Review - Go Radio – Lucky Street

Mayday Parade’s self titled third album is undoubtedly one of the finest records of 2011. With that in mind, and up against that backdrop, former co-vocalist Jason Lancasters' new project Go Radio’s debut Lucky Street could have paled in comparision, and found itself completely overshadowed.

However, that was not to be, as Lucky Street is an absolutely breathtaking body of work in it’s own right, and in many ways bears more than a striking resemblance to the seminal Mayday sound that Lancaster helped to create with his early tenure with the band in their formative years.

Lucky Street is a simply outstanding record, and can go toe to toe with some of the best records of the past 12 months. The sound is very similar to Mayday, naturally, but that can only be a good thing for the fans who get to sample two albums that have been created to such perfection. Both are sheer class, and long may the quality music continue.

The opening title track starts off with a wailing siren before a divine vocal lead signals the bands arrival. Lancaster’s voice is stunning from start to finish, and those unmistakable tones are simply incredible. Such a distinctive and definitive voice deserves not to go unheard, and with Go Radio, he has found the perfect outlet for his raw talent.

If the title track whets the appetite, Any Other Heart blows the doors wide open with an awesome opening segment that explodes to life with a blistering chorus. In fact, that is not the first time that happens here, with Swear It Like You Mean It and Kill The Beast being two massive highlights of a phenomenal collection. In fact, the up tempo tracks on offer here all ride massive choruses, that are up there as the best of the year for sure. Any Other Heart also has an awesome guitar solo thrown in for good measure, which works a treat, and comes as an epic moment in the closing moments..

Elsewhere, Lancaster laces in brilliant vocal harmonies over piano arrangements frequently, which works so well with his style, and the likes of Forever My Father is as evocative and emotive as Miserable at Best from his former bands debut full length. The reprise at the end of the record with him on piano along with his siblings makes for a really special moment too. On the other slower more reflective moments, Hold On takes the listener on a journey as it builds to it's huge crescendo and guitar solo and rest are all solid throughout. Redemption In The Verse is another blistering track as well.

Whether he is leading a pop punk style riot, or putting his huge voice through it's paces on emotive arrangements, Lancaster connects on every level possible, making this a truly essential record. The hooks are gargantuan, and the melodies absolutely divine. I simply cannot praise Lancaster’s voice enough on this. He sounds in his element.

This is a fantastic record from start to finish.

10/10