PJ Bostic - Hope in the Winter Stage (2025)

For the uninitiated, PJ Bostic is the moniker the multi-instrumentalist Paul Roraback uses when releasing music. This gives Paul the flexibility to record as a band (PJ Bostic and the Time Machine) or as a solo artist. Paul’s solo releases are showcases for his instrumental prowess, lyrical introspection, and heartfelt vocals.
Paul has a storied history as a member of the Seattle based band Grammatrain, touring drummer with the classic metal band Bloodgood, and even served as Terry Bozzio’s drum technician for a season. Most recently, Paul has teamed up with Lary Dean and played live-drums for his band Trytan.
Hope in the Winter Stage showcases Paul Roraback’s expanding musical horizons. He is honing his production skills, and presenting a fresh, inventive, and deeply engaging set of progressive rock tracks. First and foremost, Paul is a world class drummer. He is musical in his approach and uses his ever-expanding drum kit to do much more than keep time. It is impossible to discuss his playing without referring to his biggest inspiration, Neil Peart, and compare their composition styles. Paul also is a killer bass player and guitarist.
Playing ability aside, Mr. Roraback is also a gifted songwriter and composer. Lyrically, he explores varied subject matter but always through the lens of his deep faith. Musically, his songs tend to be complex arrangements but always have a hook that makes them immediately accessible and infinitely repeatable.
This nine-track album is a sonic wonder as production is wide open, punchy with the vocals layered atop the instrumentals with clarity and gravitas. Paul has something to say, and I’m glad we can hear every line with bright crispness. The drum tracks are a beauty to behold. As stated, Paul is an elite percussionist and every tom hit, cymbal crash, and kick-drum thump is presented with fidelity and precision. The bass-work is lively and holds the bottom end with a constant driving rhythm. The guitar work on this album is also stellar. Paul is not an Yngwie style shredder but is more in the vein of an Alex Lifeson or Kerry Livgren. He is a solid rhythm player and can peel off a screaming lead when required. His playing is always tasteful and this album is layered with many guitar tracks melting into a solid and always rocking whole.
Every track is excellent but a few truly standout. The third track, I’m Coming Home, features a guest appearance from the legendary Phil Keaggy. His solo is a wonder to behold. Track five, Walking on the Water, has the liveliest intro on the album and the rest of the song is a master-class in percussion. The final track, Metaphoric World, is a ten-minute epic of progressive rock goodness that will bring joy to any prog-nerd.
This is probably PJ Bostic’s most consistently excellent album. He has carved out a sonic-footprint unique in Christan rock and this exceptional release deserves to reach a much wider audience. Hope in the Winter Stage is another home-run release from PJ Bostic.