Review: Mason – I Can’t Wait

Lions Pride Music (October 28^th 2024)

Reviewer: Chris O’Connor

The Canadian Melodic Rock band Mason injects true enthusiasm with their debut album, ‘I Can’t Wait’, set for release on October 28^th under Lions Pride Music. Fronted by the multi-talented Marcus Mason – who has written the entire album, and plays lead/rhythm/bass guitars, and is also lead vocalist – his band offers a well-rounded collection of Melodic Rock tracks that skilfully blend musical talent with heartfelt passion.

Mason‘s lineup includes an impressive group of musicians, featuring Josef “Peppi” Gebhard (4-Sale) on lead guitar, Peter Penhallow (Eye, Bobby Barth) on keyboards, and Jimmy Katone (Hit The Ground Runnin’, Katone) on drums. They’re joined by a host of guest artists like Sergey Cohen, Markus Pfeffer (Atlantis Drive, Barnabas Sky), Bella Perron (Plush), John McAfee (The Affair), Jon Willoughby “Neill” (Rio), and Paul Piccari and Steve Cocchi (both from Hit The Ground Runnin’), all of whom contribute beautifully to the album.

The production quality of ‘I Can’t Wait’ is excellent, thanks to mixing and mastering by the legendary Steve Negus (Saga, GNP Project), whose work adds polish and vitality to Mason‘s sound, giving each track a dynamic edge. Listeners will appreciate the band’s distinct style, which fuses Classic Rock and Pop Rock influences with a modern Melodic Rock twist, achieving a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current.

While Marcus’s voice is clean and pleasant—though not overly dynamic—he consistently delivers strong performances, showcasing his song-writing abilities and understanding of the genre’s nuances. Some tracks might lack standout hooks, but they’re all solidly crafted, and any critique here feels more like minor nitpicking than genuine criticism. Far from faint praise, this album is a respectable debut brimming with cool tunes, even if a few could have used a touch more memorability.

In summation, ‘I Can’t Wait’ is a commendable first effort that establishes Mason as a band worth following in the Melodic Rock scene. Each track highlights Marcus Mason’s songwriting and instrumental skills, supported by the energy and expertise of the band as an ensemble. Fans of Melodic Rock with both a Classic Rock and Pop Rock twist will find plenty to enjoy in this debut, marked by strong musicianship and catchy melodies. Congratulations to Marcus and the guys for making ‘I Can’t Wait’ a pleasure to listen to. 

Tracklist: 

1. One Life
2. I Can’t Wait
3. It’s Okay To Cry
4. Turn me Around
5. Whatever It Takes
6. My Desire
7. Hands Off
8. All That Remains
9. We Were Young
10. Everybody Wants Some Love (Linman Cover / CD Bonus Track)
11. Heart 2 Heart (CD Bonus Track)

Line-up:

Marcus Mason-Vocals, Bass, Rhythm & Lead Guitars

Jimmy Katone (Hit The Ground Runnin, Katone)-Drums

Peter Penhallow (Eye, Joseph Court, Bobby Barth, Vince Welnick)-Keys

Josef “Peppi” Gebhard(4-Sale)-Lead Guitars

Additional Musicians:Bella Perron–Guitars (Solo & Outro on Track 6)

Jon Willoughby (Neill)–Guitars (Solo on Track 5)

John McAfee–Guitars (Lead & Solo on Track 3)

Markus Pfeffer–Guitars (Solo on Track 8)

Paul Piccari-Bass (Track 1)

Steve Cocchi–Keyboards (Track 8)

Doug Varty-Guitars & Backing Vocals (Track 11)

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