Critic's Review
Cub Koda, All Music Guide
Seldom can bands reform, even with all the original members intact, and play and sing with even a smidgen of the power they once possessed. But the Ides of March have done exactly that with this marvelous five-song mini-LP/EP/CD of all new material. With leader/lead singer/guitarist/songwriter/band visionary Jim Peterik at the helm, the Ides come back with a contemporary sound that recasts their horn-heavy style in a new and most attractive light. "Friendly Stranger (Vehicle Overture)" takes their biggest hit and totally revamps it with an instrumental movie soundtrack feel that's both familiar and new. The title track is a strong rocker that recalls the salad days of the band from a 20/20-hindsight perspective, while "Roller Coaster" is an uptempo summer tune with solid harmonies and loads of jangly guitar. "Moon out of Phase" spotlights Peterik's more atmospheric side of his songwriting talents and shows up twice, in both vocal and an equally strong instrumental mix versions. An impressive comeback disc.
