<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Progressive rock music has always been a showcase for the most talented players. The Pearts, Squires, and Petruccis are constantly topping the best performers lists. Then there are the multi-headed talent hounds that not only excel at one instrument, but in many. Kerry Livgren, Neal Morse, Trevor Rabin, and Eric Gilette are great examples. There are even fewer that can write, sing, produce, and play every instrument needed for a great progressive rock album. Paul Roraback is one such animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul is best known as the drummer for the bands Grammatrain and One Bad Pig. He also had a stint in the pioneering band, Bloodgood. Paul releases his solo work under the PJ Bostic moniker and his latest release, Faith of Least Resistance<\/em>, stakes his claim to the top of many \u201cbest of\u201d lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Paul originates from Seattle, he sounds like he was born and raised in Toronto. There is nary a hint of Seattle alternative in this release, but it oozes Canadian prog goodness. Paul is heavily influenced by that great Toronto trio, Rush, and he weaves this proudly throughout his music. Let\u2019s jump in and examine Faith of Least Resistance<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Production: Gobsmackingly delicious! I can usually pick out at least one aspect of a record to nit-pick on. Sometimes the bass is too low in the mix, or the guitars drown out the vocals; however, the production on Faith of Least Resistance<\/em> is spot on. Paul lets the songs breathe, lending them dynamics not often heard in today\u2019s compression heavy production trends. Every instrument can be heard in their own space. The vocals are right in the center, up-front where they need to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Songwriting: In 1979 Rush switched gears from writing long, multi-part, prog epics to condensing all those music ideas into shorter, easier to digest tracks. Paul has followed this pattern, giving us short songs crammed with a multitude of musical ideas. Their accessible melodies bely the insane complexity of these compositions. Each track has instrumental breaks and solos, but none wear out their welcome. Paul\u2019s writing philosophy is obviously, \u201cthe song\u2019s the thing\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vocals: The vocal delivery is very much akin to Rush\u2019s Presto<\/em> release. Paul does have a warmer less nasal tone than Geddy Lee. This difference makes PJ Bostic\u2019s sound a bit more accessible than his influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instrumentation: How can one man be so good at every instrument he picks up? His bass playing is lively and all over the neck in the best possible way. His guitarwork is multi-layered and inventive. And his percussion work, oh my! Let\u2019s put this in perspective \u2013 My all-time favorite band is Dream Theater, followed by Kansas, Rush, Journey, and Iron Maiden. One thing all these bands have in common are great drumming. So, when I say a drummer is incredible, I am stacking that drummer against some rather good company. And Paul Roraback is a top five drummer. His playing isn\u2019t only complex in a timing sense, but also very musical. His kit is huge, and he takes full advantage of every piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lyrics: Paul has something to say! The lyric sheet is prefaced with this statement, \u201cThe church is being compromised by false teachers gaining momentum under the banners of Progressive, emergent, and Liberal Christianity.\u201d He goes on to state, \u201cThough every sin and flaw be found in me, May God use this broke vessel to shine the light of truth. May the glory of God be revealed through this work which I believe He has enabled me to create, whatever the future may bring.\u201d The lyrics to the songs are equally as bold. \u201cGod of All Creation\u201d proclaims:<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe in the God above all creation<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe in the God above all nations<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blood at Calvary paid a price for me<\/p>\n\n\n\n I will speak for the truth<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the light of salvation<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every song is a bold tackling of topics like media lies, the evil side of socialism, mindless entertainment, and false prophets and teaching in the church. This isn\u2019t light, airy, feel-good writing. Paul is burdened for the church and isn\u2019t holding back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2021 is shaping up to be a stellar year for Christian hard rock and metal. PJ Bostic\u2019s next release is another candidate for album of the year. I can\u2019t stop listening to it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Paul releases his solo work under the PJ Bostic moniker and his latest release, Faith of Least Resistance, stakes his claim to the top of many \u201cbest of\u201d lists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1020],"tags":[263,1125,959,277,962,958],"class_list":["post-6099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review","tag-bloodgood-d96","tag-gideons-press","tag-grammatrain-d78","tag-one-bad-pig","tag-paul-roraback","tag-pj-bostic"],"yoast_head":"\n