JAKE PASHKIN

Unlike so many of his western colleagues Pashkin doesn't seem to be very fond of traditional shredding and exercise-like scale explorations on his ventures. And even when exploring more mainstream-oriented territories this is still so; and although we do get treated to a few Satriani-inspired ventures Pashkin is more focused on doing his own thing - within a chosen framework this time around. Layered melodic explorations, energetic and pace filled soloing bursts broken up by neat slide guitar or power riffs, a few mellow affairs with dreamy soloing and the lush, new-age tinged Cassiopeia as the odd one out on this release.

Personally I found Supermobile to be the most intriguing affair on this exploration, closely followed by Lost Money. The former a more experimental affair featuring synths and percussion to ggod affect, the latter a high charge energy bombardment in a more traditional vein.

It's a good follow up from Pashkin here, and one guitar fans ought to get more familiar with.

Unlike many other guitarists issuing instrumental albums, Pashkin is really daring in style and sound on this release. True enough, there are a few traditional guitar-driven compositions here with the usual array of riff foundations and driving guitar solo segments; but in addition there's a few more unusual elements used.

Highly distorted guitar sounds, heavy grim riffs, screaming guitar solos, fragmented riffs, licks and notes. Mixed in segments taking on a disharmonic, dissonant and cacaphonic nature - but without venturing full-fledged into these particular musical landscapes. Add some quirky rhythms, industrial inspired noises and swirling synths in compositions of a complex nature; and you'll end up with some highly original music.

Not all compositions are like that of course, but there's a few of them; and enough of those to really add character to this release. With the tune "Dying Dolphin" as the prime example of this more adventurous approach.

A highly recommended release for fans of instrumental guitar-dominated releases, especially if you like your music experimental.