PHILIP SAYCE - review added 25th November 2010
Album Review: Innerevolution (2010)
For fans of: Funky Alt Rock... and a huge dose of skill
Welsh-born Canadian singer/songwriter/guitarist Philip Sayce was already a regular on the Toronto club scene by his late teens. He was invited to join Jeff Healey’s band before his twentieth birthday and stayed with the master for three-and-a-half years before moving to pastures new in 2001. Then it was onto Uncle Kracker and a US No.1 hit with 'Drift Away', plus time alongside the award winning Melissa Etheridge. Not a bad start eh?
"Innerevolution" is the man's second solo album (following 2005's "Peace Machine") and it sees Philip - alongside keyboardist Fred Mandel (Queen, Supertramp, Elton John, Alice Cooper), bassist Joel Gottschalk and drummer Ryan MacMillan (Matchbox 20) - writing with the likes of Richard Marx, Mike Bradford, Dave Cobb, Marti Frederiksen and more.
The sound is a mash up of Glenn Hughes, Jeff Scott Soto, and Lenny Kravitz in their funkiest moments, all mixed with a dose of ultra-classy blues rock, pop and accessibility. This is a record with some seriously anthemic moments. In fact on this evidence it's a wonder this guy isn't utterly massive already.
Good:
Philip's vocals are superb. Scary thing is he's a guitarist first and foremost. I believe it's what we call hogging all the talent. The funk throughout the album is something to behold, but it doesn't come at the expense of excellent songwriting and ear-candy sing along melodies.
Not So Good:
Um? Not a lot. Not all songs are first class, but there's certainly nothing bad on the album.
The Songs:
'Changes' is a solid rocker that eases the listener into the album. Cool Hammond sounds in the background. 'Scars' is funk to the core, and rather excellent. 'Bitter Monday' sounds a bit Eagles like at the start, but soon settles into a ridiculously catchy pop-rocker. 'Anymore' then raises the game several notches. Anyone want a lesson in chorus construction? Look no further. 'Take You Away' is speedy and entertaining, but slightly lost after the brilliance of the previous track.
'Daydream Tonight' is a lovely ballad with a wonderfully chilled ambience and inspired guitar playing. Back to funk with the catchy 'My Pearl', a suspiciously late 1970s style song that really mixes the present with the past. The blues funk of 'Tennessee Girl' is very good if unexceptional. The rocking 'Are You Ready' is a slow builder with a big chorus. 'Gimme Some More' is big rhythms and speedy guitars all the way - very Hendrix-like. 'Little Miss America' closes the album with eight minutes of more Hendrix-isms. Doesn't really do it for me, but the talent on display is obvious.
In Summation:
If there's one thing this record teaches us, it's that Philip Sayce is a star and deserves a lot more recognition. Like funk or blues guitar albums? Buy this.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
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Overall:
Check out... 'Anymore'.
Track List:
01. Changes
02. Scars
03. Bitter Monday
04. Anymore
05. Take You Away
06. Daydream Tonight
07. My Pearl
08. Tennessee Girl
09. Are You Ready
10. Gimme Some More
11. Little Miss America
Label: Provogue Records
Artist's website(s): Philip Sayce | MySpace | Facebook
