Tim Finn & Phil Manzanera
Caught By The Heart
Dreamlike Latin trip from Roxy’s man
Phil Manzanera’s impeccable melodic hooks made Roxy Music effortlessly danceable – but his latest solo album, with Tim Finn, formerly of Split Enz, is a richer, multi-layered affair that rewards repeat listening. There’s a strong thread of Latin music throughout, from the sway and syncopation of opener Mambo, Salsa, Guaguanco to the almost literary melancholy of La Ruleta De La Fortuna. But, thanks to Finn’s input there are further layers to unwrap. From the ecological warning of The Cry Of The Earth to the world music fantasia of Galleon Of Stars, the album is rich with dreamlike reflections on the state of the world. Manzanera’s guitar work is never too much, never too little, impeccably tasteful. Out Aug 27, it’s an album to lose yourself in on late-summer nights. [JD]
Standout track: La Ruleta De La Fortuna
For fans of: Roxy Music, Radio Tarifa, Thomas Dolby
The legend of shred prepares for war…
This, Malmsteen’s 21st solo studio album, provides exactly what fans want – arresting hard-rock songs with plenty of riffs and blazing solos. Opener,
Wolves At The Door rips out of the gates with the musician’s trademark Strat tone, arpeggio flurries and harmonic minor runs. Presto Vivace in C# Minor is an instrumental that evokes Paganini-style minor scalic runs and appealing sequential phrases, with band rhythms reminiscent of his iconic Black Star instrumental.
Relentless Fury features rock’s trademark gallop rhythm, Yngwie’s rousing vocals and a blazingly dynamic solo where he effortlessly switches between neck and bridge pickups for tonal contrast (a stylistic trademark). This guitar titan’s fretting fury remains undiminished. [JS]
Standout track: Relentless Fury For fans of: Racer X, Paul Gilbert