Review: The Western Front – Eureka!

Artone Label Group – July 10^th 2026

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

The Western Front’s ‘Eureka!‘ is one of those long-lost treasures that makes you wonder just how many other masterpieces have slipped through the cracks of music history. Recorded during the early 1980s but shelved in 1984 due to so-called “label upheavals”, this superb melodic rock/AOR album boasts an astonishing cast of musicians. Guitar legend Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy, 21 Guns, Black Star Riders) is joined by session elite – guitarist Marty Walsh (Supertramp, John Fogerty), drummer Darrell Verdusco (Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison), keyboard player Derek Bergmann (Yvonne Elliman, Jeff Barry), guitarist and veteran music executive Dennis O’Donnell, and one of my all-time favourite vocalists, Richard “Moon” Calhoun (Rufus, Michael Thompson Band). It really is a remarkable line-up.

Thankfully, Artone Label Group has finally rescued ‘Eureka!‘ from the vaults, and melodic rock fans everywhere should be immensely grateful. If your collection already includes the likes of Toto, LeRoux, Mr. Mister, Balance, Journey or even Huey Lewis & The News, then this is an album you simply cannot afford to overlook. Quite frankly, it is an absolute gem.

Anyone expecting Scott Gorham to unleash Thin Lizzy-style twin-guitar fireworks should adjust their expectations, because this couldn’t be further removed from his more familiar hard rock work. His playing here is tasteful, restrained and effortlessly melodic, perfectly complementing the album’s warm, sun-drenched atmosphere. There is an undeniable breezy West Coast feel running throughout these twelve tracks, while the production remains beautifully open and spacious, allowing every instrument room to breathe. Listening today, it seems almost inconceivable that an album of this quality could have been left gathering dust simply because of record company politics.

For me, however, the true star of the show is Moon Calhoun. His voice remains nothing short of glorious, effortlessly blending power, soul and emotion into every performance. I’ve never understood why he never became a major star in his own right, because everything he sings seems elevated by his presence. Of course, even the finest musicians and vocalists need great songs to work with, and thankfully ‘Eureka!‘ delivers them in abundance.

From the opening notes of ‘The Law Of The Jungle‘, to the fading chords of ‘This Is War’, any lingering doubts are immediately swept away. This is one of those increasingly rare albums where every track earns its place. Rather than relying on one or two standout singles, the strength lies in the remarkable consistency of the songwriting, making it genuinely difficult to single out individual highlights. I’ve found myself returning to this album time and time again, and with every listen it reveals another hook, another subtle instrumental flourish or another memorable vocal performance.

‘Eureka!‘ is pure feel-good melodic rock; the soundtrack to a summer’s day with the roof down and nowhere particular to be. More importantly, you can hear just how much these musicians were feeding off one another’s talents, creating something that feels wonderfully organic and timeless. H

earing this album does make you wonder whether Scott Gorham might one day be tempted to reunite the surviving members for one final chapter. On the evidence presented here, they would have an eager audience waiting. File this under ‘Simply Marvellous!’

Track List:

1. Law Of The Jungle
2. Set Me Free
3. 1000 Nights
4. Just Go
5. If I’m The One
6. Rain
7. Chain Of Light
8. Danger
9. Heartland
10. I Would Rather Be Lonely
11. Man To Man
12. This Is War

Line-up:

Scott Gorham

Marty Walsh

Darrell Verdusco

Richard “Moon” Calhoun

Derek Bergmann

Dennis O’Donnell