MARCIN PAJAK: In The Space (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Marcin Pajak, a Polish multi-instrumentalist who has lived in the UK for the past twenty years, began his career in a number of metal-oriented bands and projects, before embarking on a solo career in 2014. Since the release of his third album, "Last Day", in 2020, he has been moving more and more towards a protean progressive rock, tinged with references to the 70s, psychedelia and jazzy influences. Released in March 2024, "In the Space" is the band's sixth album, featuring a new concept evoking the adventures of a man traveling through space in search of a new world.

After an intimate first track with soaring arrangements, 'Building the Rocket' lays the first foundations of the Polish artist's music. A meticulous rhythm carries a repetitive theme declaimed by a somewhat monotone vocal, before the saxophone adds a first jazzy touch to the neo-progressive on which the track is based. In fact, the saxophone is the main marker on many tracks, adding a coloring that perfectly matches the album's subject matter.

These ingredients are found throughout the various tracks, within which numerous instrumental parts set up climates that range from jazz-prog to space-planing, all sticking quite faithfully to the subject of each track in the concept. 'Gravity' marks the album's real take-off, both literally and figuratively, with a rousing second instrumental section, featuring sweeping tones and a magnificent guitar solo.

The trend is confirmed thereafter, notably on the epic 'Space Travel', which takes the time to unfold its universe over a little more than 10 minutes, while a new stroll in the void of space is the pretext for a beautiful mid-tempo performance that quietly builds in power, during which the piano is the main contributor ('Emptiness'), before 'Kuiper Belt' adds a few rough edges to a calm and serene atmosphere.

While the vocals are clearly not Marcin Pajak's strong point, the quality of the instrumental parts and their variations easily compensate for this slight departure from a first-rate musical style, which is far from innovative, but grows in stature with each passing listen.

Completely off the radar of the Polish progressive scene, Marcin Pajak certainly deserves serious consideration. In any case, the 64 minutes of "In the Space" brilliantly mark his arrival among the artists to keep a close eye on. - Official website

MARCIN PAJAK

IN THE SPACE

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK