Full Review

Cassidy Paris, New Sensation Review

With her debut album, New Sensation, Australian rocker Cassidy Paris heralds a promising era in hard rock. At a vibrant 20 years of age, Cassidy, daughter of Steve Janevski (Wicked Smile), has already carved a niche in the Australian music scene. Her growth, mentored by Paul Laine and inspired by icons like Lzzy Hale and Joan Jett, manifests in this album, reflecting her mission to reignite rock ‘n’ roll fervor among the youth.

New Sensation presents a kaleidoscope of musical narratives across its 12 tracks. The title track, “New Sensation,” launches the album with an electrifying verve, setting a high bar for what follows. Cassidy’s vocal power, reminiscent of the classic hard rock echoes of Heart or Joan Jett, is robust and emotive, particularly in tracks like “Danger” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hearts.” Her gritty and expansive voice imbues the album with a palpable energy.

The album navigates through various moods and styles. “Here I Am” emerges as a power ballad, its dramatic piano lines swelling into a bluesy, arena-ready anthem. In contrast, “Walking On Fire” showcases Cassidy’s power-pop sensibilities with an alluring and potent vocal performance. The punk-tinged “Song For Broken Hearted” and the 80s-flavored “Searching For A Hero” further display her versatility, blending energetic guitar work and catchy hooks.

Collaborations with artists like John Doe and Jane Smith add depth to the album, each bringing unique elements to the tracks they feature in. The synergy between Cassidy’s vocals and the twin guitar lineup of Steve Janevski and Dave Graham is especially noteworthy, underpinned by the rhythm section of Mirko De Maio (drums) and Alessandro Del Vecchio (bass).

“Like I Never Loved You” stands out with its synth and guitar-driven rock sound, while “Stand” shifts gears into a power ballad zone, showcasing Cassidy’s advocacy for empowerment and anti-bullying. “Addicted” encapsulates a punk rock attitude, its infectious riff and chorus demonstrating Cassidy’s ability to create memorable and energetic music.

Despite its variety, New Sensation maintains a cohesive hard rock spirit. Cassidy’s exploration of themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and love is relatable and resonant. Her songwriting, acknowledged in the International Songwriting Competition, shines through, making each track not just a song but a story.

In conclusion, New Sensation marks a robust and promising debut for Cassidy Paris. The songs showcase her impressive vocal abilities and spotlight her potential as a hard-rock artist, particularly for a new generation of fans. While still shaping her artistic identity, Cassidy’s debut effort distinctly positions her as a beacon for the future of hard rock music. With New Sensation, Cassidy Paris proves that hard rock is alive and continually evolving, making her an artist to keep an eye on in the years to come.