Review by Stratman

     AVM is a power packed rock group from Chicago, IL. Headed by singer, songwriter and producer Robert Mackey, the group’s style ranges from U2 and Collective Soul to Train and 3Doors Down. You can also see influences of Pink Floyd, Foreigner and Kansas among others.

     The album is loaded with great musicians, well produced and is a very polished work. “If You’re Gonna Be (That Way)” opens the CD and has some great vocals, strings and harkens back to the 80’s. Next is the title track “A Matter of Time”. Again, nice vocals, clean guitar work and well recorded. “Takes All I Have” is okay, but not as strong as the prior cuts.

     “So Hard” is a nice ballad, and I like the tone of the guitars. The keyboards need to stand out a little more, though. “Hush” always was one of my favorite ‘old school” rock songs and AVM does a great job on it. Nice intro and the harmonies are great. Well put together. “Things Are Changing” is loaded with nice melodies and keyboard work.

     “Time For A Change” reminds me a little of Kansas, another of my favorite 70’s groups. Has a tasty guitar solo in it. “I Don’t Know Why” is a bluesy little tune that will get your feet a tappin’. Nice, smooth, guitar solo that works well with the track as do the background vocals.

     Now we get to my favorite cut so far. “Drive” has it all. Great guitar, keys, and vocals that remind me of early Kiss (loved that first album). It also has a Deep Purple sounding keyboard solo. Dig it! “Who’s On Your Side” has a gritty, funky, groove. I like this one, too. It has lots of great keyboard in it ala Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.

     Another ballad, “Time Slips Away” is next. Melodic piano followed by “strings” makes this an enjoyable track. Swelling vocals in the midst of a wall of sound. Really, one of the best tracks on this album. “The Way” is a haunting tune. I like it. It could possibly make its way into a TV show or movie sound track. This one reminds me of the Electric Light Orchestra meets Pink Floyd. You will like this cut.

     The album ends with “I Will”. I like the song, it is well constructed, but I would have not placed it as the final track to end the album. You always want to go out with a “bang” and leave your audience wanting more.

     With that said, I really like what the boys have done. It brings back a lot of good visions from music that I loved and if enough people hear it, will be a big success for the group. Now get out there on CD Baby and buy your own copy. You get thirteen tracks (a baker’s dozen). I have mine and you can’t have it!                     

Rating: A