What does it sound like?:
Epic is the first word which springs to mind. A very up front, punchy, dynamic, huge sounding riff laden guitar album. Subtle it ain’t. It came with no information at all but I learn from t’net that Tomoyasu Hotei is a London based Japanese guitarist who has worked with the likes of Michael Kamen, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones and has appeared on numerous guitar orientated projects with uber shredders like Steve Vai. He’s more that though – there are some decent songs and the production and playing are impeccable. Iggy guests on vocals growling that he wants to be my dog (doesn’t he always?) and other guest singers include Noko from Apollo 440 and Matt Tuck from Bullet for my Valentine.
What does it all *mean*?
Hotei grew up in the 80s so there’s an 80s guitar album feel about it which takes me back to when I first heard “Surfing for the alien” by Joe Satriani, which pretty much defined the genre and closed it at the same time. I’m a sucker for a good bit of righteous guitar playing of the sort that gives the post punk “the best solos are only one note” fraternity the horrors. I do find, though, that these days a little goes a long way…..which is a long way of saying it is familiar enough to enjoy on a casual listen and at 11 tracks doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Goes well with…
If I still had everyone back to mine after the pub for some late night carousing, this would make the perfect soundtrack. Plenty going on and nothing too distracting.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Riffy, pretty heavy guitar playing. That.
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