Europe
Secret Society
Sanctuary/Riot!


They've been around for over 28 years now and have sold more than ten million albums but Europe will always be best known for their 1986 hit single, The Final Countdown. Here we have 'Secret Society', the second full-length since the band decided to reform a couple of years ago, with the original Countdown... line-up, no less.

So what do Europe of the 21st Century sound like then, and have the band moved with the times - or are they still stuck in an '80s time warp? Well, as for their music, 'Secret Society' is an album full of rocking, upbeat, catchy numbers and, yes, the band have moved forward, their new songs sounding as updated for these times as possibly could be.

While 'Secret Society' might not be a CD with any standout number one hits - feeling more like an album where all the songs are of equal value - it would be inarguable, in the least, to say that Europe's experience and, perhaps to a lesser extent, their long hiatus, have certainly helped them write songs that are able to still pull in the listener and keep them interested enough until the final track.

Though some songs might also remind slightly of Soundgarden or even U2 in parts, it's tracks like Human After All, with its violin intro, bass-heavy sound and piano-led A Mother's Son, that stand out and show exactly why Europe have, and always will, remain ahead of the pack.

We may never hear another Final Countdown from this band again but that's okay because as long as they continue to create great-sounding albums like 'Secret Society', the world will always be a better place. An album definitely recommended for fans and those curious about what great rock should sound like.

Mark Grimshaw