Paul Gilbert Fuzz Universe
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer
It seems that finding the right balance between accessibility and intrigue has been Gilbert’s main goal on what now becomes his third instrumental record. “Fuzz Universe” – the title track of the album – is an exercise in bringing together snappy riffs, elegant melodies, catchy hooks and Gilbert’s idiosyncratic approach to guitar. This establishes the mood for the rest of the album, which is at once eclectic and focussed, attempting to unite rigour of purpose, laconism, and Gilbert’s constant desire to experiment.
The result sets the album miles apart from Gilbert’s previous more impressionistic instrumental material. Catchy, sweetly composed songs from his previous record released in collaboration with singer Freddy Nelson must have prepared him for this transformation. But Fuzz Universe is by no means tame, combining songlike clarity with inventive guitar ideas.
On standout “The Count Juan Chutrifo” Gilbert shows how simplicity can benefit an instrumental track, but “Plastic Dracula” takes the notion further. Its vocal phrasing and straightforward song format make it instantly memorable, a kind of tune that you have to hear once to remember forever.
References to guitar heroes of the days of yore are slipped in with elegance and imagination on tracks such as the Hendrix-inspired “Don’t Rain on my Firewood”, and “Olympic”. The latter answers both Jimmy Page’s “The Song Remains the Same” and Pete Townsend’s “I Can’t Explain” with breezy panache before extrapolating the light, bristly vibe into a post-modern guitar experiment.
But it’s “Blowtorch” that is the real highlight of this record, a hypnotic, luminous track where Gilbert proves yet again that there is a certain mood that only phenomenal chops can create. Here his virtuoso technique is not a decoration or a fancy extra, but an integral part of the piece, making it float, aglow with mystical radiance of a milliard of shimmering notes.
To sum up, Gilbert is relaxed, sharp, and on the ball in his search for new ways to connect with his audience. It’s not just his amazing chops that make this record worth buying, or the tunes that have been so lovingly composed, but the sheer experimental spirit of this release which combines familiarity with a feel of a real adventure – exactly what rock music has always been about, and what Gilbert delivers here with such heart.
Track Listing:
1. Fuzz Universe
2. Olympic
3. The Count Juan Chutrifo
4. Bach Partita in DM
5. Blue Orpheus
6. Will My Screen Door Stop Neptune
7. Propeller
8. Don’t Rain on My Firewood
9. Plastic Dracula
10. Blowtorch
11. Mantra the Lawn
12. Batter Up
Label: Mascot Records
Online: www.paulgilbert.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10