The Love Crave
The Angel and the Rain
Repo Records

Italy's The Lovecrave make a bid for domination with their debut album. The opener "Vampires (the light that we are)" comes across as a female fronted version of HIM, all catchy tune and heavy riffs. Fransceca Chiara makes a captivating frontwoman and guitarist Tank Palmara is a master at the axe. "Little Suicide" is dramatic and tense, a little like a less pretentious Nightwish. Chiara's delivery elevates the song as she explodes into hollers for the chorus.

"Can you hear me?" is a high-octane track that's still melodic and accessible. The unexpected cover of Duran Duran's "The Chauffeur" works very well. This album sees The LoveCrave become serious contenders.

Copyright © 2007 Anna Maria Stjärnell