The Sean Baker Orchestra | WTF#

by John Kindred
— Published —

Shredguy Records continue to be the Shrapnel Records for the current decade.

After battling through the Covid-era, the label has dropped release number 46, offering shred fans the latest musical journeys from the Sean Baker Orchestra.

WTF# features namesake Sean Baker (guitar), David Donigian (bass), and Clint Sabon (drums). The trio put forth an 11-track studio release that dabbles in a variety of genres, giving listeners a diverse collection of music to sink their teeth into. Alongside the trio are guests: Scott Schiaffo, Sammy Boller, and Rob Marcello.

“Past Becomes Present” gets the ball rolling. First, teasing listeners with an acoustic intro, and then moving into a power chord-driven melodic interlude, before launching into a hazardous shredding frenzy. The title track “WTF#” is a mishmash of heavy-handed, plodding rhythms combined with a unique riff that one might consider to be the chorus section of the song.

The tone of the CD changes with “Friday Nights with Dad.” This is a genre shift as the band performs an upbeat head-bopping song. It’s whimsical and shows that the musicians don’t take themselves too seriously. Performing a track that lets its hair down and still highlights the trio’s skills.

“David’s Song” starts in a ballad-esque way highlighted by a melodic lead guitar melody. The song slowly builds itself up to an instrumental section that is chorus-like, before resuming its core melodic theme.   

“Feeling Pretty Darn Good” is a Satriani-like song. Has a pep-in-its-step vibe with its very happy, uplifting melodic lead guitar melody. Big band swing comes your way via “Chewlies Gum Guy Boogie;” another uplifting tune. 

“Bam!!” has a hard rock groove and plenty of shred guitar. “Just the Way You Are” is an instrumental cover of the Billy Joel classic. You will recognize this right away. 

“Self Induced Echo,” this song should have a vocal on it. You can just hear in it your head; as some of the lead work throughout the song even emphasizes a potential vocal melody. “P.G.R.O” features more rhythms that are heavy-handed; arpeggiated lead guitar phrasing, and a chorus-like lead guitar melody. 

“Allegro” closes the show. A nylon string acoustic guitar offers a transition from the electric-shred experience and subtly wraps up the CD.

As with their previous studio release Game On!! there is plenty of musical diversity throughout WTF#. From heavy to airy and light, the music reflects the personality of the band. Instrumental music fans will enjoy SBO’s latest musical explorations.

Genre: Instrumental, Rock, Metal

Band:
Sean Baker – guitar
David Donigian – bass
Clint Sabon – drums

Track Listing:

1. Past Becomes Present
2. WTF#
3. Friday Nights With Day
4. David’s Song
5. Feeling Pretty Damn Cool
6. Chewlies Gum Guy Boogie
7. Bam!!
8. Just the Way You Are
9. Self Induced Echo
10. P.G.R.O.
11. Allegro

Web: https://shredguyrecords.storenvy.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Sean-Baker-Orchestra/

Hardrock Haven rating: (7.5 / 10)