Song review by Steven Azami

Overall Impression
Arizona rock band Do Not Resuscitate breathe new life into a classic rock staple, with their cover of Toto's 1978 debut single, "Hold the Line". DNR stays true to the original, with the exception of substituting original singer Bobby Kimball's lead vocal with the talented Ada Lea, providing the track with a more feminine touch. The relentless shuffle groove, assertive piano licks, and monster guitar riffs are all on full display here, capturing the essence of what made this song so popular and impactful upon its release. Fans of the original, as well as classic rock fans in general will revel in the soul and the spirit of Do Not Resuscitate's faithful rendition of "Hold the Line".

Strongest Point(s)
Solid production, decent mix. Nice choice of a cover, Toto has always had an "evergreen" quality to their music that holds up, and never sounds terribly dated. Fantastic piano intro. Outstanding groove and feel, the rhythm section nails the Porcaro shuffle. Guitar tones are spot-on, both on the rhythm riff and the lead. Awesome solo section, captures Steve Lukather's vibe and intent. Great rock'n'roll ending. Excellent vocal performance, strong rock delivery and style. Backing vocals sound terrific and add another layer of listener engagement. Nice repetition in the final refrain, really drives it home. All in all, this is a great cover of an iconic song that's woven into the American rock tapestry, should resonate with classic rock fans of all ages and from all walks of life. Stellar work here, by everyone involved!

Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Classic Rock

Artist target suggestions
Toto, Boston, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Kansas, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Steve Miller Band, The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Night Ranger, Foreigner, Survivor, Supertramp, 38 Special, Bachman-Turner Overdrive

About The Reviewer   
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.

Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Not Applicable
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength