This is the first Steve Vai album I have heard in a while. I sort of just put him to one side as I thought he was getting a bit out there. I first heard of Steve when he was in Zappa’s band, then when he joined Dave Lee Roth’s band that’s when he really exploded and everyone paid attention. This is Steve’s tenth studio album out of 38, which doesn’t seem a lot but he has done a ton of collaborations. If you’re expecting a full shred fest metal monster then look elsewhere. This is not that type of album, although there are a couple of tunes that groove hard. This is a fantastic record full of great vibes and grooves with Steve really showing how deep his sonic pallet is.
Teeth Of The Hydra is a huge opening number with a very atmospheric vibe, and at times a feeling of fusion with so much killer playing. Zeus In Chains has a more familiar groove with some superb quirky moments and you definitely know it’s Steve as no one plays like that. Little Pretty has a killer funky groove. Man this is such a good track! Candlepower is the one track that I would say is out there!!! Incredible playing!!! Apollo In Color is just nuts as it doesn’t have a recognizable groove for you to grab on to, it changes constantly. Avalancha is my favourite track on the album. The riff is deep and mean with a killer beat and groove, and it’s so many notes from Steve. Greenish Blues gives away the vibe of this track but it’s done in a way that only Steve could do. Knappsack starts with a real burst of energy with drum beats flailing but settles back to some outrageous guitar. The album closes out with Sandman Cloud Mist and it’s just all guitar. I mean what a player!!!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
