by John Kindredx
– Publisher —
Shredguy Records is back, making noise early in 2015 with the release of the labels 27th album. Game On!! heralds the return of Sean Baker Orchestra and offers 13 new songs, 11 instrumentals and two songs with guest vocalists. Sean Baker Orchestra is a trio of musicians; bassist David Donigian, drummer Clint Sabon and, of course, guitarist Sean Baker.
Game On!! continues the tradition of SBO’s exploration of metallic, shredding jaunts, featuring hook-laden melodic passages and blazingly fast solos. The group’s latest endeavor also features some notable guests. Vocalist Jeff Martin (Racer X) and Ronnie Monroe (Metal Church) take a turn on two songs, while Marc Rizzo (Soulfly), Toby Knapp (Onward, Where Evil Follows) and Bruce Bouillet (Racer X, The Scream) add their chops to the instrumental song “Shrapnel in my Ear.”
Produced by Sean Baker and label mastermind Michael McDowell, the music reflects the personality of Baker. Baker manages to keep the music heavy and aggressive, yet doesn’t lose sight of delivering melody. The musical arrangements allow for each band member, as well as their guests, to show off their skills. With that said, no single person takes the focal point away from the songs; each person’s performances enhance the music and overall listening experience.
The opening with “Prelude to War” initially sets up the album with the vibe of being a film score. This style of instrumental is reminiscent of music scored for the HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” and is majestic and magical in its execution and delivery. From there, listeners are jettisoned into “Shrapnel in your Ear” – the music is a tour de force of guitarists applying their stamps of shredding mayhem to the musical mix.
“Necessary Evil,” which was co-written with Jeff Martin, is going to remind fans of his days in Racer X from the perspective of his vocals. The song offers listeners a heavy riff that is joined to Martin’s harsh, gritty, yet thin vocal delivery. The solo is melodic and spacious, allowing for the notes to breathe. “Spooky” was penned by Ronnie Monroe and Baker. This song offer fans a tranquil experience. Monroe moves from a quiet emotional mid-timbre vocal to an almost Dickinson-like squeal. While Monroe shifts in and out of the different phrasing with each vocal approach, the music stays in state of ballad-esque melancholy. The song closes with stylish melodic guitar solo.
“Sir Duke,” written by Stevie Wonder, shies away from the shred motif and is a whimsical number that plays to a familiar melody, but it is out of place among the other metallic overtures.
Bach’s “Bourée in E Minor” closes out the album, with Baker performing it on acoustic guitar. Showcasing his classical guitar skills, he offers fans another side of his musical talent.
Overall, Sean Baker Orchestra demonstrates plenty of musical diversity on Game On!!. For the most part, the music sticks to its high regard of shred guitar, but the band isn’t afraid to allow the lighter side of its individual personalities to shine through. A few numbers lean toward a darker edginesss, but other songs have a lighter, if not Pop-oriented feel, with melody always a focal point that lies within the heart of each song. Even when it seems that the cohesiveness of the track listing is out of balance, Sean Baker Orchestra makes those diversions flow seamlessly into the musical landscape.
Genre: Instrumental Shred, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Band:
Sean Baker (Guitar)
David Donigian (Bass)
Clint Sabon (Drums)
Track Listing:
1. Prelude to War
2. Shrapnel in Your Ear
3. Hercules’ Box
4. Coming Up Roses
5. D.T.O.C.
6. Ruth Ann
7. Necessary Evils
8. In the Moment
9. Diminished Hate
10. Sir Duke (Stevie Wonder cover)
11. Spooky
12. Game On!!
13. Bourée in E Minor (Johann Sebastian Bach cover)
Label: Shredguy Records
Web: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sean-Baker-Orchestra/114567625240995
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10
