The press release tells just part of the story – Living Colour’s radio hit, ‘Cult of Personality’ was the record that made Shawn want to learn guitar. That in turn led to a plethora of live performances and recording and the formation of his own Prog Metal Fusion band ‘Zeroesque’. After 30 years of playing we now have a second solo record.
Debut ‘Starting from zero’ was a genre free free-flowing affair that had the guitar front and centre and the follow up takes that template and skips town with it. The result is strong on melody, impeccably diverse instrumental rock reminiscent of Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.
From the easy melodies of ‘Forever Summer’ to the Rockabilly of ‘Blueberry Jam’ and the rush and sheen of 80’s themed ‘From the Six’ this is an album that seeks to encompass a lot of ground. Key for me are the melodies and the themes that flow through teh works and whilst it’s almost by definition not a consistent soundscape it’s more a series of wonderful sketches that you can dip into at leisure.
The bass groove that grounds ‘Locution’ allow the guitar to fly and may well be the heaviest moment here, but it’s more than memorable. That and the more thoughtful ‘Distant Thought’ are my standouts on an album that really is worth your time if you like your guitar-led instrumental Rock.
SHAWN CHRISTIE: http://shawnchristiemusic.bandcamp.com
8 / 10
