House of Games
Rise and Shine
2006,Ram Music/Border Music
Rating: 3.5/5

Estonia’s House of Games has played with The Rasmus, Paradise Lost, J
ethro Tull and also supported W.A.S.P on their 2006 Europe
Dominator Tour. Despite the acts they’ve played with, their
music is melodic rock influenced by both soul and funk; they
sound a little like the now-retired Talisman.

The band’s music is well-executed and solidly-performed;
Meremaa has a dynamic voice that gives the band a sound
that stands out compared to other melodic rock acts today.
Besides Talisman, House of Games sounds similar to Toto,
Survivor and Foreigner – but a bit harder.

RISE AND SHINE consists of a bunch of solid material that’s
fun to listen to. There a few ballads that don’t quite make
the cut, but aside from those the material is strong.
Meremaa sings in flawless English which is an achievement
for a Baltic band.

RISE AND SHINE is pretty long, but it doesn’t feel like it because
of the diverse material. My favorite tracks are the faster tunes
like “My Child”, “24”, “Hunter”, “Ave Maria”, “Evil in Needle”,
“Spanish Man” and “Sugar and Spice”. The first part of the album
feels a lot stronger than the second part, where they have
overdosed on strings and orchestral parts. Perhaps the
producer, Hiilesmaa, should have slowed the band down in those parts.

RISE AND SHINE is a positive surprise from a new band that is
worth remembering. It’s great to hear what the Baltic countries
have to offer the music scene.