While many people associate vocalist Joe Lynn Turner with the final glory days of Rainbow, the man has remained prolific throughout the rest of his career. Enough so, to release a handful of solo albums and also participate in countless projects of other artists over the years. Sunstorm is one such project, or to be more exact, the manifestation of the numerous ideas and musical odds and ends collected in this singer’s creative “baggage” for quite some time. Admittedly, if you don’t like American old school AOR, don’t bother to keep reading then, because this work literally echoes from the good old days when many a Rock fan’s heart would actually skip a beat at the mere mention of names like Journey, Survivor, or Foreigner, etc.

All told, House Of Dreams is already the second album released by the singer under the aegis of Frontiers Records and supported by a company of co-writers including Jim Peterik (Survivor, Pride Of Lions) and brothers Tom And James Martin (House Of Lords, Khymera). As a result, we get well-crafted yet still somewhat familiar sounding songs, meaning there is hardly anything new here, but rather a collection of mid tempo and somewhat more energetic tracks supported by thumping bass, solid riffs and the occasional keyboard flourish. Of course, you’ll also find the prerequisite ballads, largely relying on piano, half-symphonic elements and sweetly humming rhythms and singing solos. In effect, this album is like a soundtrack to the breezy bicycle ride along the beach, when you can finally remain tête-à-tête with your cheerful mood and reflect upon small mercies of life. Surprisingly however, those nostalgic for Rainbow’s characteristically Hard n’Heavy heritage won’t necessarily find much here suitable for their tastes, as there is only one track sounding more or less in that vein; the driving number “Gutters Of Gold” . As I have always preferred my AOR with a heavier edge, it would probably be my favourite song on the album. The rest of the tracks are still not bad at all and will at least hit the spot of many in their target Classic Rock demographic.

To sum up, House Of Dreams could be a fine solution for those who are still fascinated with the formulaic yet charming melodic Rock of the early 80’s but not stripped of some modern production values. If you feel like taking a break from your daily dose of Metal, or are looking for something to match your cheerier than usual mood, this music could make for a good companion.

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