Kyle Pacey manages to pack musing on mankind’s decline, the death and end of the world we all love, and the optimism we should all consider sharing into catchy, pop-infused rock tunes that are layered in jazz notes, R&B bounce, and funk aesthetics from start to finish.

It’s all been captured clearly, horns and all, on Road Songs, Pacey’s latest 2023 EP release, where anyone ready can take a trip through the “sad days, mad days, and bad days” in our world that used to contain so much more hope that we currently have now. But the sounds of catchy, warm horns and driving, bluesy riffs can take you far away from wherever you are, with -infectious melodies and Kyle’s soulfulvoice planted firmly at the center, making it easier to see what’s possible, and how much better we can make this world.

Check out “Sad Days” on YouTube:

 The veteran singer/songwriter and virtuoso guitarist mixes together funky grooves, bluesy backbeats, and jazzy guitar licks with a classic pop sound for a unique R & B stew. The mainstay of the Hamilton music scene has strung together five great original songs that will keep the fingers snapping and the dance floor hopping.

Front and centre is Pacey’s authoritative, smoky voice, a bluesy howl that only comes from years of experience on the road and in the studio. On this set he leads a crack band of seasoned players, including bassist Howard Ayee (Moe Koffman, Eddie Schwartz, Rough Trade), drummer Michael Sloski (Ben E. King, Long John Baldry, Bruce Cockburn) and Rob Gusevs (The Arrows) on keyboards.

The title track opens things off, a “little story about what love can do”, as Pacey sings. This song sets the tempo for the rest of the collection, with blasts of trombone from Jay Burr giving the track a bit of a New Orleans feel. “Road Song” winds down with Burr bringing the song home for the final 40 seconds as the band plays on behind him.