P.J. Pacifico

P.J. Pacifico’s ‘Surface’, on Viper Records (INgrooves/Fontana-UMG), delivers the biggest, heaviest sound to-date from the accomplished singer/songwriter. With influences including The Smiths and Del Amitri, Pacifico has crafted a confident nine-song collection, using personal experiences as a spark but ultimately crafting universal tales of survival, a belief in hard work, paying your dues and forward motion.

‘Surface’ is Pacifico’s most cohesive album, and his evolution as a songwriter is evident on such standout tracks as the epic ‘Champions & Guardians’, the propulsive first single ‘Half-Wishing’, the reflective, winning title track ‘Surface’, and ‘It’ll Never End’, a song with subtle references to mortality and to Pacifico’s appreciation of life as a cancer survivor. ‘Surface’ also includes one inspired cover, Pacifico’s modern take on Christopher Cross’ seminal ‘Sailing’.

Over the past couple of years, Pacifico has evolved from beloved under-the-radar, Connecticut-based road warrior to an International-profile indie to be reckoned with, praised in such media outlets as M Music & Musicians Magazine, iTunes Editorial, and scores of other print, web and television placements throughout the U.S. Reviewers have repeatedly compared him to Paul Simon, James Taylor, Matthew Sweet and others, while embracing his live performance chops and upbeat, radio-friendly songwriting...