REVIEW: RainPace - Easy Labor

California-based band RainPace steps outside the proverbial box with their album Easy Labor. At first listen, one might think they are listening to the sound track of a Broadway play, however these guys hit it hard with lyrics that make you second guess what you just heard with a subtle flare of comedy that is sure to leave you quite entertained.

Easy Labor is full of emotion, fabulous instrumentation and, above all, lyrics that are completely unexpected. Rain Pace has a jazzy feel that’s sure to leave you relaxed. At times some of the songs break into unparalleled harmonies similar to the bridges in the classic rock songs of Queen and Kansas.

Don’t be fooled though, this is an album you have to hear to really get it. As a great album for hanging out by the pool or warming up next to the fire, Easy Labor is sure to surprise and hold your attention without overwhelming.

Probably the most prominent feature this album has to offer is the awesome harmonies. Very rarely do you hear vocal styles that even come close to as moving and pleasing to the ear as Rain Pace has to offer. There is no question that these guys have their own niche market and surely have taken an off the wall and completely original take on their music.

4 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Rain Pace at www.rainpace.com

REVIEW: Mirek Kwiek - Forever With You

Mirek Kwiek started the band Sekta Fzhut in Tarnow, Poland in the 1970s. Since then, he’s moved to Illinois and has been discovering new sounds in the world of rock and roll. Mirek’s lateset album, Forever with You, is a collection of original classic rock-style songs with the Polish singer’s twist on the legends from whom he is influenced.

The opening track, Rock and Roll Show, is a hard-hitting rock song where Mirek captures all of the emotion of a concert gearing up and the massive party that will ensue. One thing is evident in this track and that’s how well Mirek knows his way around the fret board of an electric guitar.

The next track, Journey of My Life, is rock ballad about passing time and waiting for love. It is touching with energy and, supporting the emotion, a dissonance in the music that will capture your attention. Like most of Mirek’s songs on this album, you’ll find an epic guitar solo about halfway through.

Missing You is an electric guitar-driven instrumental where Mirek is really able to showcase his lead guitar skills.

The title track, Forever With You, has a similar feel to Journey of My Life in that it is another rock ballad about love. Mirek doesn’t try to avoid rock cliches, but that’s ok because he pulls them off with his own original style.

The album finishes off with as much energy as when it began with New Sensation. This track has vibes of 80s metal. Mirek definitely shows his ability once again as a composer and guitar player.

Overall, Forever With You is a pretty entertaining album. One can surely tell by listening that Mirek has been influenced by great groups like Deep Purple, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin and probably even a little Kansas. While Mirek may not be the next American Idol, he seems to have the attitude and chops to brush it all off and just get down to rock and roll!

3.5 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Mirek Kwiek at www.stereofame.com/mkwiek