The Paul Waltz Band - Realize
Rock
Pennsylvania, United States
Overall Impression: The Paul Waltz band has conjured up a fascinating and eclectic mix of concepts and styles with Realize, this is a confident and mature piece of songwriting that greatly benefits from multiple listens in order to discover its many subtle and fascinating nuances. This is a ballad in heart and soul and boasts a high level of sonic excellence and grandiose expression.
Strongest Point(s): To begin with, this is an excellent recording, the mix provides an exceedingly high level of clarity topped by just the right amount of polish, allowing all instruments to really shine through and have their individual characteristics both be articulately expressed and remain intact. The whole stereo field is put to great use, having parts fill the spectrum impeccably, providing a layered wall of sound that immerses the listener and keeps them engaged throughout the duration of the song. The instrumentation is rich and varied and provides great contrast between the performances. The addition of synth and electronically based melodic ideas add an almost spacy vibe in places, such as at 1:03 and 1:53, again, this all adds up to create a refreshingly unique soundscape. The lyrics fit perfectly, providing a thought-provoking and emotive angle to the song that is articulately expressed by the lead vocal performance, showing great range and conviction. The end guitar solo also provides a great climatic end, a fitting close for a ballad of this nature.
Target Audience Appeal: This track certainly feels that it fits within the alternative and prog-rock genres and this would definitely be the audience to target. A few of the artists included in the artist targets section are punk based such as Green Day and Paramore, indie based such as The Killers, and Nu Metal-based such as Linkin Park, this track doesn't really fit into any of these styles, and to really narrow down the focus, Alt and Prog rock better suit.
Artist target suggestions: Genesis, Pink Floyd, Camel, Gentle Giant, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Marillion, Steve Hackett, The Moody Blues, Supertramp, Asia, King Crimson, Rush, Pendragon, Arena, Steven Wilson
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About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related and strived to become a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.