Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In reality, Clear Blue is a musical collaboration between guitarist/producer Mike Tamer and singer/lyricist Janine Stange. The results are a pleasing mix if you like 80s style rock n pop. Janine has a powerful voice and there are some moments here that really work. The riffing guitars and vocal performance really gel on "Surrender". Elsewhere there's a lovely acoustic feel to "Real Fantasy" with some understated sax. The title cut is a breezy optimistic opener and "Truth" again harkens back to that 80's pop rock sound with synths and guitars ahoy whilst "Un-Chained" and "Oh Well" both get a little funky. Overall, this falls into the trap of being competent without being earth shattering. It's all very good but apart from the energy of "Surrender", this doesn't manage to arrest my interest for very long. If an 80s revival is imminent, Clear Blue are ideally placed to leap on the bandwagon!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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