Review | The Switch – No Way Out

Frontiers Music S.r.l.

When a new album is announced promising a ‘perfect cocktail of fun & retro vibes’, and a narrative that channels 80s movie magic, expectations in this guy run high. `No Way Out’, the new album from hard rock newcomers The Switch, doesn’t just lean into nostalgia. The album straps you in for a neon-lit night ride through synth-heavy back streets, melodic guitar riffs, and a cinematic storyline straight out of a lost 80s cult classic like ‘The Wraith’. But does this cinematic vision and narrative translate into an album that can stand firmly on its own feet? Mostly yes, but not without a few modern speed bumps.

TWO BROTHERS

The core duo consists of brothers James and Tom Martin (ex-Vega, Nitrate), who are no strangers to high quality melodic rock craftsmanship, having built solid reputations in the genre that resonates with the pack of AOR freaks alike. The addition of Bobby John on vocals and Dennis ‘Butabi’ Borg (Cruzh) on bass is clearly a game changer. As James put it, the moment they heard Bobby’s voice on a demo penned with Eddie LaValle (Jokers & Kings), “we knew straight away we had the right combination”. This synergy is palpable across the entire record.

Tom’s comment about finally having complete control over writing and mixing rings true, as the album is finely tuned to their own taste, and that’s where it shines. Dennis Borg’s basslines add a grounded groove that perfectly balances the retro flashiness with modern tightness. The band sounds like they’re not just playing songs but living a shared vision, consisting of part 80s action flick and part melodic rock dream.

CLASSIC MELODIC ROCK HEROES

Tracks like the opener earmingler ,,Danger on The Loose” and the more cinematic ,,Young Gun” set the tone with an energetic fusion of punchy guitar riffs, sleek synth layers, and Bobby’s dynamic vocals which shift effortlessly from gritty to soaring. His delivery is in line with the melodic mayhem of the 80s and 90s and he is an easy match for any Scandinavian act out there. Clean and precision cut, he belts out in fine tone. The musicianship is tight, and the Martins deliver signature twin-guitar interplay that recalls classic melodic rock heroes without too much cliché. The harmonies and hooks are sharp, the rhythm section locked in, and the production glossy and not overly sterile.

Levitating on the strumming bass line of Borg, ,,Young Hearts” hits with emotional weight, blending the chemistry of the pulsing bass ‘n drum interplays with synth tech effects and keys, while the guitars slice to the front and Bobby’s vocals add intensity and versatility, matching every 80s classic. Top Gun comes to mind, with Pete ‘Maverick’ and Penny Benjamin taking the Kawasaki Ninja H2 for a spin into the desert sunset. (Holy sh!t, did I just dig that up effortlessly?)

CINEMATIC CONCEPT

Anyway, back to the record, ditching my teen memory; real Planet 3 reference comes forward on the synth drizzled ,,Search of Love” with the above evokes as Maverick goes full throttle suppressing his love for the goddess. Swirling keys introduce the title track. The pulse elevates, Bobby’s vocals carving a niche. “We all play the game of love and war!”, he belts out over a squeaking guitar lick when the song storms into its melodic bliss on the chorus. The song nests on the spot and will resonate long after it fades in the background. ,,Strangers Eyes” bring a bit more emotional depth and weeping atmosphere, with classy synth textures and layered vocals that demonstrate the band’s ability to create mood beyond straightforward rockers.

What elevates ,,No Way Out” is its bold, cinematic concept. The fictional ‘87 blockbuster about a band caught in an underworld showdown during a US tour, adds to experience all over. This meta-story isn’t just background fluff but woven into the tracklist and musical tone. Listening to the album feels like watching a visual narrative unfold, from adrenaline-pumping ,,Danger on the Loose” to the title track’s desperate rush and ,,One Night with You” with its romantic tension that bridges to the album’s finale. It all takes shape on disc as much as it settles in your memory visually.

Intertwining the eras golden collaboration is genius. It’s not just another nostalgic throwback, but a story told with heart and love for the era’s vibe. As Borg puts it, “…like steering a Testarossa in the Outrun arcade while chewing Juicy Fruits”. That evocative image nails the album’s feel-good and escapist quality shut with one hit.

CLICHÉ-LADEN TO THE MAX

,,One Night with You” is packing a tremendous amount of tailor cut drama that makes the finale flow into its dramatic end scene. Like I stated before, it bridges perfectly ,,Anytime” where the pulse is brought back to the front underneath Bobby’s soaring vocals. The melodies are contrasting, keys against the brisk short guitar chords, gradually building an arc of tension to its chorus with unfolding drama. Cliché intended; ‘Catch you when you fall’.

Cliché-laden to the max, the song sets the tone for the keys and synths of the closing scene of ,,Strangers Eyes”. Scattering keyboard strokes, drizzling synth, and a slick guitar melody atop the brimming groove. Topping it off the saxophone solo leading the song into its breakdown. It all blends past and present, and oozes classic soundtracks of Footloose, Top Gun and Navy Seals, etc. Which is packed under its tasteful (over the top) cover-artwork.

But the album also treads dangerously close to predictability at times. Songs, especially ,,Play the Game” with its raining keys and synth pulse, and clinical delivery of ,,Hangin’ on to Seventeen”, follow well-worn formulas of 80s rock and AOR. Strong memorable melodies are slightly let down by arrangements that don’t push boundaries or surprise. That said, these tracks are so cliché-laden that they build their own momentum and fit into the concept.

THE SWITCH – THE CONCLUSION

For all the fun and craftsmanship, the album somewhat plays safe, with few moments challenging the listener or breaking new ground. The songwriting is solid but not consistently memorable, losing its momentum slightly.

`No Way Out’ by The Switch is a polished, feel-good melodic rock record that delivers on its promise of an 80s cinematic movie score with modern precision. The brothers Martin and their crew craft an album that’s both nostalgic and fresh, steeped in narrative flair and tight musicianship. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre or surprise at every turn, it’s a cohesive and enjoyable listen for anyone enjoying that retro adrenaline rush with its contemporary edge. `No Way Out’ is a compelling soundtrack for your next retro road trip. It’s a band clearly in control of their craft, a joyride through time.

Release date: 5 September 2025