PALACE – Rock and Roll Radio
- Posted on 05-01-2021
The Swedish entity Palace is back with a new record and as with the previous one we are talking uplifting and spirited melodic (hard) rock with a radio-friendly vibe and a rather slick feel to it.
Mastermind Michael Palace has a knack for writing polished AOR-influenced tunes that immediately stick to one’s memory and in many ways, this appropriately named disc recalls such acts as Europe, Harem Scarem, and Journey. Frankly, there is nothing new to be discovered here but it is without doubt a focused effort, and even though its steeped in 80s nostalgia to a certain extent, it still comes across as quite fresh and current-sounding to these ears somehow. Michael more or less handles everything himself here, which is pretty damn impressive in and of itself, and it never fails to put a smile on my face whenever I spin the disc. Just have a listen to the fast-paced rocker "Hot Steel" and how fabulous and full of excitement that one sounds or perhaps the sassy "When It’s Over" – how could anyone possibly resist not getting a kick out of those?!
"Rock and Roll Radio" is neither outstanding nor remarkable but it is a solid and highly enjoyable slab of stadium-sized melodic rock with some good riffs and even better melodies to it. Invigorating stuff for sure!