Neil Zaza Melodica
Mascot Records 28th March 2005
By Russell Garwood
Neil Zazas latest, Melodica is 73 minutes of instrumental guitar rock. Thats about all there is to say about this release, but since Ive got a word limit to hit, I shall go into slightly more detail. While there is certainly lots of shredding, and Zaza is clearly an excellent guitarist technically, many of the lines are less frantic, instead focusing on soaring melodies. Varied backing tracks include Hammond organ, solid bass and excellent, diverse drumming. That said they are still just this - backing tracks - over which solo guitars do all the work. Funky sections give some of the tracks more of an identity, making a few feel like proper songs. Top-notch performances all round are guaranteed, lots of variation keeps everything listenable, and the carnivalesque atmosphere which pops up throughout is good fun.
Despite all of this Melodica still lacks something; the tunes, while very accessible, are just too easily forgettable. This shouldnt be a problem for guitar virtuoso fans, and for those in love with the Vais and Satrianis of the world, this is a must. Listeners who are not so keen on extended noodling, however, may want to pass this one over.
6.5/10
Official Neil Zaza website
Official Mascot Records website
Mascot Records 28th March 2005
By Russell Garwood
Neil Zazas latest, Melodica is 73 minutes of instrumental guitar rock. Thats about all there is to say about this release, but since Ive got a word limit to hit, I shall go into slightly more detail. While there is certainly lots of shredding, and Zaza is clearly an excellent guitarist technically, many of the lines are less frantic, instead focusing on soaring melodies. Varied backing tracks include Hammond organ, solid bass and excellent, diverse drumming. That said they are still just this - backing tracks - over which solo guitars do all the work. Funky sections give some of the tracks more of an identity, making a few feel like proper songs. Top-notch performances all round are guaranteed, lots of variation keeps everything listenable, and the carnivalesque atmosphere which pops up throughout is good fun.
Despite all of this Melodica still lacks something; the tunes, while very accessible, are just too easily forgettable. This shouldnt be a problem for guitar virtuoso fans, and for those in love with the Vais and Satrianis of the world, this is a must. Listeners who are not so keen on extended noodling, however, may want to pass this one over.
6.5/10
Official Neil Zaza website
Official Mascot Records website
