by John Kindred
– Publisher —
The Steve Coyne Conspiracy arrives with the debut album Feelings of Euphoria via Shredguy Records. Guitarist Steve Coyne is joined by fellow guitarist Jimi Bell; bassists Chris McCarvill, Steve Buskowe and Rob Liptrot; drummers BJ Zampa, Tom Swift and Ralph Sacco; keyboardist Bill Hardwicke; and Ralph Sacco on brass. Coyne takes his training at Berklee College of Music alongside years of studio and live performances to create 10 instrumental compositions, driven by his guitar virtuosity.
Feelings of Euphoria is a multi-genre excursion that covers Rock, Metal and Fusion, and with the inclusion of brass instruments, it also produces a Big Band vibe at times. Co-produced and mixed Rob Barone at The Bedroom Recording Studios, the combination of years spent working in the music industry allows the duo to deliver a very polished product.
Coyne’s fretboard skills on display throughout Feelings of Euphoria are matched with a keen sense of melody and interesting compositional arrangements that make for an album that is easy to listen to. Even when the technicality of the playing is prominent in the music, it doesn’t derail the listener. Coyne’s guitar tone shines throughout the album; it’s crisp, clear and easily audible, and his playing is fluid, controlled and melodic.
While Feelings of Euphoria is a mixed bag of genres, Coyne makes the stylistic changes without the music clashing. You get a little Funk and Big Band feel on the opener “Funk You Very Much.” “The Green Scuzz” is a cruiser that kicks off at a brisk pace and carriers the listener along with its head-bobbing groove. “Redline” drops a metallic edginess with deliberate rhythmic crunch. The title track, “Feelings of Euphoria,” evokes a state of melancholic reverence. The guitar theatrics produces moments of blazing shred fest on the 17-second “Shredding Action Mania,” which leads into Neo-classical mania of “Sleeping Giants.” The song “Mi Corazon (No Puede Vivir Asi)” has a strong Latin vibe and is energetic and uplifting. “Tongue Lashing” is spunky tune with a groove that is easy to latch on to. “Circadian Rhythms” is an airy AOR-driven instrumental song with soaring guitars and prominent bass. “Apo in the Clouds” closes out the CD and is another uplifting song, as each instrument is introduced and produces a heavenly musical ascension.
Coyne delivers a very strong debut album in the guise of Feelings of Euphoria. Coyne, backed by an amazing group of musicians, offers music fans a compilation of songs that are accessible and listenable. The presentation of the instruments acutely balanced, creating a space where all are equally audible. Obviously, the lead guitar is the voice of the music; all elements of the compositions build upon each other, creating a sonic landscape with plenty of aesthetic appeal for music fans.
Genre: Instrumental Rock, Metal, Fusion
Band:
Steve Coyne, Jimi Bell – Guitars
Chris McCarvill, Steve Buslowe, Rob Liptrot, Fred Rathburn – Bass
BJ Zampa, Tom Swift, Ralph Sacco – Drums/Percussion
Bill Hardwicke – Keyboards/Arranging
Ralph Sacco – Brass
Track Listing:
1. Funk You Very Much (feat. Bill Hardwicke Keyboards, Rob Liptrot Bass, Ralph Sacco Trumpet & Flugal, BJ Zampa Drums & Tom Knapp Alto Sax)
2. The Green Scuzz (feat. Chris McCarvill Bass, BJ Zampa Drums & Ralph Sacco Percussion)
3. Redline (feat. BJ Zampa Drums & Chris McCarvill Bass)
4. Feelings of Euphoria (feat. Tom Swift Drums, Fred Rathbun Bass & Bill Hardwicke All Keyboards)
5. Shredding Action Mania (feat. Steve Coyne Guitars)
6. Sleeping Giant (feat. Chris McCarvill Bass & Bj Zampa Drums)
7. Mi Corazon (No Puede Vivir Asi) [feat. Fred Rathbun Bass, Ralph Sacco Trumpet & Flugal, Bill Hardwicke Keyboards & Tom Swift Drums]
8. Tongue Lashing (feat. Jimi Bell Guitar, Bj Zampa Drums & Chris McCarvill Bass)
9. Circadian Rhythms (feat. Steve Coyne Guitars, Tom Swift Drums, Rob Liptrot Bass & Bill Hardwicke All Keyboards)
10. Apo in the Clouds (feat. Tom Swift Drums, Bill Hardwicke All Keyboards & Steve Buslowe Bass)
Label: Shredguy Records
Online: http://www.stevecoyne.com/ – http://shredguyrecords.storenvy.com/products/9948112-steve-coyne-conspiracy-feelings-of-euphoria-cd
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10
