Hayley Griffiths Band – “Melanie” | Progressive Rock Central.com

I have been wanting to review one of Hayley Griffith’s albums for a while. Well, now, seemed like a perfect time, since she actually released two albums in January of this year. After all, why review one album, when you can review two?

Hayley Griffiths and her band released their new rock album Melanie; and it is her rock band’s first official studio album. I will also be reviewing her Celtic album, Far from Here, which was released at the same time…soon.

Melanie, features 7 brand-new tracks (plus 3 bonus songs for the physical release only.) Hayley is joined by her former Karnataka bandmates, Cagri Tozluoglu, on keyboards; and Jimmy Pallagrosi, on drums. Virtuoso guitarist, Mathieu Spaeter, (Franck Carducci/Drifting Sun), plays all lead guitar parts. Jordan Brown plays bass. Legendary, Big Big Train and Spock’s Beard drummer/vocalist Nick D’Virgilio is a guest vocalist on the track, “Dust To Gold”.

Her press release states, “Hayley Griffiths was born and raised in Surrey, England. Hayley’s flair for singing and acting were realized at an early age. Endless singing around the house and along with the radio revealed a natural ability, so Hayley began singing lessons at the age of 6. Alongside her schooling, she also attended the acclaimed Laine Theatre Arts School, which helped to fine-tune her performance skills in musical theatre and acting. Intensive vocal training with Mezzo-Soprano Louise Crane, earned her the prestigious ABRSM Performance Diploma in Singing”.

The press release continues, “In 2004, Hayley was flown to Dublin to sing for the Executive Producer of the Irish phenomenon, ‘Riverdance’. Just two days later she began a tour that over the next few years would take her extensively across Europe, North America, Russia, Japan, South Korea and China singing to crowds in the thousands every night. Highlights included the honor of singing for Her Imperial Majesty, The Emperor of Japan, while she toured in Tokyo. Hayley also performed at the Kremlin Palace, in Moscow. Hayley, has been enchanting audiences all over the globe, from Japan to Chile, from Russia to Paris; performing in over 400 cities across 27 Countries and 4 Continents!”

“Broken Lullaby”, opens the album with soft keys and orchestration, before the rocking lead guitars, bass and drums join in. Hayley’s first soft vocal, “When you don’t wanna talk, when you don’t wanna share, when you just want to cry. When your world’s black and white, there’s no reason just right. And you push all away”. I think we have all felt this feeling, from time to time. I feel it when I am tired and near exhaustion. A good song summarizing that feeling, and helping others, who experience it as well, to have their own broken lullaby to sing.

“Last Goodbye”, opens with power drums and expert lead electric guitar. Hayley sings, “I know you don’t realize, and I really sympathize. I’m the only one who knows how bad I feel”. Yes, a final goodbye to someone uncaring and unknowing of Hayley’s pain.

“Melanie”, is the title track. Hayley describes it this way, “It is about a fictious alter ego, it is cheeky, bold and in your face!” It reminds me of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”, a little. The regular woman taking on the powerful woman; even if, in this story, they are the same woman. Some fantastic keyboard work on this song, indeed.

“Perfect Lie”, is another song of regret. It unfolds with beautiful piano, after a storming lead guitar, bass and drums salute. Beautiful piano, like you may remember from Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. Hayley sings, “Every time I look into your eyes. I catch my breath a thousand times. Intoxicated by you. Tell me do you think about me?” Powerful lead electric guitar soloing takes over as the speed of the song picks up.

“Made My Bed”, is a sad song about settling. Hayley sings, “Whoever said time was the greatest healer. Didn’t know pain that cuts to the core. Another day and every second. Can’t wipe the memories or help to forget”. Yes, when we have made a decision and are not at all happy with it. The drums on this song are fantastic. Hayley sings so sympathetically, despite her pain and regrets.

“Little Star”, is an over 6 minute song about reaching for the sky to dream, despite despair and the troubles of life. Hayley sings, “Look up little star. The sun shines out here. Let’s throw caution to the wind. And start making memories from today. Inscribe the page with your heart”. A very positive take on life, after the sadness in the past songs. It is a refreshing change, for sure. The lead guitar soloing from Mathieu Spaeter, is well worth the price of admission.

Hayley Griffiths Band – Photo by Wendy Bramald.

“Dust to Gold”, is the closer and the best song on the album. It opens will powerful lead electric guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. It has a Dream Theater feel to it at the opening. The bass solo is excellent. This track features Nick D’ Virgillio. The pace starts out fast, but they slow it down for the best section of the album. Nick sings with Hayley, “Slow down, (life is flashing by you). Breathe just breathe, (serenity takes over). Close your eyes, (kindness over powers). Trust the journey and…Immerse yourself , (time to believe)”. Best lyrics and sounds on the album. Over 6 minutes of progressive rock sounds.

“Melanie” is a great introduction to the rock music of Hayley Griffiths. I never heard any of her albums with Karnataka. I left after Lisa Fury left; with the amazing album, The Gathering Light. I haven’t been back since; but I have tried. But this album is a great album to get a better feel for the type of singer Hayley Griffiths can be as a rocker. The music is wonderful and the band members she has picked are superb and well-known. Give this album a try if you fancy something completely different in progressive rock with a hard rock flavor. Enjoy.

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