Pulse - 'Chasing Shadows'

(Independent)

Black Country based AOR rockers Pulse released their second album Worlds Apart way back in 2004, following up their well-received self-titled debut album from 2001. So, it was a bit of a surprise that sixteen years later they return with their third opus Chasing Shadows!

The core of the band remains intact, Simon Abbots on lead vocals and Vince O’Regan on guitars – this time they are joined by a trio of hardworking local musicians who you will recognise from various other bands, Andy Pierce on Drums, Irvin Parrat on Keyboards and Paul Betts on Bass.

I was a huge fan of the band way back when and thoroughly enjoyed their brand of very British AOR. After Worlds Apart Abbots and O’Regan seemed to drift apart and started working on other musical endeavours or projects, which was a huge shame as I adored Abbots vocal style and O’Regan’s adept AOR song writing ear.

Chasing Shadows is instantly recognisable as Pulse, almost as if the past sixteen years have never happened! I was glad that the interim years hadn’t inspired them to evolve their core sound and it’s obvious the band wanted to recapture the original vibe and sound of those initial two albums. They have done exactly that and as a huge fan of their sound I’m bouncing with joy that they have retained that core sound.

I’d go as far to say that this album is their best yet, the debut had some excellent radio friendly hits that this may not have but overall, this album is more cohesive and enjoyable. Worlds Apart struggled with its production and some songs lacked the oomph that a clearer slicker mix would have given them, while I can enjoy those songs regardless, the fact that this album has a far slicker and stronger production helps it eclipse its predecessor.

Pulse’s atmospheric and evocative songs have always stirred me and they always have a strong emotive impact that has always drawn me to them, Chasing Shadows carries on that tradition.

Everything about Chasing Shadows seems bigger and better, stronger musicianship, superior song writing which has allowed them to craft a solid melodic rock album. I’m not sure how long they have been working on this album but it does not feel thrown together or rushed, there’s a lot of pride and passion exposed throughout the album.

All the musicians have brought their A game for this O’Regan is in fine form returning to the sound and vibe he created all those years ago. Abbots vocals are as strong and emotive as ever, it’s a real pleasure to hear him again doing this style of music especially with Pulse. Irvin Parrat’s keyboards are also spot on and he delivers some memorable moments check out ‘Woman’ and ‘Hold Back the Rain’ for prime examples of his excellent work.

Chasing Shadows is full of joyous choruses that are perfect to accompany summer sunsets! Powerful, uplifting and wonderous. When it comes to traditional AOR and Britain, there are very few who get it right but Pulse do!

9/10

Essential Track - 'Runaway'

Review By Woody