Review PALACE “Reckless Heart”

The sound of the 80s is back with a bang these days, especially since the arrival of Nestor. Another band/project inspired by the music of a few decades ago is Palace, the brainchild of Michael Palace. The Swede formed the outfit in 2016, and in the same year released a remarkable debut called “Master of the Universe”.

“Reckless Heart” is the Swede’s latest effort and continues a journey through the worlds of AOR. Inspired by bands like FM, but also by American bands like Night Ranger, Palace have developed a sound that relies on big melodies. It’s not the level of innovation that counts. It is rather the catchiness that gives each of the songs an addictive momentum.

Approaching the songs in this way also requires a certain sense of power, and although some of the tunes are sugar-sweet, none of them drowns in triviality. It’s the embedded energy that helps each of the songs to cross the bar, like the title track that opens the album. “Reckless Heart” is a dynamic rock song that is an upbeat starting point for the album.

The touching moment on this album is called “You Give Me a Reason to Live”. It is a heart-warming song that could end up as a standard ballad, but not in this case. Although emotional, the song has a chorus that is lively and vibrant while the piano is the driving force.

“Back to ’85”, the title speaks volumes and the song sounds just as the title predicts. “Turn This Car Around” is a powerful rocker that is one of the highlights of the album, before “Weightless” brings the ease we expect from this kind of music. “Move Me” and “Stronger By The Day” also contribute to a good impression of the album and after the last note has faded away it is a good vibe that stays with you.

Palace’s fifth album has all the trademarks of their previous releases. AOR and the sound of the 80s echo in every track and provide the listener with good time music. No more and certainly no less.