Shadows Exposed

REVIEW: Polychuck – Part II: Shadows Remain (2021)

POLYCHUCK – Part II: Shadows Remain (2021 EP)

Polychuck’s back.  The diverse Montreal musician / singer / songwriter / shredder has returned to cap off 2021 with a followup EP to this year’s Shadows Exposed, and it’s a step into a larger world.  Everything seems bigger and bolder.  According to the man himself, these two new songs are a closing of the Shadows chapter, as he moves on to prepare his full length album debut — a concept album.

Of this new release, Polychuck explains:  “Those were the two songs that originally didn’t make the cut because of their darker, more aggressive sound. These are the heavier tracks that were written and recorded at the same time as the other ones on the EP.”

The progressive “Scarred” has elements that harken back to classic Alice Cooper.  Haunting keyboard touches, cinematic dialogue in the backdrop.  The song soon evolves into a chugging metallic stomp, with double bass setting an aggressive tone.  The icing on the cake is the second solo, a guest guitar spot by 17 year old Justus Hajas.  Wait until you hear this one!

The second track, “Lay a Claim”, stirs more ingredients together, including 80s pop and record scratching.  This classic-to-be brings us out of the Shadows with positive lyrics and outstanding melodies.  “I’m here to fuckin’ stay,” sings Polychuck with intent.

With talent like this, he’s sticking around!

Indeed, Polychuck has a vision, and it’s going to be cool to watch him unfold it.  As his sound grows we can assume his forthcoming album will be even bigger in scope.

4.5/5 stars

REVIEW: Polychuck – Shadows Exposed (2021 EP)

POLYCHUCK – Shadows Exposed (2021 EP)

Who’s Polychuck?  He’s just getting started.

From Montreal, with a do-it-yourself attitude and all the know-how, Polychuck is ready to be heard.  His new EP Shadows Exposed has something for everyone, and that’s not just a cliche this time.  Five deeply personal songs, from the wellspring of modern popular music, heavy metal, progressive rock, and all the classics.  Polychuck is a musically intelligent individual who pulls no punches on guitar, lyrically, or in the ring.  He’s also an MMA fighter!

Lead track “Beating Myself Down” has the vintage piano bop vibe, complete with scratchy vinyl playback.  Before you mistake it for a Billy Joel record, Polychuck brings in the modern influences and blunt lyrics.  Synth horns give you an idea of where Polychuck is coming from.  Performed on keyboards this time, he wants to use a real horn section on his next album.  Creative use of vocoder, and a smoking guitar solo with some insane sounds are the icing on a very sweet cake.

“Exposure” has a modern urban feel, before the heavy metal drum beats kick in.  This is augmented by some pretty awesome record scratching.  The Styx-like keyboard solo reveals Polychuck’s progressive side, which he also wishes to explore further next time out.

Another strong tune, “In the Dark”, binds the heavy beats, some creative keyboard construction, and a solid guitar riff.  This riff transforms into a wailing solo.  Fans of Linkin Park will find something to love here.

Light beach-ready guitar plucks away on “Driving Me Mad”, a song for the summer that sounds like a holdover hit from ages past.  What sets it apart is, again, the guitar.  At one point Polychuck hits upon a melody something like “Rough Boy” by ZZ Top, and it’s the perfect fixture for the song.

The last song “Lights Out” tackles a number of subjects:  the inner critic, nostalgia, old friendships,  and more.  Light 80s keyboard is paired with heavy drums and guitar, ending the EP on a positive note.

When Deke and I talked to Polychuck, he told us he was very much looking forward to making everything bigger next time out, with more real instruments and much more prog.  We look forward to what he has in store, but check out the EP for a taste.  It’s available on iTunes and all the usual streaming platforms.  Shadows Exposed makes a splash but it’s just the inception.  More to come from this gifted artist.

4/5 stars

#927: Red Sun, Red Meat, Ready to Rock

RECORD STORE TALES #927: Red Sun, Red Meat, Ready to Rock

When the city traffic finally abated and we were on our way, only then did we begin to enjoy the music.

We had an historic soundtrack for both the trips to and from the lake.  On Thursday night for the drive up we enjoyed:

2021’s musical selections are strong.  Lee Aaron proved she has the album necessary for a good-time summer, and Polychuck played well in the car.  ZZ Top was obviously spun in tribute to the late great Dusty Hill.  When Afterburner concluded, we played “I Got the Six”, and “Sharp Dressed Man”.

On the Sunday drive home, Jen slept while I got nostalgic for the year 1989 with:

  • Aerosmith – Pump
  • Motley Crue – Dr. Feelgood

My feelings this time out were that Dr. Feelgood is tremendously overrated while Pump is not.  Pump is solid and probably the last time Aerosmith nailed it front to back.

On the front deck this weekend, I spun a lot of music.  Most notably Guns N’ Roses’ new song “Absurd” about six times in a row.  I also listened to a new album by group out of Halifax called War & Sin that you will be hearing about.  The album is called The War Within and it hits all the bases, like good heavy metal with diverse influences.  The singer reminds me of Blaze Bayley, but in a good way.  You can check out the album on iTunes.

I had a couple good fires this weekend, and the soundtrack of Kiss went well in that setting.  A cottage weekend without Kiss just isn’t right for my soul.  This weekend I chose Dressed to Kill and Destroyer.  I brought the laptop over to the fireplace and let Kiss do the rest.

It was a solid three day weekend anchored by music, fire, food and swimming.  On Saturday I believe I went for five swims total.  The last was a sunset swim and we got some pretty cool video footage that you can now enjoy with me.

Polychuck Rocks the LeBrain Train on a Saturday Afternoon!

Lots of laughs and musical wisdom from the inspiring Polychuck on today’s episode of the LeBrain Train!  Influenced by everybody from Yngwie J. Malmsteen to Post Malone, Polychuck strikes from Montreal with his new EP Shadows Exposed.  Deke and I had a blast talking to the man about topics such as:

  • Kiss
  • Mixed martial arts
  • Guitar influences
  • Progressive rock
  • Metallica
  • Touring
  • Merch
  • Working on an album

Check out his music on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes.  This fascinating artist is going places.

 

 

Sunday Screening: Polychuck – “Beating Myself Down”

From his just released new EP Shadows Exposed, it’s Polychuck‘s fresh video for “Beating Myself Down“! He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist, and this very different but boppin’ track is right up my alley. The guitar solo at the end will knock you on your ass.  This is a catchy, upbeat but lyrically serious tune with relatable words.  Check out “Beating Myself Down” and don’t miss Polychuck when we have him on the LeBrain Train on July 31!