Black Paisley – Perennials

Black Paisley – Perennials
Self-Released
Release Date: 27/09/2018
Running Time: 51:12
Review By Chris Galea
8/10
Black Paisley are a Swedish band named after the Fender signature model guitar of Ritchie Sambora in Bon Jovi. And in fact you often hear connections with Bon Jovi throughout this album. Since I’m name-dropping…the lead vocals in “Perennials” sometimes reminded me of James Christian (House Of Lords) and comparisons with Thunder also seem inevitable.
But despite being very song-oriented and mainstream-friendly, “Perennials” is somewhat elusive when one comes to categorise its music and for me this is one of its main attractions. From catchy sing-along choruses to subtle but effective uses of keyboards and onto brilliant uses of choir vocals and Rock songs with punch…there’s more to this album than meets the eye. Then there are a couple of excellent piano-ballads, one of which is ‘Stronger’ – incidentally this is also the album’s strongest track (‘scuse my pun). Melancholy, vitality, Hard Rock, Blues Rock, AOR…there really is much to enjoy in this album.
On the other hand, since “Perennials” is very traditional in nature, it’s unlikely to have you gawping in amazement. But then again you never know. Personally, after an overdose of Metal, it feels right to keep testosterone levels in check with something like this.
TRACKLISTING:
01. I Want Your Soul
02. Day By Day
03. Sometimes
04. Mother
05. Miss Me
06. Without You
07. Step Back
08. Trying
09. Out Of My Life
10. Alone
11. Think
12. Stronger
LINE-UP:
Stefan Blomqvist – lead vocal and guitar
Ulf Hedin – guitars
Jan Emanuelsson – bass
Robert Wirensjö – keyboards
Mikael Kerslow – drums and percussion
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Chris Galea and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.