Chasing Magic - Chasing Magic

Chasing Magic hails from the Midwest of the good ol USA, where they deliver their own special blend of Melodic Rock. What the band offers is a set of tunes that showcases soaring anthemic choruses, melodic guitar work, and hooks upon hooks. This is a band that is unapologetic for the style they play and wear their influences on their sleeve. With a sound reminiscent of such bands as Night Ranger, Winger, and Giant Although a new band to the scene, Chasing Magic's front man is not completely an unknown. Since 2007 Jason Pawlak has helped pen and contribute tunes for some of his fellow contemporaries: musical acts such as Goodbye Thrill, Tango Down and Farcry. Now it is time for Jace to show he can command a band and album of his own and not just be a behind the scenes guy. This album was a labor of love for Jace, and was a long time coming. On it you will hear a unique blend of vocal melodies and guitar work that will leave you wanting more by the end of the album. Rob Evans- Powerplay Magazine: 'Jason Pawlak is one of the most underrated singer/songwriters in the world of AOR at this current moment.' Anyone that has been in a band will express how being in a band is sometimes like a family, well Chasing Magic is just that! Jace is joined by Dennis Pawlak (guitars, bass, vocals) and Trevor Pawlak (guitars, vocals), making this power trio. Not just a band playing music, but a family that is CHASING MAGIC!!! So pop in the album, put on your headphones, close your eyes, turn up the volume and Enjoy!! Album reviews: Alun Williams at Chambers Of Rock: Chasing Magic is the brainchild of singer / songwriter / drummer / keyboard player Jason Pawlak, backed in fact by two other members of the guys' family! Jason's dad, Dennis Pawlak on backing vocals, lead, bass and rhythm guitars and brother Trevor Pawlak is present on rhythm guitars also and backing vocals. Jason released his debut, self financed solo album under the name Jace, called 'Stolen Season' back in 2005, he has since gone on to co-write with certain bands in the melodic rock arena, such as Far Cry, Goodbye Thrill and Tango Down and yes, you would be right - if you know - that these are all indeed bands signed to the Kivel record label. Clearly though this has worked as all those bands have put out some very good material. Two of the songs from that original release, have also been redone here in 'Fine Line' and 'The Edge of Goodbye.' Opening track 'World is Wide 'starts with a building guitar effect and vocal cry and then wham! This is a tasteful rocker with a good sound and lots driving this, powerful guitars, driving bass and drums and lots of vocals, especially in the chorus. It rocks in a classic style not unlike say Night Ranger or Shooting Star's harder styles, so yes, you guessed it plenty of melody here. 'Room to Run' starts with a nice harmony guitar part before the main song kicks in and it's almost in say a Boston style song, once again plenty here going on. Well done guys! For next song 'The Corners of My Mind' it seems the production takes a slight swing from what we hear in the first two opening tracks. It's a slower paced track and I still feel that the song is strong and with the right production behind the band, I think these guys could reach out to a much wider audience, as the playing ability across the board is clearly very good indeed. When 'Same' kicked in I thought something was seriously wrong with the recording, as it starts with the sound of a record player stylus dropping onto a vinyl record for a couple of chord progressions, with the volume down low before it kicks in loud and clear, be warned! This rocks again generally in a manner not unlike say some of Night Ranger's recent heavier sound, the chorus is again very strong as this mid-paced rocker hits home. 'Angelina' rocks with a certain urgency, a little punky, but still melodic which it's hard not to be with Jason's lead vocals. At times I'm almost reminded of Thin Lizzy in this track musically, there's a certain something to it that again really grabs the listener. Really love the guitar work on this. A change in pace next with the power ballad 'The Edge of Goodbye' and hopefully these guys aren't offended, but I wonder if British readers that hear this are equally reminded of Judie Tzuke's 'Stay With Me 'Til Dawn?' It's familiar to a degree in sound and structure, although I'm quite certain there's probably very few people here in the States that would have a clue who I am talking about. It's a good song another that with a slightly different production could possibly be a big success with some radio play behind it. 'Bad Reputation' starts with another big rocking intro, with a more laid back melodic verse and this is another one that I think sounds great here. Overall sound works well, production good enough, very strong song with great harmony vocals. Perhaps the guitar solo could've been punched up a little more, but not much. Steady rocker overall, well done. There's a bit of a nod towards Bryan Adams I'd say with 'This Time' - And no it's not the B.A.'s song of the same name! - It's a punchy pop rocker. Enjoyable! I know that 'Fine Line' is one of Jason's favourite songs and the intro is one of those big harmony guitar starts that sounds a little familiar, not unlike perhaps April Wine's 'Just Between You and Me.' It's a strong melodic mid paced, semi-power ballad. 'Have It All' starts with some funky bass and a solid rock drum beat before some seriously riffing guitar kicks in and a strong spirited verse, with a steady tempo and then pre-chorus starts to pick things up before a catchy, multi-vocal chorus kicks in. The song soon shifts up a gear though as it hits a bridge and it all steps up a notch seriously nice guitar riffing, tasty solo, some driving bass and drums before getting back into the main song. This is really the album 'epic' track if you will. Very well done guys! Closing track 'Too Many Roads' starts with a guitar intro that is right up the classic Bon Jovi alley, no question, before the song then switches into say a big old Chicago style power ballad, very tastefully done. I will say that Jason's voice is pretty unique and he really doesn't remind me of another vocalist - That comes to mind. - so I won't and can't pigeon hole the guy - Good job mate! - so give this album a chance folks or at least check him out through the Facebook page or website. I certainly like this album and it's quite likely if you like melodic rock that touches on say Night Ranger, Def Leppard (Not the over produced sound, but songs.) mixed up with a classic rock vibe, you might just enjoy this too!