PROJECT BOSCH: Trust Me in the Dark
Project Bosch is a solo project from Stephen “Bosch” Boschetti, of Radio Friendly, of whom I was previously unfamiliar, or even unaware to be more accurate. The hard rock band has (had?) been going since the late 90s, but like so many, was struggling to keep things going during the covid pandemic. “Trust Me in the Dark” is the first recording in the solo form. Musically, we have a very 1980s-style hard rock, that is almost heavy metal, but not quite. The release contains 3 songs and comes in a cardboard slipcase.
Let’s start with the positives. First up, the production is top notch. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and clear this sounds, particularly being both an independent and solo release. You can hear all the instruments clearly, and there is nothing to distract the listener from the overall sound. Secondly, the playing and writing is good overall. The band’s bio indicates that the EP would be “full of high energy and blistering guitar licks.” I suppose this is true, but it didn’t help prepare me for the music. With that description I expected some Neo-classical guitar shredding, but that’s not quite the case. However, while the songs themselves are very simple riff-oriented rock songs (the title track reminded me of Knights of Heaven-era Leviticus or mid-80s Scorpions), there are some very tasteful guitar solos indeed. There’s also a very subtle, and nicely-placed nod to Dio in the keyboard riff on the title track. Perhaps it’s a play on words: Rainbow in the Dark vs Trust Me in the Dark?
The songwriting is decent, with lots of encouragement to trust God, stay grounded in prayer, etc. At times the simplicity of the writing feels very youth group oriented, like something you might hear at a Christian youth rally. The irony is, of course, most youth group kids today aren’t listening to 80s-styled rock. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a negative, I’d just like to see them dig a little deeper lyrically and explore some meatier topics.
Vocally, while Boschetti is capable, I feel the lead vocals on this EP don’t quite fit the music. Normally with this style of arena rock, we want big vocals–lot of crescendos, high-pitched wails, lots of energy. And while Boschetti never misses any notes, each time the chorus kicks in, well . . . that’s just it. It doesn’t kick in. It needs more kick. I think this mainly has to do with the way the songs are pitched. Boschetti’s vocals are in the baritone range, and the songs are in keys that don’t lead up to a big vocal punch on the chorus. The last thing we want in our hard rock is a letdown of a chorus.
Having said all that, I was pleasantly surprised overall on this release and I enjoyed the multiple listens it took to review this properly.
projectbosch.com for ordering info. The EP is available on 12″ vinyl too!
2.5 stars
About Author
