David Arthur displays just what a talented "one-man band" he truly is.

While certainly a new name to me, David Arthur is certainly not new to the scene, having been playing professionally and semi-professionally for over twenty years. During this time, he not only wrote songs with renowned producer Chris Tsangarides, but in 2010 co-wrote and recorded 'The Rapture' with NWOBHM band Bitches Sin.

Arthur's own songs, as evidenced on his debut solo album 'Making Legends', are very different to that of the NWOBHM genre, displaying a far more Progressive bent. He describes them as "if 30 Seconds To Mars met Bruce Springsteen and if Muse met Def Leppard", but from my own perspective, I'd say it was more a case of "thoughtful Melodic Hard Rock with many Progressive elements, married to powerful, intelligent guitaring"
Arthur's vocal style is very much predisposed towards a more Progressive Rock style, as can clearly been heard while listening to the likes of opener 'We Are The Taken', 'Making Legends' and 'Scratches'. Even the more Melodic Hard Rock numbers such as 'You Still Give Me Hope' (with its glorious guitar soloing), 'To Feel' (a bonus track) and 'Illusions' all contain elements of Progressive Rock within their frame.

On several tracks, Arthur's good friend Mel Woods takes over lead vocals, with 'Waiting' being a duet, and while hearing a female vocal makes for an enjoyable change of focus for the listener, the underlying themes and overall feel remain distinctly Progressive, with Arthur showing just what a talented musician and composer he is, supplying all the musical backing and the intelligent and thoughtful lyrics.

'Watch This Space' is a more modern sounding track, the hard riffing propelling the track forward with an intense urgency, while closer 'One Day' is a glorious ballad, predominantly guitar and vocal and supplying a delightful counterpoint to the rest of the album.

Throughout 'Making Legends', David Arthur displays just what a talented "one-man band" he truly is. On the evidence displayed here, a bright future is surely beckoning, especially within the burgeoning Progressive scene. Check him out on the closing track of our free CD/download this issue*.

Bruce Mee

(* this review was published in Fireworks Magazine #70)