Self Release [Release date – 15.12.2014]
Pallas are one of the most enduring and consistent bands of the prog rock genre and every album release is keenly anticipated by their loyal following. It has been over three years since their last studio album, ‘XXV’, which featured a strong debut performance from Paul Mackie on vocals. This latest release was made possible by a crowd funding scheme, so was the money put to good use?
You can tell by listening to the opening track, ‘Shadow Of The Sun’, that the funds raised have been well spent. The production and mix are spot on and the music is of the highest standard. The song is driven along on a solid bassline provided by Graeme Murray and is a full on prog rock epic.
‘Harvest Moon’ follows and takes the pace down a notch. There is an almost Pink Floyd feel to the track, ethereal and atmospheric, with one of many excellent vocal performances from Mackie. Paul has really stamped his identity on the track and his slightly unhinged delivery towards the end adds to the overall feel, it should go down a storm when played live.
Another track destined to be a live favourite is ‘Dominion’, a real tour de force in the best Pallas tradition. The track twists and turns allowing Ronnie Brown on keyboards and Niall Mathewson on guitar to let loose with their musical weapons of choice, impressive stuff.
Mackie has a chance to shine once more on the quiet, reflective track ‘In Cold Blood’. This track really shows that he was the right choice to fill the vacant frontman position and that he is more than capable of continuing the legacy and writing his own chapter in the Pallas story. I am sure that anyone who chooses to talk through this track in a live setting will get a swift visit from the slap fairy!
The album closes with ‘Winter Is Coming’ which is another prog powerhouse. It marries another great Murray bassline with a fantastic riff from Mathewson which contains the odd reggae like flourish adding another element to the song.
There is a bonus track on some versions of the album, a ‘wearewhoweare’ megamix, which cleverly condenses the best moments from all songs into a 6 minute snapshot. It is well worth making sure this is on whichever format you purchase as it is a cracker of a bonus track.
Pallas have produced an album of the highest quality which no self-respecting prog rock fan should be without. The song writing and musicianship are first class throughout as is the production on the album which adds the gloss to an already shining example of the progressive genre.
I don’t think that anyone of the many who put their money and faith in the band will feel short changed with the results. ****
Review by David Wilson
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 6 October 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 8 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 28 October 2024
IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 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)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
