Palace – Reckless Heart
(Frontiers S.R.L – 2024)
(Style: A.O.R)
Where to start with this excellent album? The artwork or the music within?
The glorious sounds that transport me back nearly 40 years is the only place. ‘Palace’ are ultimately about one man, that man is Lithuanian born Swedish maestro, Michael Palace.
‘Reckless Heart’ is A.O.R heaven, Mr Palace is so talented he writes the music, he writes the songs, he has produced and mastered this retro fused slice of 80’s rock. Oh, I nearly forgot he plays all the instruments and sings as well!
Back to the artwork, a stunning blonde femme fatale stands with a huge – gun in her hand and she clearly has her sight set on you.
Opener and title track ‘Restless Heart’ is a perfect introduction to an album that will have fans of A.O.R slobbering and drooling. The album continues taking you on a journey with songs that will make you want to embrace love and life. It will make you puff up and coiffeur your hair (something I can only do in my dreams) then return to the mid- 80’s. The musical vibe is one of happiness and constant euphoria!
‘Palace’ has taken all the ingredients from this period and put them into a blender then managed to create something that may be borrowed from another era and made a classic of the genre.
Track 5, ‘You Give Me A Reason’ strays very close to a ‘Kiss’ song with a similar title, but who cares. Maybe the only thing lacking is a ballad, it is all so summery and up-tempo. My review addition comes with a bonus track which is an acoustic version of ‘You Give Me A Reason’ perhaps this should be the version that is featured on the regular CD.
Radio Rock for those long holiday drives in your convertible. Superb.
By Paul Mace