. Winding Road has managed to craft an experience that feels fresh and timeless, full of soaring choruses, infectious hooks, and impeccable musicianship. ‘Fill My Sails’ is a triumph and solidifies Winding Road as one of the new leading forces in the modern melodic rock scene. Please don’t miss out on this gem of an album, as it’s an absolute journey, and should be an essential purchase for any self-respecting fan of the AOR/Melodic Rock genre.

Tracklist: 

1. Close My Eyes In Tokyo
2. Fill My Sails
3. I’m Alive
4. I’ll Give My Heart To You
5. Love’s Walking Out Of Sight
6. Hang Tough
7. Devils Daughter
8. Closer To The Truth
9. Healing Touch
10. Jackie Lee
11. When The Lights Go Down

Line Up:

Jonas Tyskhagen: Lead Vocals

Magnus Åkerlund: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards and Background Vocals

Jan Hedlund: Drums and Background Vocals

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