The Greek guitar virtuoso, GUS G, might be best known for replacing Zakk Wylde as Ozzy Osbourne‘s lead guitarist, but GUS now forges his own path with his newest solo venture via the stunning new album, Fearless! It’s an extremely varied record, spanning some amazing, killer hard-rock tunes to bombastic shred fests and everything in between. Cherri Bird takes an in-depth look at the new tracks on offer and shares an insight into what to expect.
FEARLESS Track Listing:
- Letting Go – WOW! This first song is anything but “letting go” – it doesn’t let you go from the minute the music starts! The guitars and drums hold you to the speakers, so to speak, as you listen and as the vocals come in to pull you closer…this song is strong AF! The chorus has a surprise and I dig the meaning wrapped up in the lyrics “man in the making”.
- Mr. Manson – Instantly you’re hooked by the hook! Well done, the structure of this song is as interesting as the content. I love the breakdown or cut time at the chorus. The guitar tones are clean and airy with a killer progression in the solo.
- Don’t Tread On Me – firey track with a punch from the bass that lines up nicely with the melody. I love the bursts of mini-solos from Gus throughout the track which definitely lend to his personality and style of playing. He’s a master with those fast and unforgettable licks!! Love the change in the middle as you’re literally stabbed by the crazy fingerworking from Gus. Oh, and the drums are righteous!!
- Fearless – I can appreciate the title track being instrumental. It’s a direct message to Gus’s fans. Now, call me crazy but even with this track having no words attached, it speaks volumes to fans, old and new. I was taken back by the intro! The freaking drums are INSANE!!! The guitars are thick and intricate, they combine with the bass and drums perfectly.
- Nothing To Say – OMG – I have a lot to say about this track. Where have I been to have not heard Dennis before? I mean, his voice is as close to perfect as a voice can be. His range and how he controls it is dead sexy! The lead and rhythm parts of the guitar are almost like backup singers. The acoustic parts tossed around inside the electric is nicely done and with a purpose.
- Money For Nothing – what a great song to cover and I love the change up in the intro, the key change is kick ass and spins the original to orbit in the present. I mean, half of the “kids” nowadays probably only know of MTV as a reality show channel and possibly could tell you what the M stands for or used to stand for, anyway. What makes this version shine is not only the minor changes with the music’s cadence, lyrics, and key but where the punch comes from to the listener is much different than the original. “Banging on the iPad like a chimpanzee” is hilarious and so true!
- Chances – a skippy tune with harmonies is always a favorite as drums and bass fold over the guitar parts like pouring cake batter in a pan, it all melts as one. It’s really a solid expression of the trio. (side note: you take chances when putting together a project like this. Not that this interpretation is what this song means at all, but it’s pretty kickass when the chance taken ends up with music like this. These three were meant to make music together – like Apollo himself destined this to happen ages ago.)
- Thrill Of The Chase – lightening bolts disguised as riffs shoot from this track as the drums provide a hint of thunder rolling miles away. Another instrumental that quickens halfway through, highlighting the awesomeness that is Gus! Love the way the guitars are in front like a vocal line. The thrill for any listener is what those guitars are saying to them!
- Big City – standout track for me with a tone that hints of players like Stevie Ray Vaughan or ZZ Top, this track is as big as Texas! I love the swanky swagger and the groovy vocal has some nostalgia laced up for a listener to reflect on.
- Last Of My Kind – crimony!! What a great track! Dennis displays the power of his voice in this track and pushes it up to the top of the range without losing any ounce of control; it’s fabulous!! Like Michael Jordan, Will comes through and slams some impressive fills in the basket. Gus again breaks some barriers with “how does he do that” intricacies between the frets and sums up that he could possibly be, IMHO, the last of this kind of guitar player.
An impressive display of heavy rock that overall, could be linked to the past in terms of style but there is a cohesiveness that is created with Gus, Dennis, and Will that is quite unique and only comes around when the Gods of Rock deem it fitting. The record showcases champions in each discipline and where this record differs from other “solo” records is that on instrument shines but also provides a backdrop for another one to gleem bright as well.
Look, I’m not taking anything away from Gus here in saying that there is equality highlighted on this record. I think that lends to even more to Gus’s musical gifts that reach further into his mastery of the guitar. To be able to fuse together ten tracks that provide an incredible offering to listeners that love the players individually but create simultaneously a new sound as a band, is quite brilliant. The foundation or experience of songwriting that each person brings to the table creates this backdrop for each player to shine is pretty stellar, if you ask me.
Talent wise, you’ll find Gus’s playing to be almost unfathomable. To hear riffs and intricate parts so clearly is crazy to me! There’s no question that this record will substantiate the findings of people that he’s played with in the past and create a new path for him to stand out, fearless in front of the world, saying “here I am!!”.
FEARLESS drops April 20th but you can pre orders now at GusGOfficial. There are a bunch of cool bundles that you can get along with the record if you order now, go check it out!! Follow him on Facebook for info on European tour dates and yes, Gus will be coming to the US in the fall, so make sure you know when the tour starts!
Look for my interview with Gus coming up right here at The Rockpit and follow me on Facebook for all things rock – show pictures, video snips of your favorite artists, and more!
Til Next Time – MRML – Cherri
