Racing Time Reviews

Santers - Racing Time     Rating 9 

Don't know how much buzz Santers attracted their native T.O. at the time, but in any event from the isolated reaches of Trail, B.C., things looked on the upswing with this improved product extension of the debut. Racing Time is a strangely joyous and conversely sorrowful Canadian hard rock enigma, one of the most winter-evoking records in my particular psychological skewing, capturing the spirit of cooperation and isolation of an accomplished, well-constructed hard rock band of regular guys amidst the affectations of a corrupt business. 

The overall feel is unadorned, ringing clear and true, whether courting metal, in the professional speed-rocking title cut, the uncharacteristically gothic (Canadavanillagoth) Road To Morocco, or the record's real forte, poignantly constructed melodic rockers such as the magnificent Mistreatin' Heart (previewed on the 4 track Mayday EP), the morose Mystical Eyes, or personal fave Winter Freeze, an emotional jewel which pulsed and pumped insidiously to the depths of my brain in successful carving of a permanent home. 

Effortlessly entertaining, Racing Time enthusiastically and humbly taps the great '70s HM cliches that shaped our minds, and indeed those of the metal generations recording today cliches that reflect respect for melody, logic, and quality recording values. 

Martin Popoff - from "Riff Kills Man"

Santers - Racing Time **** 1/2  

SOMEWHERE IN Canada, there must be a factory manufacturing hard rock trios to be launched onto the record market. The number of bands fitting this description to emerge over the last decade is quite phenomenal. 

Yes, Santers are another. This is their second album, and all credit to Heavy Metal Records for making it available on these shores. The 'coup' for, this record is the acquisition of producer Jack Richardson, the man who handled the brilliant final LP by Starz. Here he elevates Santers' status with a crisp, powerful and lively sound. 

A case in point is 'Mistreatin ' Heart' which appeared on the Mayday' EP. Like a medieval alchemist, Richardson has turned what was previously a dull lump of lead into a shining gold nugget. Definitely in the AOR/hard rock mould, there's no reason why Santers shouldn't prove as successful as other similar-sounding bands on the American continent. 

Best moments are 'Road To Morocco' which would give Bob 'n' Bing something to sing about, and the excellent and time/y 'Winter Freeze' this is one of those rock tunes that combines a hard-hitting base with a truly sing-along melody. 

'A Dog Without A Bone' shows that the band can boogie with the best of 'em, while 'Racing Time' closes in fine fashion. The only disappointments are the unimpressive 'obligatory' slow number 'Still I Am', some occasionally lifeless vocals and a dodgy cover. 

If you're looking for a new Foreigner, you need go no further than Toronto {the town where Santers are preparing for their break into The Big Time. (Sheena, beware they may well make it.) 

DAVE ROBERTS Sounds

HIT PARADER IMPORT ALBUMS  

by Andy Secher 

Santers, Racing Time 

Led by brothers Mark and Rick Santers (on drums and guitar respectively), Santers rock with a power and precision that will bring a smile to the face of any true rock and roll fan. Relying on a minimum of fanfare and abundance of catchy hooks and memorable licks, this Canadian trio (who also feature bassist Rick Lazaroff) pay homage to such. bands as Zeppelin and Rush while creating a sound that still manages to bear their own distinctive stamp. Such standout tracks as Mistreatin' Heart and Still I Am show that Santers is a band to watch for in the months to come.