EL DORADO HOTEL

"El Dorado Hotel" starts on a strong note, with "A Dream Full of Fire," a dynamic prog-light track with gorgeous vocals and AOR tendencies. From there, the album sounds much like if Ann Wilson replaced John Wetton as a member of Asia. Given Erik Norlander's side project with Asia featuring John Payne, that comparison shouldn't be much of a surprise. I don't view that comparison as a bad thing--I really like this music.

Erik Norlander and Lana Lane do most of the songwriting. The songs aren't terribly complex, but there are glimpses of various prog sub-genres. They're at times atmospheric, at times hard, and always enjoyable.

AOR-style rock with some prog influences. It's not something I'd listen to when I'm in the mood for complexity, but despite that it's very enjoyable, and deserving of 4 stars.