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Sherbs Defying Gravity Review by Larry Toering The Sherbs are a long lost wonder from Australia, and this is their second and final helping, sadly. Both albums are power pop AOR prog classics that contain some of the most radio friendly stuff of the 80s. Formed out of the popular band Sherbet, they went on to disband in 1984, but got back together briefly in 1998. Although the singer did go on to a solo career, it's really too bad they can't do something as a group again. On this record they took things a step further into prog territory but still maintained a light pop balance that makes it easily as good as the first one. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

We Ride The Night The keyboards play as dominant a role as the guitars in this band, but the ride has just begun with so much more to come. This is probably one of the mellowest tracks, but definitely a good tune to set up the album.

Free The Sailor This is a more progressive and radio friendly number, but no more rocking than the opener.

Steppin' On Ice If that was progressive, this is even more so, and where things do pick up for the rest of the duration. This features some killer keyboard work and the vocals are absolutely flawless. In fact, this is one of my favorite keyboard heavy pieces from The Sherbs. I just love it.

Blood On My Hands This picks up even more as the guitar begins to makes its way into things. This is a great track with more killer vocals.

We Can Make It It’s time for a ballad, and this is a powerful pop one. The singing really begins to shine at this point. This really shows the lighter side of Daryl Braithwaite’s vocals, and it's all balanced out with those great background harmonies.

I'm Alive Alive things come again for one of the best tracks on the disc, with soaring guitar lines and more power pop vocals. What a killer little gem this is. There is a real Yes vibe going on here with the vocals.

The Danger Zone This is yet another standout track, a very dramatic tune, very similar to Saga. It features lots of ups and downs and some more awesome guitar work.

Some People It's pretty much all Genesis here, and once again the keyboards really shine on this one.

The Mistake This is a much more progressive and probably the peak point of the disc.

I Wanna Lay With You Not being one of my favorite tracks, this still has plenty to offer, but just perhaps not for me.

Defying Gravity The title track is appropriately placed where needed, as it gets things back in order and really delivers the standard Sherbs classic sound.

Don't Throw It All Away I wouldn't throw this away either, as it too is in the standard vein, and probably another of my choices for the top cuts.

Shaping Up This is a great tune with even more classic appeal. The whole thing just contains everything this band is all about. It’s simply fantastic!

Tonight Will Last Forever I wish The Sherbs were still around, but at least this and their debut album will last forever, and this is such a great way to take things out in style.

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