etal Blade and Lion Music have re-released all early Masi material, including such albums as "Fire In The Rain" and "Vertical Invaders". On this album Masi is joined by Frankie Banali on acoustic & electronic drums and percussion, with Masi himself taking care of guitar (DUH), bass and keyboards. Several guest performances fill out the blanks; Jeff Scott Soto sings on "Under Fire", Allan Holdsworth contributes some Synthaxe parts (on "Cold Sun", I assume), and a certain Kuni plays the 1st Guitar solo on "Under Fire".
Jeff Scott Soto's vocal performance on "Under Fire" is thrilling, and would almost make one regret that this is the only track with vocals on this record. Then again: Masi has all the talent he needs to make this - basically instrumental - album stand out without further vocal contributions.
Straight after "Under Fire" he'll prove it in a furious manner ripping through the title track. "Attack Of The Neon Shark" will impress many a guitar player. Masi delivers speed, accuracy and excellent insight in delivering an instrumental track. Of course it's a showcase of his capabilities, but he doesn't overdo it. He would have, had he continued to shred like this throughout the entire record, but the subsequent song; "Average Green Band" is an immediate turn from "Attack" with it's Funky groove, and melodic lead guitar.
Masi knows his stuff. He manages to mix typical bluesy melodies, with more Fusionesque loops and leads, only to effortlessly switch to something else at the blink of an eye. Likeon "DFWM"; a showcase of his speed and technique. Unless you're a guitar player or a fan of lightning fingers this is pretty much a pointless track song-wise, but for the fans this has 'drool' written all over it.
"Twilight Passion" shows the more sensitive side of Masi, with acoustic guitars, warm pads and beautiful twin leads. "Cold Sun" is kind of an odd track amongst the others, but stands out because of the original melodic quality of the "Synthaxe". Masi apparently steps back to let Holdsworth strut his stuff for the majority of the song, only to deliver the final blasting solo.
"Toccata" is another Masi signature track. Well written, well played and trademark Masi guitar work. The filmic rhythm parts make this track stand out. The song has a certain ambience, despite the heavy riff that kicks in every now and again. Definitely one of my favorites! "Wasted In The West" is one of the more accessible songs, that will please many listeners who have a soft spot for vintage 80's rock tunes. Be it instrumental or not.
The final two songs fill out the album. "La Lattaia" is groovy, with cool breaks, and some funky clean guitars laying down the foundation for the riffy lead stuff. And finally "Alleys Of Albion" is another song with that ambience I spoke of earlier. Abstract guitars, and moody synthesizers make this somewhat of a spooky song. Not the most accessible of his work, but a great tune nonetheless.
Though the production and choice of guitar sounds are a tell-tale sign of the age of these recordings, I think "The Attack Of The Neon Shark" has a better chance of pleasing people this day and age than much of Masi's other albums. Of Masi's work, this one would be among my favorites.