| The
Review |
Like Harem Scarem, Fair Warning had massive potential
within the world of melodic rock, but unfortunately as AOR
went the wayside in the mainstream when grunge hit it big
in the early nineties, another 'lost classic' was released,
heck, they were on the same label as Harem Scarem at the time
(WEA/Warner). But enough of those 'what could have been stories,'
Fair Warning's 1991 self-titled album remains a solid staple
in the world of melodic hard rock standing alongside bands
of the time such as Tyketto, Bonfire, Unruly Child, and Giant,
setting the tone for modern day AOR troubadours like Ten and
Last Autumn's Dream. ***
Like most of the records from that time period, the production
is filled with dense reverb/delay laden guitars, harmony solos,
anthem choruses, keyboard pads, but most importantly hooks
and pop catchiness; of course it is the songwriting that stands
as the focus. The record plays out a heavy stance with tracks
like "Longing for Love," the dark "One Step Closer," and "The
Eyes of Rock;" nevertheless counterpoint to that is found
in more pop relevant melodies on the jumpy "Crazy," the power
ballad of "Long Gone," and the eased back "The Call of the
Heart," so there is diversity found all over the album. ***
Finally available for the masses on a much wider scale
rather than having to fish around for an import, fifteen years
after the fact, 'Fair Warning' still remains a timeless melodic
rock classic. Even to this day, it's as if you can hear the
songs reverberating throughout stadiums worldwide and see
the sea of lighter flickers; yes it still has that effect.
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