P.J. Farley - 'Accent The Change'

(Highvolmusic)

Most melodic Rockers will know the name P.J. Farley as he is the bassist with cult genre favourites Trixter. He released his debut solo album ‘Boutique Sound Frames’ a few years back which was widely praised and appreciated, I too was mightily impressed! His second album ‘Accent The Change’ delivers music in a similar vein but he has stepped it up a notch making it even more enjoyable than his previous effort. At only nine tracks Farley makes sure only the hits make it through quality control with no filler added to hamper the impressive impact the album as a whole has.

Although you may know Farley from Trixter do not expect this album to sound like them, it doesn’t, not even remotely. His solo song writing sees him experimenting in a different style and flow, albeit still within the ‘rock’ genre banner. To me ‘Accent The Change’ has a lot in common with Dishwalla, American Hi-Fi, Gin Blossoms and Matchbox 20, so if those bands or the style of music those bands sit in appeals to you, you will certainly appreciate what Farley has crafted here.

For some reason music like this always transports me back to the late Nineties and early noughties, perhaps when music in this vein was at its height even though it continues to be popular to this day given it easy accessibility.

I found the songs relaxing and beautiful and regardless of the tone of each song always soul affirming and uplifting giving the album a bright summertime rock feel. You can hear aspects of Farley’s past in the fact that all the songs are very smooth and melodic. Overall, it’s a very memorable album and while the choruses aren’t of the sing-along variety, they are indelible and extremely catchy!

‘Accent The Change’ should appeal to a broad range of fans, it’s very easy to listen to and let the songs wash over you. For guitar fans for example there are some great guitar licks and hooks which really help them punch there way into your consciousness.

Such is the quality of all the songs it’s hard to highlight songs without feeling you’re been dismissive of something as equally awesome, but ‘You Would Know’ and ‘My Reason’ definitely need to be heard!

P.J. Farley has crafted a fantastic follow up to his debut in ‘Accent The Change’ which really deserves as much attention as it can get.

8/10

Essential Track - 'You Would Know'

Review by Woody