JACE PAWLAK – Promise (2016)
We already presented here Chasing Magic, one of the projects from JACE PAWLAK, and now arrives his new album “Promise” released through Kivel Records. This album is unashamedly based around Pawlak’s one true love; Melodic Hard Rock from the ’80s, and in particular bands like Night Ranger, Bad English and The Storm.
What Pawlak has served up here are ten ‘plat principals’ which, with the guiding hand of producer Ty Syms (House Of Lords), are all fit to sit on the head table of the bands which were such an influence to the writer in his formative years.
Listen through headphones and you realise that this album has not merely been thrown together but lovingly prepared with exceptional attention to detail and seasoned to perfection.
“Promise” is a delectable mix of fast and mid-paced Rockers together with a couple of emotional ballads. Once again this is a Pawlak family affair with contributions from his father Dennis and brother Trevor, plus a host of guest musicians including keyboard extraordinaire Eric Ragno.
‘Tonight Is Everything’ is a natural opener with its AOR harmonies, huge chorus and even more harmonies. Did I mention the harmonies? They continue thick and fast throughout.
‘Too Late’ and ‘Late On Loving You’ are very Eighties fare that you could imagine would be massive in the hands of a band like Night Ranger. ‘Trying Not To Love You’ is also irresistible with its huge choruses.
The two ballads ‘Every Now And Then’ and ‘Leap Of Faith’ are poignant and highlight Jace Pawlak’s emotive vocals and songwriting abilities in equal measures.
Pete Lents provides vocals on ‘Waiting’ and the passionate ‘Can’t Find Your Heart’ and sounds very similar to Urban Tale’s Kimmo Blom.
As good as the previous nine tracks are – and believe me they are some of the best AOR songs you are going to hear this year, the album closer, ‘Nothing But Rain’ is pearl among diamonds.
So there you have it. If you have never heard of Jace Pawlak this is the time to rectify the situation with an album full of AOR gems.
As both singer and songwriter, what Jace Pawlak has done here is produce a quintessential Melodic Rock album that could easily be used as template for new bands wanting to get it right.
“Promise” is one of those albums that you play over and over again, simply because you just want to hear the songs one more time.
Buy or die…
01 – Tonight Is Everything
02 – Before You Run
03 – Every Now And Then
04 – Too Late
05 – Trying Not To Love You
06 – Waiting
07 – Leap Of Faith
08 – Late On Loving You
09 – Can’t Find Your Heart
10 – Nothing But Rain
Jace Pawlak: vocals, keyboards, bass, drums
Dennis Pawlak: guitar, backing vocals
Trevor Pawlak: guitar
Eric Ragno: keyboards
Pete Lents: guest vocals
BUY IT !
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