Joe Satriani, What Happens Next - album review
A close friend once said to us: 'you have to have something to offer to record a fully instrumental album'.
According to him, it could quickly become 'boring' if it got blasé about what it was putting out, each track sounding similar.
And he was absolutely spot on. Many attempt this, and only a select few achieve the end goal: a fully likeable record that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Many manage to hold you for maybe six or seven tracks before you start to drift and lose interest. But Joe Satriani and his magic guitar solos are the real deal.
This amalgamation of Hitman video game character crossed with Moby has released his 16th studio record and the guitars he is world famous for sing from start to finish.
And he's brought some friends too - Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith keeps time, while Cannock's Deep Purple and Black Country Communion (BCC) bassist Glenn Hughes gives the undertones.
The result is a spectacular journey through how rock was meant to sound.
Thunder High On The Mountain is beautiful in its creation. The soaring guitars that flitter over the sound are top drawer, while that thumping percussion from Smith that builds up to the big finale is spine tingling.
Catbot is a stomping piece of fun. it carries a feel similar to recent BCC record BCCIV with its almost tantrum-like percussion and timing. That bassline is funky too, like Richard Ashcroft chicken strutting down the street for that famous Bitter Sweet Symphony video.
There are some old-skool rip roaring solos here, too. As you would expect. Headrush does exactly what it says on the tin. Satriani here is at his absolute best, almost carefree in the way he lets his instrument sing from his hip.
Super Funky Badass needs a mention too. The way it slams from start to finish with the cockiness of an under age drinker approaching a bouncer hoping to fool him with his new fake ID. That strut from Catbot is back. But here it revels in aggressive undertones that make it a little more fierce.
This is a great record, rockers at their best. Get those air guitars out and join in. It's lots of fun.
Rating: 9/10
Joe Satriani brings his G3 tour alongside Dream Theater’s John Petrucci and former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth arrives at Birmingham Symphany Hall on Monday, April 30
