Skyler - Take You Away

Skyler - Take You Away
2011, SkyHi Records

York, Maine singer/songwriter Skyler returns in 2011 with his sophomore EP, Take You Away.  The follow-up to 2010’s Long Gone, which placed in Wildy’s World’s Top-10 albums of 2010, follows a similar path to success.  Skyler’s brand of catchy pop music is ripe with memorable melodies and clever turns of phrase.

Skyler gets things started with melodic alternapop you can't get out of your head.  "Empty Rooms" laments a life on the sidelines in a highly danceable folk/pop arrangement with strong guitar fills.  Skyler has a fine voice that rings clear in the middle.  "Hold On (Pray)" is an easy going number with a solid chorus.  Skyler manages to build the song in intensity and accent with splendid vocal harmonies, while advising listeners to not be complacent but grab life by the horns.  "Take You Away" looks forward at how things might be in a prospective relationship.  The song is built on a strong hook, and is a great listen in spite of getting too repetitive for its own good at the end.  "It Kills Me" is a circular, angst-filled rumination on unrequited love from a distance.  Well written and mildly catchy, the song conveys hope that is compelling in its apparent hopelessness.  Skyler closes with "Sentimental", one side of an argument over emotions and what is, and is not, real.  The energy is great, and the chorus will get stuck and recur in your head.  Skyler manages to sound like an affable cross between the Gin Blossoms and Dog's Eye View. 

Skyler continues to finesse his considerable talent for crafting catchy folk/pop/rock numbers that make listeners want to get on their feet and dance.  Take You Away perhaps steps back a tad from last year's Long Gone, but only in that Skyler is continuing to grow as an artist and expand his sonic territory.  Skyler shows the same energy and zest as in the past, but is also exploring the edges of his sound to see where he might go next.  The result is positive, and promises to bear much fruit down the road.  For now, you could do worse than to let Skyler Take You Away for a little while.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Skyler at www.myspace.com/skylertunes.  Take You Away is available digitally from Amazon.com and iTunes.

Review: P.J. Pacifico - Always & Everywhere

P.J. Pacifico - Always & Everywhere
2009, Viper Records

Norwalk, Connecticut's P.J. Pacifico has lived there all his life and yet seemingly hasn't been home in years. He's been all over the US and Canada sharing his music with crowds both large and small, gaining a perspective on the world that informs his songwriting on his second album, Always & Everywhere (available July 14, 2009). Pacifico's voice has been compared to that of James Taylor, although I find him to be a lot closer in sound to the sound of The Paperboy's Tom Landa or Peter Stuart of Dog's Eye View.

Pacifico opens with Batten Down, a quintessential Pop/Rock tune full of great hooks and a strong melody. Batten Down is as catchy as the flu. The Girl From Montreal is a wistful and sweet love song about first loves and the effect they can still have on you years later. The narrator walks away knowing she's happy but still wishing for "one more walk in the snow". Jackbone is about extending a vacation because there's nothing really worth going home to. This was written during a Colorado snowstorm and features The Samples' Sean Kelly on harmony vocals. I'm Home is a finely crafted acoustic Pop tune that matches up well for alternative rock and pop radio.

Pacifico makes a brave choice in covering The Beatles I Wanna Hold Your Hand. Pacifico sticks with the essential melody, but gives the song his own read in a down-tempo, nearly contemplative version that is a pleasure. There's an almost melancholy feel to Pacifico's version but it works well. This one's just Pacifico and his ukulele. Enjoy looks at the benefits of being in a long-standing relationship where you can simply be yourself. The song is charming and well written and a potential classic. First Light is about diving into love with both hands and feet. It's a great song and certainly radio-ready. My favorite song on the disc is Incognito, an expression of faith in a love that's about to be tested by separation. This song is destined for mix tapes as well as for certain licensing for prime-time television (if the folks that select such songs don't catch on to Pacifico's Incognito they don't belong in their jobs). You'll also want to check out I Can't Say No, Easier and Curtain Call.

P.J. Pacifico has an easy-on-the-ears light Pop/Rock sound that's certain to gain him some attention at commercial radio. Don't be surprised to hear several tracks from Always & Everywhere licensed. It's not a matter of talent or quality but of breaks. If the breaks go Pacifico's way he'll be huge. Always & Everywhere is great stuff!

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about P.J. Pacifico at www.myspace.com/pjpacifico or http://www.pjpacifico.com/. Always & Everywhere will go on sale July 14, 2009. Check out P.J. Pacifico’s website on or after that date for purchase information. Also expect availability through outlets such as iTunes.

Review: Zac Mac Band - Under The Radar

Zac Mac Band – Under The Radar [EP]
2009, Night Train Records

The Zac Mac Band has taken Boston, and now they’re ready to take on the world. Lead singer, songwriter, pianist and sometime guitar player Zac McIntyre was a finalist in 2008’s Great American Song Contest, and towers above the competition (he’s 6’10”). Inspired by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Coldplay, Chris Cornell, Collective Soul, The Killers and Snow Patrol. McIntyre writes intelligent and catchy mellow rock songs that get stuck in your head. The Hope, Maine native is a veteran of bands such as North Of Nowhere, The High End and Johnny Rainfield, but appears to have found a sound and style with the Zac Mac Band that is his own. ZMB’s latest release, Under The Radar, hit stores in March of 2009.

McIntyre has a very enjoyable voice. The songs on Under The Radar have a much laid back, nearly repressed mellow sound (think Barenaked Ladies’ Maybe You Should Drive album for comparison). McIntyre writes serious songs, but is not afraid to weave humor into the fabric of a song where appropriate. MySpace Heartbreak hits both serious and ironic notes in a New Wave/Pop tune about Post-relationship neurosis in a digital age. Highest Level is a treat for the ears; a modern mellow rock tune with a chorus worthy of Alan Parsons. Loaded Gun I didn’t connect with as well. Considering the subject matter the song is remarkably passive; the narrative and affect just don’t match at all. There is some Roy Orison inspired guitar work here and the song comes off sounding a bit like a John Mayer tune. 15 Songs On The Radio, on the other hand, is an inspired bit of writing. McIntyre takes us inside his head and the struggle to keep striving for your dreams when the possibilities are so limited (“So many other bands / they’ve got the same plans / and there’s only 15 songs on the radio.”) Anyone who has ever tried to make it in the music industry, or even stood in front of a mirror, air guitar in hand and wished will appreciate the sentiments here. Roll Me Over closes out the set in a somewhat generic Alt/Pop tune ala Dog’s Eye View or Matchbox 20.

The Zac Mac Band has a future. Under The Radar is a bit uneven but shows flashes of brilliance (MySpace Heartbreak, 15 Songs On The Radio). Don’t be surprised if these guys are household names down the line. For now, Under The Radar is a great way to get to know Zac Mac Band. Check it out!

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about the Zac Mac Band at http://www.zacmacband.com/ or www.myspace.com/zacmacband. You can purchase a copy of Under The Radar at www.cdbaby.com/cd/zacmacband.