Post by jptheprofessor on May 6, 2007 22:19:40 GMT -5
KEYSTONE – RUNWAY QUEEN (Park Records) A studio project, Keystone is the brainchild of Hazleton musicians Patrick Kreisl and William Letcher; whose resumés date back to the 1980’s. For Keystone’s latest album, Runway Queen, the pair was assisted by a prominent third collaborator, Robert Perry, who sang alongside Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer in the short-lived late 80’s project 3. The album’s ten tracks reveal Keystone’s style and sound as melody-geared, classic-styled pop/pomp rock in the traditions of Journey and Boston. The Boston similarity is not accidental; Patrick developed his production and engineering skills with help from Gary Pihl, who has played guitar and engineered on several Boston albums. The layering of guitars and vocal harmonies throughout the album are reminiscent of classic Boston; and Patrick’s voice even bears a slight resemblance to Brad Delp’s. Boston comparisons aside, though, the other strength of Runway Queen is catchy song hooks, which are plentiful throughout the album. Keystone sounds strong on hard rockers like the title song “Runway Queen,” “Hookin’ Up” and “Rollin on a Bad Beat;” but also sounds equally competent on the power ballad “My Love,” with a sound slightly suggestive of Winger’s “Headed for a Heartbreak.” Keystone even manages to breathe new life into a Tony Orlando and Dawn bubblegum classic, giving “Candida” an arena rock makeover and sheen. Recorded, produced and mixed by Kreisl and Berry, Runway Queen sounds clean, layered, full and polished. Ultimately, the abundance of catchy song hooks, plus precision musicianship and skilled production craftsmanship bringing them to life, makes Runway Queen a fun listen, especially for fans of the classic late 70’s and early 80’s arena rock tradition. (The CD can be obtained through Keystone's Myspace website, www.myspace.com/keystonehazleton.)