Review: Alicate – Too Bad To Be Good

Pride & Joy Music – April 24^th, 2026

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

Alicate are something of a delightful contradiction: a Scandinavian AOR outfit that, at times, sounds as though it has been lifted straight from the golden era of American melodic rock. The reason becomes immediately apparent. Vocalist Jonas Erixon possesses a rich, expressive voice that calls to mind James Christian, with just a trace of David Coverdale lurking in the tone. If your tastes lean toward the likes of Honeymoon Suite, Giant, Whitesnake, House Of Lords, Bon Jovi, Danger Danger – with even a touch of Nelson – then ‘Too Bad To Be Good‘ will feel like a homecoming.

Alongside Erixon (vocals and guitars), bassist Fredrik Ekberg, keyboardist Marcus Zerath, and drummer Jesper Persson form a unit that understands exactly what this genre demands. The result is a sound that is powerful yet refreshingly uncluttered, allowing the songs to breathe while still delivering maximum impact. All the hallmarks of classic AOR are present: towering hooks, arena-sized choruses, and assured, tasteful musicianship. Crucially, it is all wrapped in a warm, polished production courtesy of Svein Jensen, who ensures every element sits exactly where it should.

From the opening pulse of ‘Changes’ to the closing moments of ‘Run’, this is an album that rarely loosens its grip. It is, quite simply, a masterclass in melodic rock craftsmanship. After repeated spins, its appeal only deepens – the kind of record that embeds itself in your subconscious, each chorus returning uninvited hours later. For devotees of the genre, it quickly becomes less a recommendation and more a necessity.

The album opens with ‘Changes’, an urgent, muscular rocker that immediately sets the tone with its driving energy and confident delivery. The title track, ‘Too Bad To Be Good’, follows with a darker, more sultry edge – mid-paced and brooding, it carries a quiet sense of danger beneath its polished exterior. ‘One Shot’ shifts gears into something more overtly nostalgic, channelling the spirit of classic “Slippery When Wet”-era Bon Jovi with effortless charm; it is easy to imagine it sitting comfortably alongside the genre’s most enduring hits.

‘Save Our Love’ provides the album’s first true change of pace, a beautifully judged power ballad steeped in late-’80s atmosphere, evoking the grandeur of Whitesnake at their most emotive. ‘Right Here Right Now’ then restores the momentum with a direct, no-nonsense rocker built around a chorus tailor-made for audience participation. That sense of confidence continues with ‘Mysterious’, a swaggering, mid-tempo standout brimming with attitude and anchored by a genuinely infectious hook.

There is a distinctly anthemic quality to ‘For Now’, which leans fully into its ’80s influences with a soaring chorus and some particularly fine lead guitar work. ‘Don’t Turn Around’ plays cleverly with expectations – opening like a ballad before surging into a powerful, high-energy rocker that would not feel out of place in Danger Danger’s catalogue. ‘High On Livin’’ is another highlight, blending the melodic sensibilities of House Of Lords with the glossy exuberance of Nelson to create something irresistibly uplifting.

Closing track ‘Run’ brings the album to a fitting conclusion. Beginning with a sparse, emotive arrangement, it gradually builds into a sweeping, memorable chorus – an understated yet powerful finale that lingers long after the final note fades. It is a perfect finale to a truly amazing album, I cannot commend it to you highly enough.

In summary, ‘Too Bad To Be Good‘ is a triumphant celebration of everything that makes melodic rock so enduringly appealing. Alicate has delivered an album that feels both lovingly rooted in the genre’s golden age and vibrantly alive in the present. Packed with hooks, heart, and undeniable craft, it is the kind of record that rewards repeated listening and demands to be played loud. For fans of classic AOR and melodic rock, this is not merely recommended – it is essential listening, and quite possibly one of the most enjoyable releases you will encounter this year.

Track List: 

1. Changes
2. Too Bad To Be Good
3. One Shot
4. Save Our Love
5. Right Here Right Now
6. Mysterious
7. For Now
8. Don’t Turn Around
9. High On Livin’
10. Run

Line-up: 

Jonas Erixon (vox/git)
Marcus Zerath (Keyboards)
Fredrik Ekberg (Bass)
Jesper Persson (Drums)

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