Artist: Milan Polak Album: Straight Label: Lion Music Website: http://www.milanpolak.com Reviewer: Chris Piccirillo www.progscape.com

Track List: Difference (04:09) Psychobitch (03:14) Crosses (04:02) Hero (04:54) Favorite Vice (04:38) Some Kind Of Jesus (03:51) All I Want (04:25) Superstar Mania (04:17) Straight (02:50) Happy Now? (03:12) I Don't Care (04:39) Free After All (03:41) The Glowing Of A Cigarette (05:07) The Austrian born guitarist Milan Polak has been involved in many aspects of the music spectrum, from shred guitar releases to producing 90’s dance acts to working with Falco (yes, the Rock Me Amadeus guy). His take on music comes from his upbringing and constant movement during his youth. He’s lived in Korea, Kenya, Saudi-Arabia, Germany, Singapore, Italy and the US really giving him a look into many cultures and styles of music. On this CD, Milan eschewes the world music touches for straight ahead rock and roll. Think Van Halen, Bad Company, Extreme, Ozzy and AC/DC with a modern touch and a guitar master at the helm. His bluesy voice is a wonderful asset to turn guitar rock into a radio-worthy release. The tremendous backing musicians behind him undoubtedly add tons of attitude and skill to these tracks. They play together as if the band has been in existence for years. The songs basically fall into a few catagories from straight (no pun intended) ahead hard rock to acoustic ballads and blues rock. Standouts include the groovy and bluesy “Superstar Mania” and “The Glowing of A Cigarette”, the anthemic “Difference”, and the Kings X influenced “Free After All”. This is a great debut vocal CD for Milan and the songs are all solid rock tunes infusing great playing and solid songwriting. If you’re a fan of the hard and bluesy rock genres, this CD is a straight up winner (Ok, that pun was intended). Band Members: Milan Polak (Guitar, Vocals) Randy Coven (Bass) John Macaluso (Drums) Fabio Trentini (Bass)

 

 

Milan POLAK: "Straight" 8 Lion Music 2007 Review by the Bailey Brothers 18 July 2007 Having heard some of these songs whilst they were still in the womb it’s great to finally see them spring to life in Milan Polak’s debut vocal album “STRAIGHT”. The first thing you hear as the album starts is Polak on his own with no instruments singing a cool vocal harmony. The opener DIFFERENCE is a well structured ditty with a cool repetitive groove, open spaces for the vocals on the verses and a catchy chorus. Polak decided not to record everything in Germany and self financed a trip to New York to team up with Randy Coven (Bass) and John Macaluso (drums). They have added to the energy and band vibe that is evident throughout the album (Fabio Trentini played bass on 6 songs and those bass tracks were recorded in Germany). It nearly all back fired when some of the recordings wouldn’t work in Milan’s studio and he had to re-record 2 guitar tracks again as some files disappeared forever. In terms of production, musicianship and songs STRAIGHT ticks all he right boxes. It’s a very dry raw sounding album with Polak’s sleeve introduction claiming no effects as though they were the Devil. CROSSES is a Sleazy funky groove going down with a big hook for the chorus. The brilliant grungy SOME KIND OF JESUS is one of our favorite numbers. All I WANT is a bluesy ballad that produces a controlled mellow vocal that Polak delivers on par with many already established great vocalists. SUPER STAR MANIA has a funky 70’s type hippie style floating in on the scene. It’s happening man, like I dig the Wah pedal solo dude. The title track STAIGHT is a balls to the wall rocker. This release is definitely a step in the right direction for the artist and label. You could argue that lyrically it could be better in places, mainly the nursery rhyme syndrome where every last word at the end of a sentence has to rhyme with the previous one, making some of it a bit ‘Twinkle Twinkle little star how I wonder what you are?’ in places. Apart from a couple of fillers this is a damn fine debut vocal release and with the added bonus of some killer guitar work constructed to fit with in the song structure. Polak saved the best to last with THE GLOWING OF A CIGARETTE. Think old black and white movie and an old black blues player (BB King Style). The playing and vocal performance is faultless and real old school as it should be for this song. This is the guy who said in our first interview (here on rockunited) that if playing the blues means bending one note and puling a silly face then it’s not for me (well something like that). Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear more of this style from Polak because he’s got the feel, vocal style and playing standards to enter a pretty lucrative and sometimes exclusive market. We were sure this track was played through an old Fender amp with a Telecaster? But you know what, why guess? We know how much you guitar players love to search for the classic tone so let’s make the review a bit more exclusive here’s POLAK with the facts not fiction. Milan: On "Cigarette" I was using Strats & Teles, for the solo a Standard American Tele, for the outro solo my Custom Fender setneck Tele ltd. edition. Steve Blucher designed the PU's for it and it has sound chambers - priceless. Amp-wise I was going through a Peavey Classic 30 (Vox rip-off) and a Delta Blues (mainly used on that CD) with a 15" (!) speaker. Thanks for that info Milan. So there you have it, just like the album MILAN POLAK gives it to you STRAIGHT, We are not sure what you will reckon to him stood naked in the inner sleeve but obviously his female Myspace fans will be delighted. The naked truth is as we keep telling you, this kid has got talent, he put his own money where his guitar is and took all the risks, that’s a self belief in your talent that’s sadly lacking from many who want it on a plate. One day some dude from a small label is going to get snapped up by a major label. That would be great for the label, the artist and the rock scene. We hope it’s MILAN POLAK but until then Lion Music will keep making little ripples in that big ocean and keep it going guys - a quality release. www.milanpolak.com

