Rare Blend Review of "Cinefusion" @ iTunes By: Matt Howarth resh from writing instrumental music for a video/film production company in Ohio, guitarist Vic Samalot and keyboardist Bobbi Holt formed Rare Blend and released this 1994 debut CD of powerful space rock. Mixing stylistic elements of Jeff Beck with Carlos Santana, the guitars are upfront, searing and rocking with intense fury. Even while indulging in laid-back acoustic passages, the guitar seethes with evocative power. Drawing inspiration from Tangerine Dream and Pink Floyd, the keyboards are energetic and slippery, forming an ethereal ice-flow auralscape for the guitar's aerial pyrotechnics. Bass and drums are present, but in quite supportive roles; these songs are ruled by the versatile guitar and sultry keyboards. The music on this 34-minute CD is quite diverse, fusing elements of jazz, fusion and rock to produce a lively form of space rock that is entertainingly unpredictable. Compressed into compositions averaging four minutes, this tuneage is sharp and delectable, delivering high-energy riffs with engaging melodies. © Matt Howarth / Space.com Breaking The Sound Barrier The Odyssey Black Rain Virtual Reality You Gotta Funky Attitude Fallout At 2114