Epic Records (label)
04 October 2010 (released)
05 October 2010
As if the title wouldn’t be intriguing enough already, the mere fact that guitar wizard Joe Satriani’s latest offering is his 14th studio album should be all the more reason for any serious music fan to add this to the collection. And it is.
Title aside, this highly anticipated album is absolutely rockin’ beginning to end, with a new and richer texture added to the classic Satriani sound. Throw in the fact that all is produced and recorded by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica) and once again features veteran Satriani drummer Jeff Camitelli, you’d think it can’t get much better… but it does. Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards also features newcomers Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai) on keyboards and Allen Whitman (Mermen) on bass guitar. The result is a solid piece of work by one of the most respected and most talented instrumental guitarists around, who – over the last two decades – has played to sold out crowds the world over, has been nominated for 15 Grammy’s, and released numerous solo albums (out of which two have gone platinum and four went gold)! He’s also formed the simply awesome rock collaboration Chickenfoot together with former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar and former bassist Michael Anthony, as well as Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
Album opener ‘Premonition’ might open with the slightly doom-laden sound of bells, but that’s only for a few seconds, then things kick into a track that’s fast and heavy on the fretwork, yet melodious enough to give it some warmth. ‘Dream Song’ does exactly what it says on the tin - with it’s psychedelic hues and 70’s retro feel it’ll take you on a very cool trip that makes you want to ride into the sunset on a motorbike.
The dreamy-drifty trip comes to an end with ‘Pyrrhic Victoria’ (Satriani not only seems a master axe player but also master wordsmith…). Here, we have a choppy and aggressive base rhythm that effortlessly slides between snarling guitar solos and a more melodious riff work, with some fab keyboard elements thrown in for good measure.
‘Light Years Away’ is the album’s first single, a fierce number that totally shines with its bluesy-rock overtones and killer riffs. Oozing attitude beginning to end, one can see as to why it’s a single release! What a contrast the mellow and barely-one-minute acoustic ‘Solitude’ sets to the previous track. An inspired and humorous touch.
‘Littleworth Lane’ is my personal favourite with it’s Southern R n’ B vibe to it and an overall ‘chilled out / big easy’ atmosphere throughout the track. Another stand-out track is ‘The Golden Room’ – here, Satriani glides from the American South to Arabian territories, with a decidedly middle-Eastern percussion beat and guitar work to match. The track’s structure has a clever build-up and in parts could well be perfect for a movie soundtrack.
‘Wormhole Wizards’ once again enters 70’s retro territory, with a distinctive catchy rhythm that’s a little jazzy, a little Santana induced, and simply great on the axe and bass work. However, Satriani surpasses himself with the closing number ‘God Is Crying’ – a killer exercise that combines, yep, 70’s funk with wah-wah beats and a fretwork to die for. If God has any understanding of music, this track won’t make him cry but bring a big smile on his face!
Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards dovetails Joe Satriani’s autumn UK tour, kicking off October 17th at the Manchester Apollo (tickets for all six dates can be booked at www.ticketline.co.uk). If his new album sounds that incredible, he’s certainly worth a live experience!
(You can check out more on www.satriani.com)
