Eric Steckel: Polyphonic Prayer Review
It’s hard to believe Eric Steckel is still in his 20s because he’s been ripping up the blues rock scene for over 15 years releasing several quality albums and now Steckel is releasing Polyphonic Prayer, which follows 2015’s Black Gold. One thing is for sure, Steckel returns to the blues in a big way.
Polyphonic Prayer opens with “Waitin’ For The Bus,” a groovy rocker, which has features a Hammond Organ outro. Steckel has built his name as a guitar player, but he is quite a talented keyboard player and that is evident all over Polyphonic Prayer. In fact, Steckel plays all the instruments on the album except drums. The pace slows down on “We’re Still Friends,” which again shows Steckel’s keyboard skills on the piano and Hammond Organ before a guitar solo picks up at the four minute mark. It’s one of the many epic guitar solos sprinkled throughout an album filled with scorchers. “Picture Frame” is another great example with a guitar solo that absolutely soars.
Polyphonic Prayer is Steckel’s bluesiest effort in a while and that shows on tracks like “She’s 19 Years Old,” “It’s My Own Fault,” and “Make It Rain.” With that said, there are still a few tracks where Steckel goes a little blues-metal, which is one his signatures. “Waitin’ For The Bus” and “Tennessee” are examples. “Unforgettable” is one of the album’s standout tracks with a very appropriate title thanks to its catchy chorus.
Guitar lovers will love Polyphonic Prayer. This album is filled with killer playing complimented by Steckel’s talented keyboard skills. Not many guitar players Steckel’s age can say they have their own signature sound, but he definitely does. When you hear Polyphonic Prayer, you know it’s Eric Steckel and that’s quite a good thing. Eric Steckel kicks off 2018 with a bang.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Unforgettable
– Picture Frame
– We’re Still Friends
– Make It Rain
The Big Hit
– Unforgettable
Review by Pete Francis
