EXCERPT FROM ALBUM REVIEW BY DIVIDE AND CONQUER

When great guitarists make albums, in general you know what to expect: one killer solo after another, hopefully in a variety of genres to keep things interesting. LuBrant starts the proceedings with a totally solo, Eddie Van Halen-Steve Vai fingertip extravaganza fittingly titled “Welcome to the Show.” This leads directly into “The Right Track” which is a fast rock boogie with a busy, unstoppable lead guitar line occasionally overdubbed with harmonies or added riffs. The sound is thick, crunchy and irresistible. “Swagger Street” continues this template while stretching out with a bit more “swagger” featuring another great chorus melody for multiple guitars.

“Fact Or Fiction” changes things up with a funk feel. Here’s a good time to note the excellent interplay between LuBrant and drummer Will Regnier, which becomes really obvious in the little spaces LuBrant leaves open. This song has a few interesting post-production touches as well. By this point in the album the guitars are rarely at less than orchestral levels of overdubbing. “Keef’s Boogie” is built on an extremely fast (big surprise there!) descending note motif over which LuBrant rocks relentlessly. I was expecting a possible tribute to Keith Richards but I guess the song refers to LuBrant himself. Structurally it’s a bit closer to Van Halen crossed with prog rock. Some of the unison harmonic leads are absolutely breathtaking.

“Cracks In The Kingdom” dials back the fuzz for a shorter, chamber music-style construct that Steve Howe might have dabbled in. It’s a short break, as the fuzz tone kicks back in for the heavy metal “Army of Six” featuring a tricky main riff worth of Metallica. This is one track that really goes through some thrilling changes, though I’d be hard pressed to find one in this collection that doesn’t! There’s even a funky wah wah finale. “Young Again” dials the volume back for a jazzy, contemplative stretch on a quieter, chiming guitar setting, followed by a more straightforward pass of lead guitar. “Ace of Acadia” returns to LuBrant’s signature riff-heavy style with multiple guitars, some of which have an Allman Brothers flavor (but way faster!).

“Work Up To It” is another of the quieter-style tracks, which are becoming some of my favorites. There’s a basic melody that the background guitars carry, while LuBrant follows on lead, aping the melody while adding impossible-sounding variations as he goes along. Yet another jaw-dropping three minutes! “Isolation” closes the album with a melancholic theme that’s both quiet and epic at the same time.

​When you run into an awesome guitarist, most of the time you just want to stand back and let them wail. However, their music is often repetitive and designed to show off. LuBrant shows off just by existing, but his melodies are every bit as good as his shredding. An amazing talent!