Pan.a.ce.a All or Nothing
by Justing Gaines
Staff Writer
This isn’t a particularly good time to be a melodic rock fan in America. Turn on the radio and the only rock music that gets played is either whiny Coldplay-ish “rock” or full on rap-rock. That’s why it’s so reassuring to hear a band like Pennsylvania’s Pan.a.ce.a that plays a modern and melodic brand of real rock & roll.
Pan.a.ce.a’s sound is similar to that of Alter Bridge and Black Stone Cherry (minus the Southern influence). On their official debut All or Nothing, you hear crunching guitar hooks, soaring, powerful vocals and actual guitar hooks! It’s not a throwback album by any means. All or Nothing is that rarest of creatures – a modern, post-alternative rock album that actually rocks. The rocking “I Never” and “Oubilette” would each make great singles, if only mainstream radio was allowed to play this kind of music. The rest of the album is of a similar quality. Whether it’s upbeat rockers like “The Blind Lead the Blind” and “Riverbed” or mellower songs like “Additive”, the whole album is well-written, well-executed melodic rock.
This version of All or Nothing is actually a reissue, the original having been released by the band in 2006. The album has been remixed, remastered and given a pair of acoustic bonus tracks.
If you’ve given up on modern rock (which is understandable these days), do yourself a favor and check out Pan.a.ce.a. All or Nothing is proof positive that a band can have a thoroughly modern, thoroughly melodic, and thoroughly rocking sound.
Lineup:
Tim Farley: Vocals
Paul Young: Guitar/Bass
Kevin Harry: Drums/Percussion/Samples
Label: Susquehanna Entertainment
Track Listing:
1. The Blind Lead the Blind
2. The Fool
3. Move On
4. I Never
5. Additive
6. Oubliette
7. Riverbed
8. Creatures of Habit
9. Divine
10. Nuclear Horizon
11. Weigh Down
12. Day of Remembrance
Online: Official site
Hardrock Haven Rating: 7.5/10