Here’s a band that has dwelled in my periphery for many years. I haven’t heard a note from the band and I know almost nothing about them except that they’re Swedish and I’ve seen the name float by from time to time. Why now then? Well, a promo is a good way to start as any, right? Black Paisley started out in 2014 and released their debut album Late Bloomer in 2017 with Perennials following in 2018. The band – Stefan Blomqvist (vocals, guitar), Jan Emanuelsson (bass), Ulf Hedin (lead guitar), Robban Wirensjö (keyboards), Mikael Kerslow (drums) – the latter replacing Robert Karaszi after the debut, split into two after the last album with Hedin, Wirensjö and Karaszi bailing to form their own band Whale Dog. And this is when I reacted to the name Black Paisley for the first time.
It was one of the new members – guitarist Franco Santunione (original drummer Karaszi returned to the band replacing his replacement) who had recently left Electric Boys, a band I truly love. Now, I know that Santunione wasn’t responsible for any song writing in Electric Boys but it’s always interesting to see what a member of a band you dig will come up with next. Then I kinda forgot about the whole thing which means I never checked out third album Rambler (2020). But now, with their new record it was time for me to give the band a real spin – and maybe that will result in me giving the back catalogue an honest spin too.
The guys burst loose with the leading single “Set Me On Fire”, a stompy and raunchy rocker that holds a big Classic Rock touch. It’s riffy, crunchy and firey with a straight ahead rhythm structure and a plethora of hooks. It’s rough and edgy yet somewhat polished with a stunning main melody and a chorus that is etched to the brain after one listen. Brilliant stuff. “In The Night” is a straight ahead rocker that blends 70’s Classic Rock with 80’s melodic Arena Rock like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It’s a rhythmic tune with raspy guitar and a live-friendly outlook. Again, a meaty rocker with a captivating refrain with a bag full of hooks. Very good.
70’s Kiss seems to be the template for the quite heavy rocker “Not Alone”, a crunch-riffed, fat-beated rocker with an intense groove. It’s an earthy number with big 70’s pop-elements and a good, juicy drive. It’s lively, fresh and direct with striking melodies and another refrain that’s impossible not to surrender to. Great. “Promises” throws a mighty groove our way with both edge and energy. Again, 70’s Kiss comes to mind but also some late 70’s AOR has sneaked in when it comes to the vocal-melodies. The chorus is, without being slick or glossy, very infectious and grabs a hold right from go. Good one.
“Silent Asylum” is a busy rocker with a distinct riff and a steady, bouncy beat. There’s a slight Scorpions vibe in the guitar-lines and the tune leans more towards the first half of the 80’s style-wise. The verse is a bit more held-back yet with a chunky groove but the chorus takes a more upbeat road and brings on a smell of 80’s Melodic Rock with a big hook, catchy as damn. Very good. Latest single “Mojo” is a mid paced affair built on a Classic Rock groove where an insert of latin percussion brings a fresh twist. Acoustic guitars blends with electric ditto, juicy rhythms makes it swing and pop-hooks and magnificent vocal harmonies makes for sharp catchiness in the mighty refrain and a party-friendly outlook. This is awesome.
The album’s title-track blasts away with an enormous groove. The rhythm section is out for a lethal swing with guitars going off rowdy and raunchy with a contagious riff. Earthy 70’s Classic Rock parties with 80’s Melodic Rock melodies in a great symbiosis which makes the song both pop-catchy and smoky rocking at once. It’s a song made for the stage – what a killer. “Don’t Call Me A Liar” holds a heavier structure with hard-hitting drums, edgy bass and mean guitars. It’s quite straight forward and holds 70’s pop-like melodies that – again – Kiss were masters of in that decade. The chorus takes a neck-swing on the listener and refuses to let go. Good stuff indeed.
Enormously groovy, “Hard Times” brings along some really accessible pop-rock with both 70’s Classic Rock, a slight touch of Southern Rock and Soul vibes that lies over some edgy riffing and a stompy, live-pleasing rhythm. The vocal-lines brings on some very strong melodies and some immense back-ups and the chorus is ridiculously catchy. Why this isn’t a single is beyond me. This deserves to be a hit. “World’s Turning” kicks off with a crispy riff that belongs on Kiss’ Rock And Roll Over (1976) and continues on a bumpy beat, groovy basslines that pumps away and chunky guitars. The verse is a bit more held-back with an Aerosmith touch and the chorus brings on some pop-hooks that belongs in the mid 80’s – very catchy. Good stuff.
“Crazy” is pop-tune in a Rock disguise – or vice versa. It holds a soothing, even cosy summer vibe and I can feel the sunshine and taste the frozen daquiris. It’s an upbeat, uplifting and positive sounding tune, a bit slick with smooth melodies but it also holds a driving rhythm and some crunchy guitars which holds the glossiness at bay even in the AOR-laden chorus – a chorus that is a real winner. Brilliant. Closing track “Set Me Free” is a fast, upbeat Classic Rock burner, driving and rough with grovely guitars and pounding rhythms. There’s a fine blend of pub-rock, AC/DC and a southern style, ZZ Top-ish involved which makes for a massive groove. It’s a live-killer for sure that holds some striking melodies and an in-your-face chorus. Good one.
This, ladies and gents, is a formidable album. In short – this is great. All killer, no filler and the 9/10 is really damn close. Not only are the songs great and the musicians completely flawless, I also like the earthy and groundy production. Sure, it’s polished but it never ever comes close to being over-produced. This album rocks – and everything is so damn memorable. It’s easy to spot that the guys love what they’re doing – this album is built on passion, fire and conviction – and that’s contagious if anything. Don’t let the Death Metal-like cover scare you away – or fool you. Will I check out their back catalogue now? You bet!
8/10
Tracklist:
1. Set Me On Fire
2. In The Night
3. Not Alone
4. Promises
5. Silent Asylum
6. Mojo
7. Human Nature
8. Don’t Call Me A Liar
9. Hard Times
10. World’s Turning
11. Crazy
12. Set Me Free
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