PAGEANT – Stockton + Walkin’ The Line (2025)

The U.S. state of North Carolina never has been a hotbed for rock n’ roll – Eighties AOR-pomp greats SUGARCREEK should be the only act we remember emerging from there – but now NC should be proud of PAGEANT a hard-hitting 4-piece rockin’ band based in High Point, built to revive the rock ‘n’ roll golden era for a new generation.

PAGEANT fuses the raw power of ’70s / ’80s hard rock with a modern edge that refuses to be boxed in. Inspired by icons like Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, and Cinderella, their sound delivers the high-energy guitar-driven sounds of the past while unapologetically adding new, modern elements.
PAGEANT played 200+ shows across 13 states, with all dates booked independently, including iconic venues across the country like The Viper Room, The Whisky A Go Go, Hangar 1819, and shared the stage with rock legends such as Spread Eagle, Faster Pussycat, Nita Strauss, and more.
Formed during the Covid-19 period by 4 young dudes, as happens with many DIY / self-manged bands PAGEANT opted to release EP’s, and now are presenting their new, titled ‘Stockton‘. And are re-releasing their debut EP ‘Walkin’ The Line‘ as well.
PAGEANT delivers here a high class piece of pure ’80s Melodic Hard Rock as if we turned back the clock to the year 1988! ‘Walkin’ The Line’ (recorded three years ago) is a raw, sleazy, punchy collection, while ‘Stockton’ is more polished and melodic in sound and arrangements.

PAGEANT sounds very rocking on ‘Walkin’ The Line’, bringing to mind CATS ’N’ BOOTS, BRITNY FOX, BLACK ’N’ BLUE, etc, with guitar-driven songs like Voodoo Kiss, title track Walkin’ The Line (RATT meets DOKKEN) and Better Things Coming.

On the new EP ‘Stockton’ the band refined their sound, and also production. Show Me How To Love You is ridiculously catchy (similar to FIREHOUSE), Your Name adds a radio friendly touch, Leave You Behind has some SALTY DOG on it, and for the first time the guys flirt with a midtempo ballad on the strong Road Away From Home.

PAGEANT will surprise you for sure with their mix of ballsy hard rock and polished melodic hard, with a focus on hard hitting guitars and strong vocals, while the catchy choruses are easy to sing-a-long to.
It’s a pleasure to discover young bands like this.
Highly Recommended

Stockton:
01 – Start (Intro)
02 – Show Me How To Love You
03 – Your Name
04 – Leave You Behind
05 – BarrieFieldmanRadio (Interlude)
06 – Road Away From Home
07 – Sitting On Gold
08 – FortStockton (Outro)

Walkin’ The Line
01 – Intro
02 – Howlin’
03 – Love By The Minute
04 – Voodoo Kiss
05 – Walkin’ The Line
06 – My Heart Stops Again
07 – All Dolled Up (With Nowhere To Go)
08 – Better Things Coming

 

Roxxi Dirt – Lead Vocals, Bass
Dezzy Foxx – Guitar, Vocals
Cam Duke – Guitar
Dylan Dynasty – Drums, Vocals

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