Originally released a decade ago via Melodic Hard Rock specialized UK label ZRecords, “Never Give Up” is the debut album from VERAS, the band formed around the vocal talents of Spanish / Brazilian singer Danny Veras and produced by Paul Sabu, who also was involved in the songwriting and play on the record.
Now with the CD out of print and for its 10th Anniversary, Danny himself is reissuing the album this time under his ‘solo’ full name DANNY VERAS.
Danny Veras born in Brazil, but was raised in Spain where he received some of his musical formation, as well in Switzerland. Meanwhile he was part of various European bands and recorded a couple of own demos. Then he decided to go to the States for a visit but he ended up staying four years in Hollywood, Los Angeles, singing in the melodic prog rock band 7 Months with which recorded an album.
In 2012 Danny returned to Europe and started to give shape to his own composed songs, put together a band, and the opportunity for a solo album arrived.
The result is “Never Give Up”, more a ‘band’ debut than a solo album indeed, as the all star line up includes names such as Eric Ragno on keyboards, Thorsten Koehne (Eden’s Curse) on guitars, talented stickman Pete Newdeck (Tainted Nation, Eden’s Curse) and Paul Sabu providing guitars, vocals, and producing.
The songs on “Never Give Up” are classic Melodic Rock with a clean and polished output, generous dose of keyboards catchy choruses. From the first bits of opener “Hell Rider”, you’ll realize that this going to be a classy Melodic Rock CD. A really bouncy melodic line moves the song to a contagious chorus all wrapped by clean guitars and synths.
Up next is “Road Runner”, which follows in the same quality footsteps as the first track, propelled by a more groovy rhythm section.
“Never to Late”, the bluesy midpaced “It Ain’t Over” and later “Hammer Down” go for a more traditional hard rock sound inspired by the British scene, while numbers like “Light Up My Life” or “Good Luck” are melodic rockers with some edge.
“Back in Town” is the slow moment (not a ballad) of the record with a nice atmosphere provided by background keys and harmony vocals in the vein of House Of Lords. The proper ballad arrives with title track “Never Give Up”, carried by a very classic melody and vibe recalling the ’80s, where Eric Ragno keyboards take a center role.
As bonus Danny delivers the midtempo ”Load and Fire”, a rocker dominated by sweet melodic guitar work, and a cover of the classic ”Superstitious”.
“Never Give Up” is a fine debut of Danny Veras, sporting quite good melodic hard rock songs and supported by seasoned musicians.Danny’s vocals are well trained in the traditional way of the genre, with a tone and vocal color like a mix between Michael Bormann, Mitch Malloy and Danny Vaughn, just to give you an idea.
Despite of Paul Sabu being involved in the production, it could be a lot better, at least to my ears I prefer a more crisp sound. It’s not muddy at all, but Paul has decided to tighten the sound on the more rocking tracks to increase the edge. It works, but as said, my ears prefer a more melodious mix.
“Never Give Up” is melodic, catchy on the choruses, well composed & performed and will please all fans of the traditional melodic hard rock sound.
Highly Recommended
01 – Hell Rider
02 – Road Runner
03 – Never too Late
04 – Light up my life
05 – Back in town
06 – Good luck
07 – It ain’t over
08 – Hammer down
09 – Never give up
10 – Runnin’ away
11 – T.V. Scream
12 – Load and Fire (Bonus Track)
13 – Superstitious (Bonus Track)
Danny Veras – Vocals
Paul Sabu – Rythm Guitar , Bass
Thorsten Koehne – Lead Guitars
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
Al Edwards – Bass
Pete Newdeck – Drums
Produced by Paul Sabu