Katrina Johansson - Guitarsongs Volume 1
M.A.C.E. Records - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Being that I'm attempting to learn to play electric guitar myself, I have a sort of masochistic compulsion to listen to these instrumental shred-artist releases. So, when I spotted that this EP from Katrina Johansson was released on Michael Angelo Batio's record label and featured him on bass, I prepared myself for an orgy of light-speed sweep-picks, fret-melting soloing and a general feeling of inadequacy to sweep over me.
What I didn't expect was for the shredding to be generally confined to occasional bursts of finger gymnastics, put to the service of 80s-indebted instrumental hard rock anthems, complete with hummable melodies and undemanding, pleasant structures. It seems that Johansson can both shred and write decent songs - although at times, it seems that she has trouble combining the talents. The Satriani-esque pull-off solos through 'K-9 Lullaby', for example, seem to jar somewhat with the rhythm guitar and drums, seeming almost to be rather clumsily slotted in whereas the rest of the lead work in the track complements it perfectly.
The production is generally adequate, if not particularly astonishing - you can hear everything clearly, and that's what you want. Well, this applies to the first three tracks at least - the final track, 'Daredevil' - a speedier, more metallic track - was recorded by different engineers at a different studio, and it's far more ear-piercingly trebly, and thus somewhat annoying to listen to (especially as the guitars stay pretty much resolutely in the upper register throughout). However, these niggles aside Guitarsongs Volume 1 showcases Johansson's considerable talent as a guitarist, and her potential as an instrumental songwriter.
6/10
Katrina Johansson's Official Website
M.A.C.E. Records' Official Website
M.A.C.E. Records - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Being that I'm attempting to learn to play electric guitar myself, I have a sort of masochistic compulsion to listen to these instrumental shred-artist releases. So, when I spotted that this EP from Katrina Johansson was released on Michael Angelo Batio's record label and featured him on bass, I prepared myself for an orgy of light-speed sweep-picks, fret-melting soloing and a general feeling of inadequacy to sweep over me.
What I didn't expect was for the shredding to be generally confined to occasional bursts of finger gymnastics, put to the service of 80s-indebted instrumental hard rock anthems, complete with hummable melodies and undemanding, pleasant structures. It seems that Johansson can both shred and write decent songs - although at times, it seems that she has trouble combining the talents. The Satriani-esque pull-off solos through 'K-9 Lullaby', for example, seem to jar somewhat with the rhythm guitar and drums, seeming almost to be rather clumsily slotted in whereas the rest of the lead work in the track complements it perfectly.
The production is generally adequate, if not particularly astonishing - you can hear everything clearly, and that's what you want. Well, this applies to the first three tracks at least - the final track, 'Daredevil' - a speedier, more metallic track - was recorded by different engineers at a different studio, and it's far more ear-piercingly trebly, and thus somewhat annoying to listen to (especially as the guitars stay pretty much resolutely in the upper register throughout). However, these niggles aside Guitarsongs Volume 1 showcases Johansson's considerable talent as a guitarist, and her potential as an instrumental songwriter.
6/10
Katrina Johansson's Official Website
M.A.C.E. Records' Official Website
