Rough Edge: Pete Lacey CD Reviews

PETE LACEY

"Karma's Gonna Get You" (Spitfirewolf Records; 2005)

I had the pleasure of reviewing English singer/songwriter Pete Lacey's "Eternal Pursuit" earlier this year. Lacey's next effort, "Karma's Gonna Get You," was three years in the making and shows improvement in all departments over "Eternal Pursuit." Pete Lacey's brand of melodic rock has not changed much, but better songs, better hooks, and better production give "Karma's Gonna Get You" a healthy advantage over its predecessor.

What has changed in the eight or nine months since I reviewed "Eternal Pursuit" is that I have made a conscious effort to revisit some of the melodic rock and hard rock of my formative years. Most of this effort is in direct response to the tidal wave of metalcore and chaotic metal that's been released over the last couple of years. Regardless, I am in a much better frame of mind to appreciate Pete Lacey's latest work. "Karma's Gonna Get You" doesn't sound altogether too dated and thankfully doesn't lean on modern sounds in an attempt to sound ‘fresh.' This particular aspect of Lacey's music should appeal to fans of melodic rock and hard rock.

Lacey's songs are stronger and his vocals have a bit more conviction this time around. "Into The Fire" (not the Dokken song) is the best track in terms of its staying power – its groovy bass line meshes well with the vocals and the lead guitar seamlessly connects all the parts of the song. "If You Can't Find Love" has a super-catchy melody. The guitar solo on "Leaving Tonight" will stick with you for days on end. "Nowhere To Run" brings a little power metal feel to the proceedings for an added touch not usually found on these types of records.

The best thing about "Karma's Gonna Get You" is the fact that the songs ring a little more true in terms of their sincerity and full realization of Lacey's musical ideas. However, the songs run on a bit too long and overstay their welcome, but this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.

Finally, it should be noted that all the proceeds from "Karma's Gonna Get You" are being devoted to an organization that provides services and opportunities for adults with severe learning and physical disabilities.

"Karma's Gonna Get You" was produced, mixed, and engineered by Pete Billington.

Pete Lacey handles all vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, programming, and arrangements. There are a few guest musicians, but the artwork makes it hard for me to discern the specifics.

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/petelacey or e-mail spitfirewolfmusic@hotmail.com.

"Eternal Pursuit" (Spitfirewolf Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Pete Lacey is one of those artists who handles pretty much everything himself. I approach such artists and their music with extreme caution as some singer-songwriters who write the music, play all the instruments, and sing over the material tend to have a ‘sameness' throughout their work in both sound and style that I find to be a bit un-listenable (for lack of a proper word).

Pete Lacey's 2002 release on his own label, Spitfirewolf Records, is entitled "Eternal Pursuit" and contains ten tracks of melodic hard rock. "Eternal Pursuit" is balanced between fast rockers, mid-paced songs, and ballads. I feel that Lacey is a lot more comfortable and distinctive with his mid-paced material but the ballads aren't that bad either.

Lacey manages to do a good job keeping things interesting through the record despite my aversion to the sole person approach mentioned in the first paragraph. I also seem to have lost perspective regarding melodic hard rock as I listen to that particular genre a lot less frequently now than in the past. In a perfect world it would seem that Pete Lacey would be a good fit for worldwide distribution on a label such as Locomotive or Frontiers as those companies tend to have their pulse squarely on the market for melodic hard rock.

While I may not find "Eternal Pursuit" to suit my tastes at the moment I am looking forward to hearing Lacey's newest music on his anticipated 2005 release "Karma's Gonna Get You."

"Eternal Pursuit" was produced, mixed, and engineered by Pete Billington.

Pete Lacey is handles all vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, programming, and arrangements.

For more information visit http://www.myspace.com/petelacey or e-mail spitfirewolfmusic@hotmail.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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