After having released two albums in the mid 00’s, Marko Pavic and his self-named band from Italy are heading for the biggest turn on their career so far. Indeed, before this band was considered as a second knife, who delivered some regular melodic Hard Rock, surfing on ‘the guest appearances of famous musicians’ trick to try to make a name of their own, their “Taste Some Liberty” in late 2005 or “Unconditioned” (2008)
which was the second publishing, were quite well received but failed to make them an established reputation. After some turmoils in the line-up and the departure of vocalist Chris Catena in 2010, PAVIC was on winter sleep, but in early 2013, the band was active again, with a new drummer and a new lead singer but mostly, a new dynamic, an improved sound which is moving into a more straight and contemporary direction.
The new frontman, the heavily tattooed Joe Calabro is the perfect candidate for helping the band to uplift themselves with some vocals inflexions that can recall James Michael James (SIXX AM) or Chris Cornell (SOUNDGARDEN / AUDIOSLAVE). The fresh, updated sound, is clearly influenced by the American Post-Grunge wave enhanced with some sharp riffing perfectly placed in a sound canvas courtesy of Rick Beato (SHINEDOWN / FOZZY / FURYON) who engineered and mixed the whole recording at Black Dog Sound Studios, USA .
The DURAN DURAN cover song “Notorious” is unexpected and finally quite an interesting choice, the guitar work is highly skilled, and the solo spot by Marko Pavik is short but impressive something in coherency all along the disc. The opening title track is awesome with a good mix of raspy vocals / melodic chorus upon a staccato riffage, the ballad “Song For The Rain” is a little too predictable and flat but with “Your Own Misery” or “Strong Enough” the good mix between energetic down tuned guitars and more progressive elements is valid again.
I don’t believe that PAVIC will break up the charts with “Is War The Answer?” but it’s a recommended album for the fans of the mentioned bands and for the curious minds who ask themselves how the Modern American Rock is digested in Europe, the answer my friends you’ll find it on January 24th 2014.
1. Is War The Answer?
2. In Your Eyes
3. Song For The Rain
4. Your Own Misery
5. Notorious
6. Every Time I Die
7. Strong Enough
8. Welcome To My World
9. Free Fall
10. Once Again
Joe Calabro – Lead Vocals
Marko Pavic – Lead Guitar
Aleks Ferrara – Bass
Lorenzo Antonelli – Keyboards
Antonio Aronne – Drums
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