Review | Double Vision – Double Vision

Frontiers Music srl

Inspired by the mighty Foreigner some years ago six musicians from the New York area decided to form a tribute band and called it Double Vision, named after the second album that Foreigner released in June 1978. Luckily when they were offered a record deal by Frontiers the decision was made to deliver an album with new and fresh compositions. I mean, what use would it be to re-record several of Foreigner songs?

No use at all, as Foreigner themselves have been repeating themselves for a few decades now. Just playing their old stuff and only releasing live-releases (the last studio-album ‘Can’t Slow Down’ dates from 2009). In fact, with no original members still left in the line-up (Lou Gramm every now and then features as guest performer while leader Mick Jones suffers from Parkinson’s disease and is hardly capable of performing), it might be time to call it a day. Apparently, a farewell tour might run into 2026 (which would mark a fifty-year existence). But without singer Kelly Hansen who recently retired from the group with guitarist Luis Maldonado taking over the singing. I just do not see the need for all this, but that is more a personal view.

THE BAND MEMBERS

Double Vision features some ‘familiar’ faces like former Prophet-bassist Scott Metaxas and former Warrior Soul and Nuclear Assault sticks man Scott Duboys. On guitars Chris Schwartz and Paul Baccash have built up plenty of years in the New York scene while Russian born keyboardist Alex Lubin emigrated as an 18-year-old lad to America, finding also his way in the local scene. On vocals we have Chandler Mogel who has worked with many bands and on many projects such as the band Outloud. He also worked with Angel-guitarist Punky Meadows and he sang on the ‘In Amber’ album, released by Denner’s Inferno (Michael Denner who used to be in Mercyful Fate). It is safe to say that there is plenty of experience about in Double Vision.

A FOREIGNER TOUCH

It shall surprise no one that the 13 (!) songs that are featured on the debut album by Double Vision have a slight Foreigner touch. But after hearing the album several times I must admit that Double Vision is certainly not a copy cat band. They have their own melodic and strong sound. They have variety in their material (including a part for the saxophone in the first two tracks, paying tribute to the Foreigner tradition I suppose). Although it also must be said that not all compositions are as strong as each other.

DOUBLE VISION – THE CONCLUSION

If the band would have a bit more critical on songs such as ,,Youphoria’’ (a bit middle of the road), the instrumental ,,Transient Times’’ (space filler) and one or two other tracks, this would have been an excellent melodic rock release. These guys can play, Mogler shows an enormous variety in his performances and the bulk of the compositions is certainly decent, so all ingredients are present. Double Vision does not come to their full potential yet on this debut record and it would be nonsense to say that they approach the level Foreigner showcased on their first four records. It is a promising start to say at least. Yet there is room for improvement.

Release date: 11 July 2025