 

 

MILAN POLAK - Straight Lion Music Metal Express Rating: 8.0/10 Release Date: 2007-04-20 by: SCOTT JESLIS metalexpressradio.com

Many great guitarists have tried "it" … Gary Moore, John Sykes, Steve Vai, and even Joe Satriani has dabbled in "it." What exactly is "it?" Of course, it's about moving from either side of the stage to the center and using the microphone. After two successful guitar instrumental albums, Austrian guitarist Milan Polak has decided to throw his hat into the vocal release “ring” with his latest, self-financed endeavor entitled Straight. The “concept,” if it can truly be called that, behind Straight and its cover of a naked Milan Polak, who has his guitar strapped, conveniently, lower than normal, is about a “straight ahead” sound, musical approach, and production with “no effects and no bullshit.” Fans will get exactly what Polak has intended as this album delivers thirteen tracks of guitar/Blues-based Rock with Polak providing the vocals. Polak also has a strong backing band that is no stranger to this approach, with assistance from Randy Coven and John Macaluso (both Ark and Malmsteen veterans) providing the “rhythmic backbone muscle.” It will be evident to Polak fans as soon as the laser hits the CD that this is no instrumental release, as the disc opens with some commendable, multi-tracked Polak vocals. In fact, Polak fans might be surprised to find that one of the most endearing qualities of this new release isn’t necessarily Polak’s playing, but is indeed his vocal performance. Milan’s approach is much akin to Eric Martin’s during his Mr. Big era. In fact, fans of early Mr. Big might find more than a few tracks here that will remind them of that band’s approach. Point in case is the track “Hero,” which is a slower, acoustical number, but fans won’t mind because Polak’s vocals here are heartfelt, melodic, and moving … a very strong and memorable track with hit potential written all over it. Musically speaking, tracks tend to run the gamut from Modern Rock to Blues Rock; a more conventional Rock sound and Blues. There are plenty of moments like “Psychobitch,” “Some Kind Of Jesus,” “Happy Now?” and “Favorite Vices” that should please fans of more aggressive, guitar-driven Rock. The latter track, in fact, flirts with guitar fanatics’ emotions by sporting an awesome, faded out instrumental, which is a throwback to Milan’s earlier instrumental days (P.S. see Metal Express Radio’s exclusive written interview with Milan for more on this). Speaking lead guitar-wise, fans will find solos tend to be short, but punchy, memorable, and in some cases devastatingly fast (as in the title track), but overall perhaps not lengthy enough to appease guitar fanatics, though that’s not what this release is about. Lyrically speaking, you’ll find songs about relationships, dealing with one’s self, fake lifestyles, reality TV, desperate people seeking fifteen 15 minutes of fame, and reflections upon life. Needless to say, Polak has put some adequate thinking into the writings on this self-financed release. Bottom line, Milan has accomplished what he set out to do with flying colors. For diehard fans of his instrumental work, this format change might be viewed initially as a turn-off before even listening to the release. After several listens, though, those same fans should be comfortable with the format change and will learn to embrace it as they will see that Polak has musically more to offer than fans might have garnered from his instrumental releases. If you’re a fan of classic Mr. Big and straight ahead Rock, then this release should definitely be on your shopping list! Line-Up: Milan Polak – Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Additional Basses, Percussion, Blues Harp Randy Coven – Bass Fabio Trentini – Bass John Macaluso – Drums

 

 

