Kiko Loureiro Fullblast
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer
A great melting pot of genres and styles, Kiki Loureiro’s third solo record shows how one man’s focussed vision can shape an extensive variety of traditions into one united whole. Rock riffs, Latin grooves, pop melodies, jazz licks and the natural way in which he combines and juxtaposes them against each other is nothing short of virtuosity. But the real draw of this record is not the mosaic-like diversity of this album, but the way in which Loureiro is able to forget about stylistic distinctions and transmit his creative impulses fluidly and organically, taking his listener beyond genres and into the territory of pure sensation.
Throughout the album’s oscillations between atmospheric dreamy balladry, Carnival-inspired staccato fun and Latin themes which Loureiro weaves so expertly into the fabric of his rock stompers, there is always a sense of unbreakable unity, clear and transparent, no matter how many times those songs change their pace, mood, tempo and time signature.
Spontaneous virtuosity of Loureiro’s chops and torrents of whirlwind notes he showers over snappy harmonies on such standouts as “Cutting Edge” is, of course, a swaggering demonstration of his impeccable chops which doesn’t need any other justification apart from being fabulous exhilarating fun. But such highlights as “Whispering” show a deeper side to his character where he holds a finely wrought balance between rock grit and delicate poeticism with stunning melodic sensibility. Here Loureiro catches the distant echo of Satriani’s Extremist, tipping his hat off to the godfather of all rock guitar instrumentalists in a way that is both reverential and imaginative.
To sum it all up, Angra guitarist has once again shown that his musical vocabulary and imagination have always had a bigger scope than the power metal bombast and anthemic arena-oriented balladry of his main band. As any guitar hero worth his salt, he has room for further experiment and exploration – be it in bringing together different genres, textures, and compositional ideas, or continuing to develop his technique. All of this finds place on Loureiro’s new record and serves as a reminder to the true extent of his prodigious talent.
Band:
Kiko Loureiro – guitars, keyboards, programming and additional percussion
Felipe Andreoli – bass
Mike Terrana – drums
Dalua – percussion
Track Listing:
1. Headstrong
2. Desperado
3. Cutting Edge
4. Excuse Me
5. Se Entrega, Corisco!
6. A Clairvoyance
7. Corrosive Voices
8. Whispering
9. Outrageous
10. Mundo Verde
11. Pura Vida
12. As It Is, Infinite
Label: Mascot Records
Online: http://www.myspace.com/kikoloureiroband
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10