Mike Penner and the Payday Combo - "Payday"

Album review by Cindy Gonzalez

1, 2, 3, 4… Infused with an almost early vintage rock sound, Mike Penner & The Payday Combo add a certain nostalgic rock style to their album “Payday”. From their catchy hooks to ear-luring guitar riffs, Mike Penner & The Payday Combo add upbeat rock melodies to their songs with enough appeal to keep you hooked throughout the album.

The first track, “Blown Away”, is an upbeat rock melody that has enough pull to draw you in and make you wonder what the next song will bring. Songs like “Forgetting You”, “Hang Around”, “Forever”, and “In The City”, have a distinct sound, similar to something you’d find on a Fastball album. Adding the sounds of a slide guitar, “Down The River” has a bluesy, almost country, sound to it -- again, almost something you’d hear performed on Austin City Limits. The ninth track, “So Sad”, maintains a slower pace than some of the songs found on the album. This song has a pretty catchy tune, and if you listen to it several times, you're likely to find yourself singing along. The last track, “Bleeding”, completes the album with yet another catchy upbeat rock melody.

From vocals to playing style, “Payday” has enough magnetism to keep you listening to the whole album. This album has enough variety to keep you satisfied, without falling into an annoying repetitive song cycle where all the melodies sound alike. It’s all about preference but I’m sure “Payday” would hit well with most early or vintage rock audiences.

Members of the Combo are Mike Penner on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Scott Christensen on lead guitar and backing vocals, Pat Fent on bass and backing vocals, and Matt Swigert on drums. If you would like more information on Mike Penner & The Payday Combo, you can visit their website at www.mikepenner.com.

--Cindy Gonzalez
cindy@thezone.org