Luay Rifai : Vital
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer
Syrian-born guitarist Luay Rifai pitches his new instrumental release as a concept album, but the wobbly concept of “the miracle of being alive” soon transpires to be just a peg to hang a bunch of disparate ideas on. Sounding more like a demo of a guitarist looking for work, this record is a collection of loosely connected solos, fragments of songs, some protracted riffing, pseudo-mystical guitar wailing for atmospherics, and plenty of chops for the sake of chops, as well as an interpretation of a piece by J.S. Bach thrown in for good measure.
All geared to show off stylistic versatility and instrumental skill, those tracks are a resume of a chopsman waiting to be hired. A pop song, a hard rock solo, a thrash rhythm part, a ballad, an imitation of Satch or an ersatz Malmsteen — all this Rifai has enough competence to expertly engage in, at times even showing glimpses of true melodic insight, as on standout “Essence”.
As to emotional content and real feeling, there is some, but mostly as shadowy premonitions of things to come should this guitarist strike gold and team up with a serious songwriter — something which would give shape and direction to his curious mixture of underdeveloped writing and commendable technique.
Track Listing:
1-7. VITAL
I. Nucleus
II. Circulation
III. Pulse
IV. Intelligence
V. Breath
VI. Sentiment
VII. Essence
8. Faithful Spirits
9. Prelude for Glenn Gould
10. Voodoo Frenzy
11. Bloodshed
12. Of Cold Dreams & A Mirror
Label: self-released
Online: http://www.luay-rifai.com/
Hardrock Haven rating: 6/10