Merv Spence Phenomena Recovered Review by Gary Hill
This is being included under progressive rock mainly because Merv Spence was a member of both Wishbone Ash and Trapeze. The music here at times gets proggy, but more often than not it’s closer to metal. It’s very much arena rock. These are all Spence’s versions of Phenomena songs. This music is not particularly unique, but it is effective and it has some definite charms.
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Track by Track Review
Still the Night
The opening of this has some intricate picked guitar, some atmospherics and more. The track works out from that extended section to more of an AOR rock sounding jam. This is arena rock. It’s also strong stuff. There are some proggy moments later and more of that Spanish styled guitar work.
What About Love?
This reminds me of some of the metallic stuff that Asia has done at various points in their career. There are AOR prog type things built into it.
Phoenix Rising
More of an arena rock meets metal vibe is on display here. This has a real 80s metal feel to it in a lot of ways.
A Whole Lot of Love
This is another that also fits along the lines of arena metal. It’s not a big change, but it’s a fairly effective tune.
Believe
Now, some seriously proggy keyboard work starts this off amidst the sounds of the sea hitting the beach. The tune works to more mainstream rock zones, but there is still a proggy edge to it all. It turns much proggier mid-track.
Did It All for Love
Some parts of this make me think of Bon Jovi a little. It’s got a real Asia vibe, too. This is pop prog styled music. It’s got some great hooks. The female backing vocals are a nice touch. This is one of the most effective things here.
Stop!
Here we’re back in more metal territory. This rocker has plenty of arena rock at its heart, too.
It Must Be Love
This lands more along the AOR prog end of the spectrum. It’s more balladic. It’s also quite classy.
No Retreat, No Surrender
Driving and hard-edged, this seems both metallic and proggy. The guitar solo on this lands heavily on the metal end of the spectrum.
Shape It Up
More mainstream hard rock with metal angles, this song is rather generic, but also effective.
Slave (1993 Version)
This is fairly generic hard rocking music. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t really stand out.
Dance With the Devil (2023 Recording)
With a demonic introduction and a healthy helping of Celtic rock in the mix, this is a highlight of the set. It’s proggy and dramatic.
Rock My Soul (2023 Recording)
This acoustic rocker isn’t bad, but it’s pretty generic.
