Well times are changing and the solo is slowly working its way back into the limelight. The fact that it could have ever be seen as dated still astounds me... but that's a discussion better left for another day because I'm here to inform you of a brilliant player by the name of Randy Ellefson and his second release SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID.

His debut THE FIREBARD released in 2004 was a fine introduction that showcased his diverse talents as a shredder but also as a fine songwriter with a solid grasp on melody and hooks. SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID takes things further and sees Randy stretching his ideas - not only his fingers, into other directions. What many who have the debut will now hear is Randy going into a definite Rock/Metal direction and the heavier playing works really well. He sounds very comfortable and the whole CD flows in an assured manner. The playing is both tasteful and exciting and for comparisons sake I would say the music combines the work of Joe Satriani with the wit of Greg Howe in one neat package but with Randy's personality stamped all over it.

Also to be commended are the efforts of bassist Dave DeMarco and drummer Jeff Moos who provide a flawless backdrop for Randy to work off. Jeff, for those of you that remember was behind the kit for the late Mercury Rising, a progressive Metal band who released two brilliant albums - UPON DEAF EARS and BUILDING ROME on Noise Records in the nineties (check). It's certainly great to hear him back in action.

I'll finish things up here and encourage you to check out Randy's playing and SOME THINGS ARE BETTER LEFT UNSAID. Guitar virtuosos and the instrumental rock album may never reach the heights of the eighties - I do hope that I'm wrong, so it's brilliant that artists such as Randy Ellefson exist and are committed enough to release music with so much quality and passion.

Choice cuts: "Better Things To Do", "Just Passing Through", "The Key", "Pitter Patter" and "Some Things Are Better Left Said".

Rating: 4.0/5