With three albums already behind them SAP (Scott Allen Project) returns with an new seven track instrumental EP that bursts with Progressive Metal soundscapes and is bolstered by a guest appearance by Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo/Black Country Communion) who adds colour and weight with keyboards and organ.
There’s a great groove and brevity to opener ‘Hitting the Wall’ which reminds you immediately of what a great guitarist Scott Allen is and also immediately introduces you to Derek Sherinian via a nice spot of Hammond. It’s one of a few tracks here that are somewhat traditionally structured and therefore benefit from the keys additional weight in the mix (‘Wrecked’ is another where Sherinian shines).
If you’ve followed Allen’s music then this EP might well be the most diverse to date and certainly the most progressive sounding, and it’s also a release with plenty to bend your ears. ‘The Tosser’ is moody and angry enough to make you think that Allen is aware of English vernacular as it moves between slow licks and exploding fretwork a la Satriani.
‘Headed Due North’ on the other hand has some wonderful arpeggio and is probably the catchiest and most hummable here! ‘Wrecked’ on the other hand shows off and really pushes intricacy to Prog Metal levels with tempo changes, fills and a host of other ammunition. Tome this is what instrumental Rock should be like – songs where you don’t find yourself waiting for the vocals to kick in!
‘Sunset’ is another song that achieves that feat, and along with some wonderful acoustic guitar there’s a wonderful and ever-present wandering solo that really speaks to you.
That just leaves two: ‘Taking the A Train’ is probably my least favourite here, but its still perfectly serviceable but cries out for words, more organ or more guitar; whilst the final track is the only ‘cover’ here – a take on Aldo Nova’s ‘Fantasy’ – a great song and done really well here.
A great instrumental collection that shows that music can still touch you even without words.
8/10
Track Listing: 1. Hitting The Wall (3:35) | 2. The Tosser (3:35) | 3. Headed Due North (4:21) | 4. Wrecked (6:30) | 5. Sunset (3:33) | 6. Taking The A Train (3:28) | 7. Fantasy (4:00)
