D’ERCOLE - Reactance Theory (2025)

It’s album number eleven from D’Ercole and lost count of the number of albums featuring the talented & never seemingly out of the studio Phil Vincent! Joining him are the D’Ercole stalwarts – drummer B.F. D’Ercole, bassist Damian D’Ercole and Vince O’Regan on lead guitar.

‘Best of Me’ is an impressive melodic hard rocker, aided by a catchy riff and nifty synths/keys fills. The album sees the harder edge adopted of late by D’Ercole, notably on ‘Just Like You’ and ‘Moving Target’.

The album’s single ‘Dark Waters’ has a 70’s rock vibe – shades of Styx and Triumph with the classic keys sound and extended guitar outro. Similar vibe on ‘Comin’ Home’, although this reminded this reviewer of cult Canadian pomp rockers Prism.

The epic refrains of ‘Spirit Infinite’ round the album off in a flurry of Brian May-approved soloing a touch of the Queen theatricals. A suitably OTT ending to the album.

Being so prolific can often mean a drop in musical standards, or at the very least similar riffs in songs, yet Phil Vincent and D’Ercole neatly sidestep that pitfall on here. One of their better albums and a strong finish to the recording year for Phil Vincent.