Album review: PJ FARLEY – Boutique Sound Frames

May 11th, 2016 by andynathan

Melodic Rock Records [Release Date 20.05.16]

Hot on the heels of Trixter’s acclaimed ‘Human Era’ album which was one of 2015’s unexpected treats, bassist PJ Farley has released his debut album, although judging from an album cover in which his tattooed arm is perched on a chin with head invisible, anonymity is something he prefers.

Solo albums should be seen as a way of revealing the real artist behind a band member and sure enough the music is different from Trixter’s upbeat anthems, although in its own way no less melodic. The songs have been written over a decade- during which he played with modern rockers Ra during Trixter’s long hiatus- and reflect more personal issues.

‘Take it Straight’ sets the tone with a dark riff and an alternative rock feel, though both ‘You’d Stick Out’ and ‘Sucker Punch’ have strong choruses which in the hands of 3 Doors Down or Daughtry would generate US radio play.

The main difference is in his voice which is rich, moody and has a melancholic feel. While he plays most of the instruments, bandmate Steve Brown chips in on a few songs and his slide guitar solos on ‘The Fallen’ and ‘The Afterglow’ are very Harrison-esque and add a more commercial sheen to lighten the darkness, while closer ‘What Do You Do’ reminded me of Steve’s own early 2000’s power pop project 40 Ft Ringo.

There are a variety of styles from the alternative sounds of ‘Things We Hold Onto’, the almost garage rock ‘Ain’t No Good’ and ‘Vow’, whose jangliness reminded me of the Gin Blossoms. However my biggest criticism is that the album is rather mid tempo throughout and could do with more changes of pace.

While not an essential purchase, this is a quality piece of work in its own right of alternative rock with a melodic twist. Ironically Trixter fans may not be those it will appeal to most. *** 3/4

Review by Andy Nathan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)