ell I'll be damned. I honestly thought I'd never hear an album like this again. A weird thing to say, since I don't really know where I might have heard *anything* like this before in my life. Not from Byrd himself, cause this is my first acquaintance with him. And it's definitely not a rip off or such.
Byrd delivers an album that reminds me of classic rock albums like Yngwie's "Rising Storm" period, the melodic classical rock from Dutch rocker Valentine, and everything from the Beatles to Shadow Gallery in between.
Cause truly is is music that nearly overflows with diversity. There's pop, rock, symphonic stuff, weird rhythm changes, tacky vocals, great harmonies way cool lead guitar stuff and tons more!!! I am absolutely amazed...
Even more so because this is an album I didn't expect from Lion Music. Lion Music has provided us here at rocknet with excellent guitar oriented music from the likes of Alex Masi, Torben Enevoldsen and Lars Eric Mattson and somehow Byrd doesn't really fit in there...
Then again, I'm not complaining, cause this album ROCKS. It would be easy to credit James Byrd for his arpeggio-laden guitar work, and he'd deserve to be credited, but if I had only one aspect to point out I'd have to go for the songwriting and arranging. There is so much to listen to, catchy melodies interwoven with intricate rhythm's and complex melodies. It's enough to make your head spin.
Arrangements are full, but not over the top, and though his lead guitar work is prominently featured, it's always worked into the song so well, that it's not forced upon you... (perhaps maybe except for the final track.. an instrumental)
Way to go Byrd! Now for that back catalog.. :)
Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
ell I'll be damned. I honestly thought I'd never hear an album like this again. A weird thing to say, since I don't really know where I might have heard *anything* like this before in my life. Not from Byrd himself, cause this is my first acquaintance with him. And it's definitely not a rip off or such.
