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I've been waiting three long years to hear another album with this absolutely
dazzling guitarist from Italy. Marco Sfogli made a huge impression on me three years ago when he totally ripped it on James LaBrie's album, Elements of Persuasion. I haven't heard a better new player on the music scene since.
"Still Hurts" is performed with clean guitars crying out with the feeling that something sad has happened. Sfogli
plays lightning fast cleaning picking notes in similar fashion to Dream Theater's John Petrucci. Sfogli says that he was born a hard rock player and he's not lying. This tune was inspired by the bands he enjoyed in the 80's like Europe, Winger and Danger Danger. John Norum, Reb Beach and Andy Timmons would be proud.
The duality of the soft clean rhythm guitar parts with the expressive leads gives "Andromeda" power. Sfogli's ability to work in multiple time changes and create huge insane runs within this track will blow your mind. Matt Guillory's keyboard shared with Sfogli
is fantastic. Their chemistry was already established in the James LaBrie band and are further expanded here.
"Seven" has a real casual, blowing-in-the-wind feel to it. Beautiful nice guitar accenting emotion that is positive.
The bass and guitar work together to tag team the listener in "There's Hope." Sfogli gets his guitar to sing in this tune like a lead vocalist. His clean runs are astonishing. This tune blends right into the bluesy "Spread the Disease."
Joe Satriani's influence is clearly felt in "Farewell." Sfogli rides a rocking boogie groove that is smooth and cool. I love how Sfogli skips strings and jumps around the guitar the last quarter the song. Hot!
Matt Guillory sets a somber, reflective tone at the beginning of "Sunset Lights" as the storm brews before thunder & lightning hit as Sfogli tears in with the main riff. Marco Sfogli kills the lead parts of this song and his interplay with Matt Guillory is extraordinary. The fluttering tapping keys that Guillory plays while Sfogli goes off, really compliments each other. These two guys really play with a lot of heart and fire. This is one of Sfogli's favorite tracks
and after listening to it, I can understand why.
Alex Argento's keyboard sounds in "Genius" are awesome mixed with the heavy distortion guitars riffs, which come down like a landslide of power. The main rhythm the guys grab is heavy. The old organ sound mixed with massive guitar riffs is wicked. You almost can't tell the difference between the guitar and keys. They are both played with such precision and skill they almost come across as the same instrument. Amazing.
"Never Forgive Me" has the shades of Andy Timmons. The little drum rolls from Salvyo Maiello in this track had my ears perk up. Nice bluesy rock tune.
"Memories" was the first collaboration between Sfogli and Guillory. It's sweet beautiful and proved this two were meant to play together.
Sfogli releases his Eric Johnson/Andy Timmons/Chet Atkins cowboy side with
a fun Country/Western quick picking tune called "Texas
BBQ."
THERE'S HOPE plays through fast because it's so darn melodic and listenable. This isn't a
monotonous shred album where a great guitarist is just playing scales. No, this is pure music through and through played by a guitarist whose future looks endlessly bright.
Brilliant in every way.
www.lionmusic.com
www.marcosfogli.com
www.myspace/marcosfogli.com
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