TIMSON AOR – ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’ (Self Released) AOR/MELODIC ROCK
REVIEWED BY: THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PREACHER
Just over a year ago I became aware of an album that was just released, and I was hearing very good things. That glorious album was ‘Forever’s Not Enough’ by Timson AOR. I reached out to band main man Mark Timson, who very kindly sent me the album, and I was instantly hooked – it was absolutely everything I love about AOR/Melodic Rock, the songs were wonderful, the production was strong, and it instantly became one of my favourite albums of recent years, it is honestly that good. I’ve been playing it every week on my radio show, I just cannot get enough of it.
I have been very honoured to hear this new album as it has taken shape, Mark very kindly took me into his confidence, and hearing it grow has been amazing. I had been worried that when the debut had been so nigh on perfect, trying to better it may be impossible – I am happy to eat humble pie, as this very aptly titled album is a glittering jewel of an album, everything about it is simply improved, it is a bona fide classic! I have absolutely no doubt that this will be my album of 2025.
The band is an immensely talented duo: Mark Timson (guitars/keyboards/bass) and Lukky S (vocals/keyboards/lead guitars/bass), and between them there is clearly a brilliant chemistry between the. Lukky has a wonderful voice, perfectly melodic, deeply soulful, and with just a slight throaty rasp, he manages to inject real passion into his delivery (think of a fusion somewhere between Darren Wharton, Frank Dimino, and Dann Huff), he’s honestly that good. Mark and Lukky write together beautifully, and the resultant songs and album are bloody wonderful.
The next thing to consider is the production. Choosing Karl Groom of Threshold to work his magic was an inspired choice, as the album sounds huge! It doesn’t matter whether you’re listening in your car, on your laptop, or through headphones, it just sounds massive! The mix is crystalline clear, yet with plenty of bite – other melodic rock acts should take note – this is how it can and should be done! I can honestly say that ‘The Next Level’ is one of my favourite albums of recent years, it seems to have something for every mood – how many other albums or bands are able to make such a boast?
From the second ‘The Wind Whispers (Your Name)’ kicks in, the album simply screams QUALITY! It’s an instant anthem, with a wonderful chorus, a driving riff, and a perfect lead solo … it’s a towering statement of intent. ‘One Step Ahead’ is a mid-paced rocker, with a chorus that just soars. Lukky’s expressive vocals are tremendous, and he delivers another jaw dropping guitar solo. Mark’s keyboards are rich and full, and the two guitarists complement each other perfectly.
‘Nevermore’ is a perfect slice of AOR, dripping with class and elegance, all sumptuous keyboards, pulsing rhythm guitars, and yes, another glorious solo. How can you not love this? ‘Starlight’ is an up-tempo rocker, the band adopting the “don’t bore us get to the chorus” mantra, it’s as perfect as you could ever wish for. Mark’s driving bass and keyboards, Lukky’s divine soloing and fabulous vocals? damn this is just so good! Following this is the powering rocker ‘Be true To Yourself’, a thrusting number with some great rhythm work from Mark, and a dazzling lead from Lukky … bloody hell!
‘From The Ashes’ is a glorious power ballad, with a lovely piano lead riff, and some beautifully layered vocals from Lukky, it’s one of those “lighters in the air” moments, sometimes less really is more, and here is the perfect example … completely and utterly wonderful. Next up is ‘Wake The Night’, which is a perfect mid-paced rocker, with chugging rhythm guitars, and Lukky cutting loose with a wonderfully tasteful solo. It’s one of those songs that should be played while cruising in an open top car on a balmy summer evening. ‘The Last Ride’ continues the ‘theme’, being another wonderfully anthemic rocker, with a huge chorus, and yet more tasteful lead work from Lukky, he and Mark really are the perfect musical pairing.
‘Where The Sun Meets The Sea’ is the next perfect summer evening drivetime song, being all luscious harmonies, driving rhythms and with a massive chorus and an absolute ‘guitar hero’ solo, it’s one of my favourite songs, being everything that AOR/Melodic Rock can and should be. ‘Midnight Radio’ is a powerful foot stamping rocker that explodes into a killer chorus, Mark’s rich keys and thrusting rhythm work perfectly counterpointing Lukky’s fabulous vocals and beautifully uplifting solo … it’s just aural bliss!
Album coda ‘Farewell’ is the perfect 21st century answer to Whitesnake’s ‘We Wish You Well’, it’s beautifully restrained, dreamily lilting, and is a perfectly elegant way to close out this genuinely brilliant album. The Japanese version of the album (released through Avalon Music) features a powerful reworking of ‘From The Ashes’ – and yes, I will be buying it, as it’s simply a necessity!
Even the artwork for ‘The Next Level’ is perfect, a fiery phoenix set between dark city buildings, it sets the mood perfectly for this rare gem of a release. Very few albums are actually perfect, but ‘The Next Level’ genuinely is. If you don’t buy another album this month or this year, I implore you to buy this – if you love AOR/Melodic Rock, then you genuinely cannot afford not to own this. Thank you to Mark, Lukky, and Karl for making life simply better with this wonderful Magnum Opus. As the old saying went “Buy or FOAD!”