Frontiers [Release Date 07.12.18]
Alongside a fast rising reputation as contributing songwriter and guitarist to a number of melodic rock releases, Michael Palace has a career of his own. 2016’s ‘Master of the Universe’ was an impressive debut but for his sophomore release, he has embarked on a change of direction nearly as drastic as his haircut in the intervening period.
While the debut was firmly in the melodic hard rock mainstream, more ambitiously he brings other eighties influences into play. The title track employs some of the Trevor Horn-like dance production values of the likes of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, though the chorus is pure melodic rock and reminded me a lot of Newman.
‘Nothing Personal’ conjures a pop rock vibe from the mid-eighties generation of bands such as Device who tried to fuse AOR and dance sounds, and ‘Love Songs’ also has a poppy theme and is a good example of this being a fairly keyboard-heavy album for all Michael’s skills as a guitarist. Clearly a talented chap, supplying all instruments with the exception of drums from Daniel Flores, his vocals are impressively strong and clear throughout and the songs well structured, with ‘Tears of Gaia’ and ‘Promised Land ‘both having a slightly progressive, hi-tech vibe.
Most of the songs are bright and up-tempo, though there was a dip in quality for me with ‘Queen of the Prom’ taking the pop influences too far with its barbershop-style harmonies and swing feel, only partially redeemed by a proggy guitar solo mid-song, and the ballad ‘Who’s Counting Time’.
However the best is saved to last with the final two tracks, ‘Julia’ boasting a harmonica intro and a massive chorus which lodged in my brain for a good day afterwards, and ‘To Have and to Hold’ which had a total Toto vibe in the mould of his fellow countrymen Work of Art.
These two are also closer to the AOR mainstream, but overall Michael Palace has steered clear of the obvious to produce an interesting album to stand out from the norm. ****
Review by Andy Nathan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
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 24 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 26 November 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 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
