Synonymous with the band White Lion, Mike Tramp is also a respected guitarist and vocalist whose vocal capabilities have at times been compared to David Lee Roth. The latest instalment of Tramp’s prolific recording career, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II, will no doubt be a popular addition to the vinyl collection of his numerous fans while picking up some new ones along the way.
Following on from Songs of White Lion, this second volume is a new perspective on another selection of White Lion’s most memorable tracks. Tramp himself has commented that “……. I am beyond thrilled to have gotten a second chance to re-record and sing the songs I wrote between 1983 -1990. Today I have such a better understanding of how I want to express the songs in my voice than I had when I was in my 20’s, it’s just a fact, and I’ve grabbed the chance. ‘Songs Of White Lion’ is a whole new chapter, matter of fact it is current.”
Retaining its glam echoes, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II opens with Lights & Thunder, which seems to take you right back to the glory days of White Lion. Although this re-imagined version does have a more melodic approach, the riffs still power through.
Leading on from the opening track, the grittier opening and riffs of the second track, Lonely Nights, should also give satisfaction to long-standing fans and new ones alike. While Till Death Do Us Part comes in at just under five minutes length, making it feel too drawn out in parts, it still offers a satisfying listen with its power ballad overtones.
El Salvador reminds us that White Lion were never afraid to record songs that touched on the political and social issues at the time, and although the context of this track is firmly historical, it could be said that the sentiments do remain just as powerful for current global conflicts. Tramp’s vocals really shine through on The Road To Valhalla and although very much a stripped back track, particularly in the context of the remainder of the album, it still feels like one of the more powerful tracks on the album.
Following on, Don’t Give Up kicks the beat up again with just under three and a half minutes of hard rocking fun, which continues in You’re All I Need and Out With The Boys. The even harder rocking All You Need Is Rock’n’Roll still feels as relevant today as when it was originally released back in 1987.
The final and stripped back track, Farewell To You is not just an appropriate ending to the album, but may also leave you wondering which direction Tramp will continue on his successful career.
Even allowing for the re-imagining of the tracks, Tramp’s vocals remain melodic and strong – no mean feat after four decades in the game and a prolific back catalogue that includes nine solo albums. Unsurprisingly, he will shortly be taking Songs of White Lion – Vol.II out on a US and European tour.
If you are already a Mike Tramp/White Lion fan, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II probably contains few surprises, but the re-interpretation of these old favourites is still a must for existing collections. If you are unfamiliar with the back catalogue of White Lion, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II will make a great introduction.
Although White Lion were far from the hellraisers that many of their hard rocking and even harder partying comrades were at the time, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II will take you back to that wonderfully hedonistic age of large hair, large speakers and even larger egos, while at the same showcasing a successful reworking of some old favourites.
“The latest instalment of Tramp’s prolific recording career, Songs of White Lion – Vol.II, will no doubt be a popular addition to the vinyl collection of his numerous fans while picking up some new ones along the way.”
Songs of White Lion – Vol.II is released 23rd August via Frontiers Music Srl and can be pre-ordered here on standard and limited/special edition vinyl, CD or digital download.
Band Members
Mike Tramp – Vocal
Marcus Nand – Guitars
Claus Langeskov – Bass
Kenni Andy – Drums
Claudio Pesavento – Hammond B3 & Piano
Johnny Gioeli – Harmonies
Emily Garriock Langeskov – Harmonies
Further information about Mike Tramp, his catalogue and tour information can be found on the web, Facebook and Instagram .
Special thanks to Frontiers Music Srl.
