Rik Emmett is rocking again! Airtime is composed of Michael Shotton (Von Groove) on drums and Rik Emmett (Triumph) handling all other duties. I’ve got to hand it to Michael he pulled Rik back into the scene. However, I shouldn’t say everything on this disc is rock, but the majority does take a step down the road Rik traveled so many years ago. He does add touches of classical and jazz influences, but don’t let that turn you away from Liberty Manifesto. It is an AOR fans dream to hear Rik over this style again.

Songs like “River Runs Deep” and “Midnight Black and Blue” are the most memorable tracks on this disc. The mix is top notch and the normal slick production for the radio friendly sound that Triumph was accustomed to. The only downfall is the choir of Rik’s that often back him up can get annoying at times after repeated listens. Seems he took a page out of the latest Rush cd, which had the same problem. I should also mention that this disc has lead a large part to Triumph reforming for at least one show. Here’s to hoping there is going to be even more Triumph! This deserves a nine and it would have gotten even higher, had they not taken a modern approach to backing vocals

Reviewed by QMII

RETURN TO CD REVIEWS