The Paul Q-Pek Band
Passion and Fear
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
The Paul Q-Pek Band is an exceptionally hot band from Austin TX. They play an original blend of eighties rock/hard rock. The heritage of this band is an interesting one: Paul and Uncle Sammy used to play together back in California in a Christian metal band called Frontrunner. At least 50 copies of their "Street Talk" single sold through the mail from Heaven's Metal. Paul is also currently in another band that's made waves through the Christian music world - One Bad Pig. Uncle Sammy plays bass for another Christian metal band also. Sammy's mom wrote the poem "Tools of Our Times" in Volume II #5. Kerry Crafton, the engineer of this tape, also produced the Pig album, as well as being the guitarist for Follower. Paul's music and lyrics have made a great impact in the frequent live gigs they play here in Austin. They've also made appearances elsewhere. For instance, the lyrics to "It's the Realization" served as the gospel piece on the back cover of Heaven's Metal Vol II #3. This entire tape also was played over the sound system at the mainstage before Steve Taylor at Cornerstone this year. This killer tape has four songs and two other things on it. The two "other things" are spoken/a capella songs called "Mrs. Lowery" and "Boxes." "Truth Be Told," a straight-ahead rocker, opens the tape with lots of energy. "Kingdom Come" is next, which exhibits creative artistic ability and right-on devotion to God. "Sacrifice had its place in my life/ but I kept falling off the altar/ I know where I should be/ how come I am not there?/ keep me alive while I burn. One desire I have/ just one prayer/ The Kingdom Come." "Tear Down the Walls," the next song, is a moving ballad that could get airplay on most Christian radio stations. "The Healing" closes the tape with a heavy message. It has an ethereal/moody intro that sets the stage for the anguish of the sick and suffering theme of the lyrics. The song builds and builds and then erupts with a desperate cry to God for the healing of body, spirit, soul and mind. The song shows off the very skilled drumming of Phillip Owens. There's also a killer guitar solo in the middle of the song, which is heavy and melodic - not unlike many of Glenn Kaiser's solos. The Q-Pek Band has laid down a fine piece of chrome, but their prime focus now is their live shows. They play a smokin' two hour set of all originals. Right now, fortunately for us and unfortunately for most of you, their shows are a blessing for the Austin area only. After playing "The Healing" in concert, Paul gives an invitation for prayers of forgiveness and healing of the whole person. The band stops playing, except for a programmed sequence on the synthesizer, and lines the stage for prayer, which lasts at least 20 minutes, "until everyone that comes up is prayed for." If you'd like to listen to The Q-Pek Band, send $5 plus $1 postage to: Paul Q-Pek Band, 1701 Pine Knoll, Austin TX 78758. If you live near a radio station that would be willing to play their tape, get 'em in touch with Paul.