MILAN POLAK - STRAIGHT (B+/B) Lion Music, 2007
13 tracks, RT: 52:09
[ http://www.milanpolak.com/ ]
[ http://www.myspace.com/milanpolak ]
[ http://www.milanpolakfansite.com/ ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/straight.htm ]
[ http://www.lionmusic.com/ ]
Austrian guitar master Milan Polak steps away from the instrumental music he is known for to try his hand at a vocal oriented project, with good results. STRAIGHT is hard rock drawing from a variety of influences, as everything from early '70s heavy rock, punk, pop, blues, metal and alternative is thoughtfully blended into a potent brew. Milan does all the singing, his soulful, smoky vocals animating easily relatable lyrics about such things as stupidity, crazy women and the unfairness of media coverage. Milan hasn't forgotten how to play, however, and his incendiary solos can still be heard, albeit briefly, throughout STRAIGHT. I think Milan is at his best on some of the edgier material, some of my favorites being the insanely catchy "Difference," rhythmically engaging "Some Kind Of Jesus," kinetic rocker "Superstar Mania," and the classic Trower flavor of "I Don't Care." STRAIGHT sounds to me like a cross between Richie Kotzen and Lynch/Pilson, and that's a tasty mix indeed. Do yourself a favor and check out the music of this talent before he is a household name!
- Neal Woodall (MysticX9@gmail.com)

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Milan Polak
Straight Lion Music

Comments: Possibly the most anticipated CD of the past several years arrived at the door with little to no fan fare, yet the excitement inside the reviewer’s house was tremendous.

There were many questions for months, and soon there would finally be some answers. Could a guitar virtuoso with little to no experience outside the instrumental genre create a special rock record? If so, how would he sound when delivering those bluesy vocals? How would the record be received? Would people understand what this amazing musician was trying to accomplish? These were just a few of the questions that surfaced as the package from Finland was being ripped wide open.

Answers to questions are occasionally in life are as good as you had hoped them to be. This record is one of those times.

The CD is called Straight and is the new venture from the Austrian virtuoso Milan Polak. It is packed with tremendously catchy choruses and verse with hooks that stick with you hours after the CD has stopped playing.

Not knowing what to expect as the laser hits the disc made the first sounds even more compelling. The first track “Difference” revealed plenty from the first note. What you hear early is a catchy rock track that reminds you of a mix of Dokken and Kenny Wayne Sheppard. Here Polak hits some deeper vocal notes and then takes control with a clean soulful rock guitar solo. The solo reminds you of Richie Sambora with a slightly harder edge.

Milan does not take himself too seriously on this record with the wild fun “Psychobitch.” “I just love the way you can’t resist” Polak pans as he builds the story of a crazy chick. Here Polak lights up a short nice spirited almost “American” feeling guitar solo while his excellent drummer John Macaluso (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark, Union Radio) bangs his heart out.

Up next is the bluesy almost modern take on a late ‘60s rock track with “Crosses.”
Here Milan shows his total command and range on the instrument as if he grew up a protégé of Stevie Ray Vaughn. A gutsy tough solo and several cool leads are featured here on this really cool blues track. On the acoustic driven “Hero” Milan sings his ass off in an emotional and heartfelt way and plucks like a chicken farmer.

Favorite Vice” is an outstanding track that could fit on any ‘80s movie soundtrack. Polak’s vocals here are possibly the best on the album, and the song may be the most complete on the album. Macaluso leads with the percussion, Randy Coven plays wonderful bass guitar and then Milan tears up a fun wonderfully played small “Country Fried”guitar solo. Polak gets his again a minute later and man is it solid as a rock. As the song ends he really sings out and then he plays a slow metal inspired ending that sounds cool. Finally he does some speedy guitar work that sounds like a special effect, fucking creative.

The rest of the album is filled with several more fun tracks that are all constructed with the utmost care and precision. He is careful not to make this a show off guitar virtuoso album but plays his ass off when appropriate.

Folks it’s as if this brilliant man had all of this inside of him for the past 30+ years and finally could not hold it inside any longer. Blues, rock, late ‘60s Jimi Hendrix sounding tracks, modern pop rock, metal, everything is covered here. Shit he even shows those rocket fast “shred” fingers on the solo inside the title track.

Play the last track “The Glowing of a Cigarette” and you realize that this man could be a full blown successful blues artist if he’d like. Damn is he talented. What a fucking album. It is certainly in the running for album of the year in 2007.

If Lion Music has any sense they will do nothing short of mortgaging their asses to promote this album. If people in the States, especially down south, hear this it will sell copies and ultimately succeed.

Get your squirrelly butts on-line and buy a copy for everyone you love. They will love it no matter what their musical tastes.

Band Members
Milan Polak-Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Percussion, Blues Harp
Randy Coven-Bass
Fabio Trentini-Bass
John Macaluso-Drums

Track Listing:
01 Difference
02 Psychobitch
03 Crosses
04 Hero
05 Favorite Vice
06 Some Kind Of Jesus
07 All I Want
08 Superstar Mania
09 Straight
10 Happy Now?
11 I Don’t Care
12 Free After All
13 The Glowing Of A Cigarette

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10