ATE MY WORDS

Home grown Aussie multi-instrumentalist Aron Scharfegger's latest album clocks 71 minutes and is purely based on one musical theme. The album is titled "Ate My Words" and he presents the theme in 8 parts on this 2011 release. Aron plays many instruments ranging from guitars, piano, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, bass guitar and saxophone. There are guest artists on the album that add to the musicscape including Greg Genna on guitar, Chris Fournier on synthesizers, guitar, and bass, as well as vocalist Mahne Dupre and the Kiew Youth Orchestra who play the orchestrated sounds of violins, cellos, basson, and horns. The production is excellent and there are some definite moments of brilliance and an overall consistent sound quality.

Arnioe's instrumental album begins with very spacey synth swirls, very patiently building in intensity from the minimalism of a solo synth to a wall of sound. At 3:40 the organ staccato chords slam in over the manic synthesizers and really lift the ambience to a solid punctuated beat.

Part 2 begins with strange synth effects and a sustained keyboard pad ascending in volume. The spacey phased electric guitar solo is terrific. Some vocalisations are included on this, though incoherent, and they work rather well with the progressive feel of the music.

Part 3 is very different with creepy violins ascending and descending over a strong percussion and synth squiggles. The atmospherics are broken with vocalisations and scats. The heavy guitars come in eventually and overpower the sound.

Part 4 is a plethora of majestic vocals, and a choir with a strong upbeat tempo to drive it. The mood is rather sombre in places and a delightful lead guitar break lifts the mood.

Part 5 is a happier melody and this contrasts sharply with the shadowy bleakness of Track 6. It begins with big booming drum pounding, backmasked creepy vocals and an ethereal violin sound creating a haunting chilling atmosphere. Part 6 is perhaps the darkest track on the album and it builds to a terrific Pink Floyd style guitar piece.

Part 7 is the best track with a killer riff driving it along and some absolutely sensational organ work and very heavy guitars. Lead breaks abound and shift from left to right speaker alternating in volume. The sound is heavier and more forceful bordering on metal. The Hammond sounds are high pitched and very strong.

Part 8 features awesome emotional saxophone playing and a very powerful back beat. The sax reflects the isolation and melancholia of the music. There are some very innovative melodies on display, pretty acoustics, and percussive excellence. The song locks into an elongated Dave Gilmour style lead guitar solo and some spacey effects. Overall the song is another highlight on the album.

Arnioe's latest album is an instrumental treat and has a myriad of emotional mood swings. The musicians are solid performers and there are some real surprises with light and dark textures on the canvas. 3 solid stars for sheer innovation in the compositions and delightful musicianship.