Van Halen / Tokyo Dome in Concert

Who would’ve guessed that in 2015, the mighty Van Halen would not only be embarking on a North American tour with David Lee Roth on the mic but would also release the band’s first-ever live album with its original frontman?

Recorded live at the Tokyo Dome on June 21, 2013, Tokyo Dome in Concert captures the reunited Van Halen on tour in support of its then-newly released comeback album, A Different Kind of Truth. Handpicked by Roth, the show encapsulates the veteran rockers’ long-awaited return to glory. Eddie Van Halen remains the hottest guitarist on the planet, proving on classics like “Hot For Teacher” and “I’m The One” that he still has his chops. As for Roth’s voice, he may not be able to do all the Tarzan screams he used to, but he rarely misses a beat. And, as always, he knows how to entertain as he speaks fluent Japanese to the audience. While Roth may be back, bassist Michael Anthony isn’t. In his place is Eddie Van Halen’s teenaged son, Wolfgang. But the young Van Halen is up to the task, even earning accolades from Roth for his background vocals in the middle of “I’m The One.”

The Van Halen and David Lee Roth reunion was decades in the making. Tokyo Dome in Concert shows that the wait was worth it. Van Halen is finally back, and all is right with the world.

For more information, visit van-halen.com.

By Jason Savio

ONCDThoseAloneThose Alone / String By String

This band is a great example of what people have come to know as Boston rock. I have to say, I really dig these guys. Their grungy, yet modern, form of rock is like a polygamous marriage between Godsmack, Nirvana and Silverchair, producing a child with a little more grit and a lot more swag. Their new EP, String By String, offers everything a fan could want – excellently written lyrics, powerful and emotion-filled vocals, a great backline and a guitar that cuts through all of it with some beautiful solos.

The band recently made it to the HardRockRising finals and rightly so, with a Round One performance that was just plain “on” (no, I wasn’t there, but some good soul posted a video of it online).

The first track, “Ghost,” was easily my favorite and the perfect welcome to the party. The second song, “818,” came in with a pretty intro and a slower, similar style, but then “I Walk Alone” came in and threw me off with a completely different feel and a more classic take on a rock ballad. Fan-favorite “Time” then took over with a head-boppin’ power rhythm and a sudden need to play air drums. If it sounds familiar, this song was also on the band’s first EP, Nebula, but it sounds like it’s been changed up a bit for the new album. The title song arrived with a catchy and blues-esque hook, unexpected changeups and visions of beer-filled bar patrons dancing on a Saturday night.

I think there are only good things in store for these guys. Very promising – my crystal ball says your summer will be better with this EP playing in your car on the way to the beach. Don’t test fate.

For more information, visit thosealone.com.

By Jennifer Russo

ONCDMikaMika / No Place Like Heaven

Since his debut album in early 2007, Mika has been compared to everyone from Elton John to Prince, but the most constant association has been to Freddie Mercury. Mika’s never had a problem with the comparison and has even included references to the Queen frontman in his lyrics in the past, but now Mika’s ethereal voice pays bittersweet tribute to the late, great Mercury and his partying ways in the aptly titled “Last Party.” Surprisingly, it’s not a total downer, but rather a reflection on the fun the legend had before he was gone too soon.

No Place Like Heaven is heartfelt and poignant, but also very pop-friendly. Mika’s fourth studio album has got some heavy-hitting producing power behind it in the form of Gregg Wells, whose client list includes Adele, Katy Perry and Pharrell Williams, so it may have radio airplay traction built in, and this record deserves it.  No Place Like Heaven starts right off with the infectiously fun and poppy “Talk About You,” which could just be the perfect summer song. Mika may finally get some much-deserved love (and some fans) here in the States. Some other standouts from a rather exceptional album include “Good Guys,” “Oh Girl You’re The Devil” and the title tune, “No Place Like Heaven.”

For all the latest on the artist, check out mikasounds.com.

By Michael Wood