Back from Euphoria

Description

Back from Euphoria is the sole album by the American rock band The Reign, originally independently released on cassette-only on the band’s own label Jondo Records in 1989, distributed by Spring Arbor. Re-issued on CD, marketed by Image Records. The album was recorded and mixed by Gene Eugene of Adam Again fame and Dave Hackbarth at Neverland Studios in Los Alamitos, California; with Eugene producing. Featuring a guest appearance by Darrell Mansfield on harmonica.

“Back from obscurity” might have been a better title for this relase. The Reign first surfaced two and a half years ago, on Broken Records’ Christmas Collection, with a version of «O Holy Night» which fell somewhere between U2 and Bon Jovi. That stylistic schizophrenia might have forced the band’s 1989 indie cassette to remain an underground favorite. But the folks at Image Records have given The Reign’s debut a new lease on life, so it’s time to take a second look at this worthy album.

‘Back From Euphoria’ contains tunes dating back over four years, but none of them seem stale. Many of the songs are cut from the same cloth as those of modern southern rockers such as Guadalcanal Diary and The Connells. The Reign busts out of the gate with «In Another Room», a staggering confrontation of attempted suicide, then careems into «Cold Desert Wind», a metaphor for the barren state of a troubled soul. «Looking For You (On Christmas Day)» explores the desolation many feel on what should be one of the happiest days of the year. «Running Out of Time» is laced with Hammond B3 organ, which lends it a soulful luster. The band also takes a successful stab at acoustic blues (with guest harmonica player Darrell Mansfield) on «Trouble On My Mind». Gene Eugene of Adam Again and engineer Dave Hackbarth do an exemplary job of placing The Reign’s music in the best possible sonic light. With just a little more focused musical approach, and some support beyond the grassroots level. The Reign could easily catapult into the league of alternative bands like The Choir. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, June 1991]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/back-from-euphoria/1738055715)

CD tracklist:

01. In Another Room – 3:29
02. Cold Desert Wind – 3:52
03. Looking for You (On Christmas Day) – 3:48
04. Running Out of Time – 3:27
05. Trouble on My Mind – 3:19
06. Weakness – 4:38
07. Love Survive – 3:53
08. Don’t Let It Take You Down – 4:56
09. Dancer – 3:01

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Jondo Records/Image Records.

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Back from Euphoria Jondo Records/Image Records CD re-issue cover artwork

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CREDITS. Produced by Gene Eugene. Engineered and Mixed by Dave Hackbarth and Gene Eugene. Recorded at Neverland Studios. Hammon B3 recorded at Whitefield Studio. Mastered by Gene Eugene at Mixing Lab.

Musicians: Harold Bloemendaal (Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitars), Greg Kemble (Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitars and Background Vocals), Travis Sheets (Keyboards), Curtis Holtzen (Bass), Dug Dorr (Drums). Additional musician: Darrell Mansfield (Harmonica), Gene Eugene (Acoustic Guitar on track 9), Riki Michele (Background Vocals on tracks 4 and 8).