Ian ToomeyMasters Of Light

It seems strange that the term “classic rock” should not only strike up ideas of a period in music history and a particular evolution in sound, but also a term to describe a genre being produced today. Ian Toomey has managed to retain the sound, the sentiment and the soul that defined a generation with his album Masters Of Light, but he’s also made it palatable for 21st century listeners. How? Energy.

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Without seeming like an old dog turning out new tricks, Toomey generates energy, pure and unadulterated, channelling life into hard rock riffs, soulful vocals and passionate guitar solos. At times, Toomey’s vocals have all the energy of a much younger man, but the escalating and sometimes ambitious melodies he pushes himself to perform, tracks like Another World and We Are The One for example, momentarily halt the magic. Of course, Toomey’s skill on a guitar mean he could be Slash’s axe partner–he’s just as good and just as creative.

Ultimately, we have a singer-songwriter who gives us a performance in the ilk of some of our living rock legends, soliciting a taste of what once was for those of us not around back in the day, and conjuring up memories of good times gone for those for whom rock ‘n’ roll is old hat.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Devil’s Chord, Burning Up, We Are The One
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