NEW FRONTIER: S/T New Frontier LP 1988 [Ex- Gamma members. Richie Zito produced A.O.R] Check Audio!

NEW FRONTIER: S/T New Frontier (Mika 422 835 695-1 LP)1988
[For mainman Monty Byrom, this is life after his stint with Billy Satellite. The band contained a few other San Fransisco members including Gamma bassist Glenn Letsch. New Frontier is definitely standing at the corridor of melodic rock and AOR, with lots of infectious songs, with Monty's typical trademark guitar and impassioned vocals, while Neuhauser provides the polish. The mostly Richie Zito production guarantees this album at least some respectability on that side of things, while Phil Kaffel produces three of the tracks. Overall the sound is smooth, but slightly rough-house in an AOR sort of way (I hope that makes sense to some of you). A bit like 38 Special when you compare them with some of their southern counterparts. I love all their songs. Easy on the ear, and a nice middle ground between Byrom's earlier work, and where he would eventually take his musical direction. In ways there's bits of Nelson, Restless Heart, and of course the inevitable comparison to Billy Satellite. The opening trio of 'Under Fire', 'American Dream' and the country rock of 'Love Is Stronger Than The Heart' all echo these comparisons. 'Change For The Better' has a guitar strut which former B.S bandmate Danny Chauncey could easily slide into, and he could do likewise on the sassy 'Lonesome Blues'. 'I Think About You' is a Michael Bolton and Martin Briley co-written song which is followed by 'Motel Rain' a contender for one of those steamy MTV video's I reckon. 'Burning The Page' is a great AOR tune which probably could benefit from a heavier mix, while the blues returns on the album closer 'Riverboat Man', a traditional workout in true delta fashion! It was a pity then that New Frontier didn't hang around for long. Uunfortunately Byrom and Neuhauser headed off to greener pastures in Nashville where they formed the successful country rock act Big House. Meanwhile Letsch hooked up
with Gamma singer Davey Pattison and joined forces in Robin Trower's band]